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The Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera is a compact Super 35mm camera that delivers cinematic results for professional filmmakers and content creators. Featuring a 26.1MP APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, the FX30 uses 6K oversampling to produce exceptional 4K footage with high performance and an efficient workflow. Whether you're a professional filmmaker or an up-and-coming creator, this digital cinema camera combines advanced features with accessibility.
Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera
Part of Sony's Cinema Line, the FX30 brings decades of film industry experience to a body that weighs just 646 grams with battery and memory card. The camera captures stunning imagery with S-Cinetone color science and S-Log3 gamma curve, offering 14+ stops of dynamic range for serious color grading or beautiful straight-out-of-camera results that require minimal post-processing.
Key Features of the Sony FX30
The FX30 addresses the practical needs of modern video production with features that balance professional capability and real-world usability. The 26.1MP sensor uses full pixel readout to deliver sharp, detailed 4K footage at frame rates up to 120 fps, with no pixel binning. This means smooth slow-motion capture at 5x playback speed while maintaining autofocus performance.
- 26.1MP APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
- 6K oversampling for 4K recording with full pixel readout
- UHD 4K recording at up to 120 fps with autofocus
- 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with XAVC S-I and XAVC HS codecs
- S-Cinetone picture profile for cinematic color straight from the camera
- S-Log3 gamma curve with 14+ stops of dynamic range
- Dual Base ISO (800/2500) for clean low-light performance
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization with Active Mode using precision gyroscope
- Real-time Eye AF for humans, birds, and animals
- Dual CFexpress Type A and SD card slots for flexible recording
- 3.0-inch fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- Compact flat-top design suitable for handheld or gimbal mounting
- Weighs 646g with battery and memory card (951g with XLR handle)
- 16-bit RAW output via HDMI for external recorders
Stabilization and Handheld Performance
The FX30 features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system that works with optically stabilized lenses to reduce camera shake during handheld shooting. Active Mode takes this further by using a precision gyroscope sensor combined with optical compensation to deliver exceptionally smooth handheld footage at 4K resolution. This mode crops the image slightly for additional stability compensation, but the results often eliminate the need for a gimbal in many shooting situations.
The FX30 also records gyroscopic metadata during capture, which can be used with Sony's Catalyst Browse software or third-party tools like Gyroflow for advanced post-production stabilization. This provides another layer of control over your footage stability without requiring real-time processing power during the shoot.
Cinema Line Features and Workflow
As part of Sony's Cinema Line, the FX30 includes professional exposure modes designed for cinematic shooting. Cine EI mode offers wide exposure latitude and the highest possible image quality, while Cine EI Quick simplifies setup by automatically selecting the camera's base ISO. Flexible ISO mode provides the greatest range for exposure settings, and the Dual Base ISO system lets you manually switch between ISO 800 and ISO 2500 for clean performance across different lighting conditions.
The S-Cinetone picture profile uses the same color science as Sony's VENICE cinema cameras, delivering natural midtones, soft colors, and smooth highlight rolloff without requiring post-production color grading. For projects requiring maximum flexibility, S-Log3 gamma provides access to the sensor's full dynamic range and color gamut for extensive color grading control.
Recording Formats and Media
The FX30 supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording using XAVC S-I (All-Intra) and XAVC HS (Long GOP) codecs, providing robust color information for professional post-production workflows. The camera features dual media slots that accept both CFexpress Type A cards (for high-speed recording at maximum frame rates) and standard SD cards (UHS-II supported). You can configure the dual slots for relay recording, simultaneous backup, or separate still and video file storage.
For external recording workflows, the FX30 outputs 16-bit RAW via its HDMI Type-A terminal, supporting compatible external recorders for maximum image quality and flexibility in post-production.
Autofocus and Subject Tracking
Sony's Fast Hybrid AF system uses 495 phase-detection points covering approximately 90% of the image sensor, providing accurate subject tracking in every recording mode, including 4K at 120 fps. Real-time Eye AF precisely locks onto the eyes of humans, birds, and animals, while Real-time Tracking uses AI-based subject recognition to maintain focus on moving subjects throughout the frame.
The AF Assist function automatically switches to manual focus when you rotate a compatible lens's focus ring, giving you seamless control over focus transitions. Focus Map visualization makes it easier to see which areas of your scene are in sharp focus during complex shots.
Design and Ergonomics
The FX30 features a flat-top body design that matches Sony's FX3, making it compatible with many of the same cages and accessories without modification. The camera body includes five 1/4"-20 threaded mounting points for direct accessory attachment, a Multi Interface Shoe for advanced accessories, and a comfortable grip designed for extended handheld shooting sessions.
An integrated cooling fan permits uninterrupted 4K 60p recording during long takes, addressing thermal limitations common in compact camera designs. The fully articulating 3.0-inch touchscreen provides flexible positioning for various shooting angles, and the bright display remains usable in outdoor daylight conditions.
Who Uses the Sony FX30
The FX30 serves documentary filmmakers, commercial videographers, YouTube creators, and solo operators who need cinema-quality results in a portable package. Its combination of Super 35mm sensor size, professional codec support, and Cinema Line color science makes it suitable for broadcast work, branded content, short films, and hybrid production environments where both stills and video capabilities matter.
The compact form factor and advanced autofocus make the FX30 particularly effective for run-and-gun shooting, travel production, gimbal work, and drone mounting scenarios where larger cinema cameras become impractical. For creators exploring Sony's broader camera lineup, visit our complete collection of Sony cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sony FX30 Full-Frame?
The Sony FX30 uses an APS-C sensor, not full-frame. APS-C cameras like the FX30 are smaller and lighter than most full-frame cameras. The Super 35mm format (APS-C) matches the sensor size used in many professional cinema cameras and offers advantages for telephoto reach and depth of field control with smaller, lighter lenses.
Does the Sony FX30 Have Gyroscopic Image Stabilization?
Yes. The FX30 features 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and Active Mode uses a precision gyroscope sensor combined with optical compensation for enhanced stability during handheld shooting. The camera also records gyroscopic metadata that can be used with Sony Catalyst Browse or Gyroflow software for advanced post-production stabilization. Unlike cameras that require an external gimbal for every shot, the FX30 can produce stable handheld footage in many situations.
Can the FX30 Record RAW Video?
The FX30 outputs 16-bit RAW video via its HDMI Type-A terminal for use with compatible external recorders like the Atomos Ninja V. Internal recording supports 10-bit 4:2:2 using XAVC S-I and XAVC HS codecs, which provide professional color depth without requiring external recording equipment.
What Recording Time Limits Does the FX30 Have?
The FX30 supports continuous 4K 60p recording with no time limits, thanks to its integrated cooling fan system. This addresses thermal management concerns common in compact camera bodies and makes the FX30 suitable for long-form interviews, events, and extended production scenarios.
Does the FX30 Work with E-Mount Lenses?
Yes. The FX30 uses Sony's E-mount system and works with both APS-C (E) and full-frame (FE) lenses. When using full-frame lenses, you get the benefit of using the center portion of the lens's image circle, which often provides the sharpest optical performance. The 1.5x crop factor of the APS-C sensor can be advantageous for telephoto work.
Shop the Sony FX30 at Samy's Camera
The Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera combines professional Cinema Line features, advanced stabilization, and compact portability in a camera designed for serious video production. Whether you're shooting documentaries, commercial work, or creative content, the FX30 delivers cinematic results without the complexity or bulk of traditional cinema cameras. Samy's Camera provides expert support, fast shipping, and a complete selection of Sony cinema equipment to help you build the right production setup.
