Sony Adds FX30 Camera to Cinema Line

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Mon, 04/17/2023 - 10:59 -- Nick Dager

Sony has added a new camera to its Cinema Line – the FX30. The FX30 is a 4K Super 35 compact cinema camera that offers many professional features of the Cinema Line, such as Dual Base ISO, Log shooting modes, and user imported look up tables at a price point that the company thinks will appeal to many aspiring filmmakers.

Sony has added a new camera to its Cinema Line – the FX30. The FX30 is a 4K Super 35 compact cinema camera that offers many professional features of the Cinema Line, such as Dual Base ISO, Log shooting modes, and user imported look up tables at a price point that the company thinks will appeal to many aspiring filmmakers."The new FX30 is a great fit for a wide range of filmmakers," said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "As part of our Cinema Line, it is an attractive addition for seamless integration into large productions. Additionally, by incorporating many professional features found in our flagship cinema cameras, it is a perfect camera for up-and-coming filmmakers that are working with tight budgets."

The FX30 offers filmmakers cinematic expression with the latest imaging systems. It features a new back-illuminated 20.1 megapixels APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) with a dual base ISO (800/2500) to deliver high sensitivity, low noise, and 14+1 stops of latitude. 

The FX30 supports a variety of video recording codecs. It can shoot in high frame rates, including 4K at 120fps and full HD at 240fps. The FX30 also features the ability to shoot 4K Super 35 (16:9) by oversampling from 6K at up to 60fps. Both 16:9 recording modes can shoot at 10-bit 4:2:2 while the HDMI Type-A port outputs 4K, 16-bit RAW for an external recorder.

Like the rest of the Cinema Line, the FX30 features Log shooting modes by enabling Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, which allows more flexibility when color grading. All three modes allow video shooting while monitoring with an appropriate LUT to preview the final image. In addition, the FX30 includes a selection of built-in cinematic looks, such as Sony's S-Cinetone, and can shoot single stills. The camera offers advanced image processing capabilities with the Bionz XR processing engine for natural gradations and realistic color reproduction.

The FX30 also features an XLR handle unit, which can be used to capture low-angle shots and allows filmmakers to capture crystal clear audio through various audio inputs, including two XLR audio inputs and a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording. External microphones can be connected directly to the camera via the Multi Interface Shoe or microphone jack. The FX30 also features an internal stereo microphone for audio recording.

The FX30 are equipped with two memory card slots that are compatible with both CFexpress Type A cards and SDXC/SDHC cards, bringing wide range of shooting experiences to filmmakers. The FX30 is also compatible with the newly announced large capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards.

The FX30 pairs advanced performance with outstanding reliability. It features an innovative heat dissipation structure for uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, reliable power for extended recording, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis. A comprehensive selection of E-mount lenses, high-performance microphones, and other essential components offers extraordinarily flexible systems for a broad range of creative needs.

The new FX30, supplied with the XLR handle will be available in late October for approximately $2,200 USD and $2,900 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.