Super 35

RECENT FIRMWARE UPDATE WAS WITHDRAWN

SONY Cinema Line FX30 Super 35 Camera

• 20.1 MP Exmor R APS-C (Super 35mm format) image sensor with wide dynamic range
• S-CinetoneTM for a cinematic look straight out of the camera without grading
• Flexible ISO, Cine EI Quick and Cine EI Log shooting modes for optimized image quality
• User LUTs can be applied to the LCD display and HDMI output and embedded in clips
• Dual Base ISO and a 14+ stop range for wide latitude and low-noise images

$1,598.00 -$0.06 $1,534.08

What is Shutter Angle?

Shutter angle is a way of controlling the amount of motion blur in your video. It’s a concept that originates from film cameras where a rotating shutter with an opening (measured in degrees) controlled the exposure time.

A wider shutter angle (e.g., 360 degrees) results in a longer exposure and more motion blur, creating a smoother, more cinematic look.
A narrower shutter angle (e.g., 90 degrees) results in a shorter exposure and less motion blur, creating a sharper, more staccato look.
The key advantage of using shutter angle instead of shutter speed is that it maintains a consistent look for motion blur regardless of your frame rate. For example, a 180-degree shutter angle will always result in a shutter speed that’s half the frame rate (e.g., 1/48 second for 24fps, 1/240 second for 120fps). This ensures consistent motion blur even when you change frame rates.

Here’s the rewritten response with the corrected information:

Sony Cinema Line FX30: A Detailed Look

The Sony FX30 is a compact and capable cinema camera designed to be an affordable entry point into Sony’s Cinema Line. It offers impressive image quality and professional features in a small and lightweight body, making it ideal for solo filmmakers and content creators.

Key Features and Advantages:

Super 35 Sensor: The FX30 boasts a back-illuminated 26.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 4K footage with 6K oversampling. This delivers excellent image quality with rich detail, wide dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance.
S-Cinetone: Inherited from Sony’s high-end cinema cameras like the VENICE, S-Cinetone provides a natural and cinematic look with pleasing skin tones and smooth color gradations, minimizing the need for extensive color grading.
S-Log3 and Cine EI: For those who prefer more control over their image, the FX30 offers S-Log3 gamma curve and Cine EI mode, allowing for greater flexibility in post-production and achieving a specific cinematic aesthetic.
Compact and Lightweight: The camera’s small size and lightweight design make it highly portable and ideal for handheld shooting, gimbal work, and tight spaces.
Advanced Autofocus: The FX30 features Sony’s renowned autofocus system with real-time tracking and eye autofocus for both humans and animals, ensuring sharp focus even with moving subjects.
Extensive Connectivity: The camera offers a variety of input and output options, including microphone and headphone jacks, HDMI output, and USB-C connectivity for live streaming and external recording.
Why Choose the FX30 Over Other Sony Cameras?

The FX30 occupies a unique position in Sony’s camera lineup. Here’s how it compares to other options:

vs. a7S III: While the a7S III offers exceptional low-light performance and full-frame capabilities, the FX30 focuses on cinematic features and ergonomics. Its dedicated video-centric design, S-Cinetone, and Cine EI modes make it a better choice for filmmakers prioritizing a cinematic look and streamlined workflow.
vs. FX3: The FX3 shares the same body design and many features with the FX30, like S-Cinetone and advanced autofocus. However, the FX3 boasts a full-frame sensor, offering shallower depth of field and potentially better low-light performance. The FX3 typically comes bundled with the XLR handle unit, which is an optional accessory for the FX30. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize full-frame capabilities or a more budget-friendly option.
vs. FX6: The FX6 is a higher-end cinema camera with a full-frame sensor and more advanced features like internal ND filters and a modular design. However, the FX30 offers a more compact and affordable option for those who don’t require the full-frame capabilities or advanced features of the FX6.
Known Issues and Fan Effectiveness:

The FX30 has generally received positive reviews, but there have been some reports of overheating issues, especially when shooting in high resolutions and frame rates for extended periods. While the built-in fan helps to mitigate this, it might not be sufficient in extremely demanding conditions. Using an external recorder via HDMI can sometimes help reduce internal heat generation.

Firmware Upgrade Withdrawal:

Sony recently withdrew a firmware update (version 2.00) for the FX30 that was intended to add new features like breathing compensation, improved autofocus, shutter angle control, and support for 16-bit RAW output via HDMI. The update was pulled due to unforeseen issues that caused recording errors in certain shooting modes. Sony is expected to release a revised version addressing these problems. The new features were significant as they aimed to enhance image stabilization, autofocus performance, provide more creative control over motion blur, and improve external recording capabilities, which are crucial for professional filmmaking.

Lens Recommendations:

The FX30 is compatible with Sony’s extensive range of E-mount lenses, offering a wide variety of options for different shooting styles and budgets. Some recommended lenses include:

Sony 18-105mm f/4 G OSS: A versatile zoom lens suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Sony 16-55mm f/2.8 G: A fast and sharp zoom lens ideal for low-light conditions and shallow depth of field.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art: A popular third-party option offering excellent image quality and a fast aperture.