Sony debuts 4K Super 35 Cinema Camera, FX30

GaryPageau ,
Sony FX30 supplied with the XLR handle

Sony Electronics Inc. announced the newest addition to the brand’s Cinema Line – the FX30 (model ILME-FX30). The new 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 LUTs (Look Up Tables) at a lower price point.

The FX30 (supplied with the XLR handle) will be available in late October for approximately $2,200 USD and $2,900 CAD. Without the handle, the FX30 will be available in late October for approximately $1,800 USD and $ 2,400 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

In addition to introducing the new FX30, Sony announced two new CFexpress Type A Memory Cards – CEA-G320T and CEA-G640T. Both are large-capacity cards that support high-speed performance with a maximum writing speed.

“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.”

Creating a Cinematic Look

The FX30 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+ stops[i] 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.

Sony FX30 (model ILME-FX30)

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 features Sony’s fast and reliable still and video autofocus, with settings including:

  • Real-time Eye AF (human, animal or bird[v])
  • Real-time Tracking
  • Detailed AF settings
  • AF Assist

Creatives also have more control when using the Focus Map, which makes it easy to visualize depth of field, and Breathing Compensation offers a stable angle of view when focusing. The camera includes effective stabilization for run-and-gun shoots using Active Mode thanks to the optical in-body 5-axis image stabilization. The FX30 also includes time code sync.

The FX30 incorporates other features that retain the spirit of the Cinema Line, including:

  • New customizable list-style main menu screen for quick access to frequently used items
  • New standby movie screen that provides an unobstructed view of the subject
  • Buttons and dials dedicated to movie shooting

The FX30 also includes added functionality to assist with the creative workflow, such as post-production editing using embedded LUT, and EI metadata.[xi]  This metadata is available using the latest version of Sony’s Catalyst Prepare[xii] or Catalyst Browse applications. A new “Catalyst Prepare Plugin” for Adobe Premiere Pro was released in August.

Compact Form Factor

The FX30 also features an XLR handle unit , which can be used to capture low-angle shots and also allows filmmakers to capture audio through various audio inputs

Compact and lightweight, the FX30 has a flat-top design with threaded accessory attachment points, making it easy to use for shooting handheld, capturing low-angle shots, mounting on a gimbal, or adding accessories. The FX30 also features an XLR handle unit, which can be used to capture low-angle shots and also 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 a wide range of shooting experiences to filmmakers. The FX30 is also compatible with the newly announced large-capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards.