Sony Electronics launches FX3 full-frame camera
Sony Electronics Inc. announced the FX3 (model ILME-FX3) camera, combining Sony’s digital cinema technology with advanced imaging features from Alpha brand mirrorless cameras. According to the company, the FX3 delivers a “cinematic look” and professional operability and reliability in a camera that is accessible to beginning creators, as well as used alongside Sony’s VENICE, FX9, and FX6 cameras. The FX3 boasts industry-leading autofocus capabilities, 5-axis in-body image stabilization with Active mode, handheld shooting design, and advanced heat dissipation for extended recording times. All this is combined in a compact, lightweight body that provides the performance and mobility to meet the growing demands of today’s content creators.
“The FX3 is the perfect tool for content creators looking to enter the world of cinematography,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “It combines everything our customers love about Sony’s video capabilities in our Alpha lineup with a new body optimized for videography. We are excited to add to Sony’s Cinema Line and continue to support the world’s creators with the best tools possible.”
The camera has a full-frame, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor (approximately 10.2 effective megapixel count for video recording and approximately 12.1 effective megapixels count for stills) and the BIONZ XR image processing engine team up to ensure high sensitivity with low noise. The standard ISO range is 80 to 102,400 (expandable to 409,600when shooting video), and dynamic range is an impressively wide 15+ stops.
Sony FX3 weighs 1.58 lbs. (715 g), including the battery and memory cards, and the body is only 5.11 in x 3.33 in x 3.06 in (77.8 mm x 129.7 mm x 84.5 mm). The camera grip has been carefully designed to provide optimum flexibility, stability and comfort for long shoots.
Creators can record in 4K at up to 120 frames per second and smooth slow-motion imagery (up to 5x) at QFHD (3840 x 2160) resolution with autofocus.
To enable 4-channel 24-bit audio recording, the supplied XLR handle includes two balanced XLR/TRS audio inputs and an additional 3.5mm stereo 2-channel jack. With an optional XLR or TRS microphone connected, the XLR adaptor on the handle takes care of the A/D (Analogue to Digital) conversion and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and transfers the digital audio data.
The new FX3 full-frame Cinema Line camera will be available March 2021 for approximately $3,900 USD and $5,000 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.