My HONEST Thoughts On The Sony FX30 (A Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 มิ.ย. 2024
- The Sony FX30 is positioned in a unique position in Sony's camera lineup. There are a lot of pros, but a few key cons that you need to consider before purchasing. Here are some of my honest thoughts on the Sony FX30.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - The Sony FX30
1:19 - Image Quality
2:09 - Dual Base ISO
3:36 - APS-C Sensor
6:04 - Internal Fan
6:50 - Audio Handle
7:52 - Auto Focus
8:03 - 1/4in Threads
8:14 - Record Button
8:23 - Flip Out Screen
8:31 - Grip
8:43 - Resolutions
8:54 - Correct Shutter Speeds
9:13 - New Menu System
9:32 - Who is this for?
What has been your experience with the FX30?
It does the job. That’s not a negative. It records what I want and doesn’t overheat. People need to forget about all the AI garbage and stop chasing that full frame look. The ZV-E1 and E10 is garbage.
My experience has been with the ZV-E10 which is rocking good and gives similar stuff as I am watching your video .
Hello, I have a question re autofocus: does it focus on a subject who is turned back from the camera? For example when someone is walking and you are following behind? Is there such option? Thanks
Funny how many youtubers talk about cameras like the FX30 being only usable for begginers... Meanwhile the veterans like me are drooling because we can get cheap ass light equipment that we would have loved to have on many of our projects. I´ve been doing this stuff for 25years, I´ve shot all kinds of stuff from commercials, corporate videos, feature films and network dramatic series with almost all the expensive cameras out there and I really think this is a very competent all round camera that can be used for almost anything. The S35 sensor in it is on par with sensors like the Red Dragon that I used on two feature films, and the Canon C300mii which is a great super35 camera. Focal length is not really an issue, it´s easier to pull focus on a s35 sensor than on a full frame and there´s a huge variety of high performance glass on that format as well, it has been the standard for film in the last 75 years so is not a problem for old guys that are used to working with it. ISO is not great compared to other Sony DSLRs and video cameras, but is not bad either, with lighting kits being so cheap and portable now, you can always bring a couple of LED tubes to rise the exposure a bit, maybe for weddings and events you´re a bit limited but, I´ve shot documentaries in super 16mm film stock and the highest ISO you could get commercialy was 400, so 2500 is a happy problem for me. So obviously is not the best camera out there, but it´s pretty close and for very little money you can bulid a nice multicam setup to shoot high end stuff with great image quality and with equipment that is actually fun to use.
I bought the FX30 during the first week of June this year and aside from the situations where I simply didn't know how to manage it, it's been everything I needed. For the first month, I filmed everything in 4k120(I'm a track coach) and straight out of the camera the video quality was amazing. Granted I was outside with plenty of light. I began experimenting with different settings and that's when I decided to shoot everything manually. I was disappointed with the slog3 initially but that was before I learned how to properly expose it. Once that was taken care of, the only limitations that I've encountered were the crop and in some obvious low light situations.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Very glad to hear about your experience. I recently just used the FX30 to film a wedding, because I wanted to test it out over my FX3, and I can confidently say I had a similar experience. The FX30 performed amazing. I never felt limited until it was completely dark outside and the guests were dancing under some super dim tungsten bulbs. I then swapped to my FX3 and A7IV. But for normal situations, the FX30 will not miss... ever. Unless you really need a wider focal length... that was a bit of an issue for me. But I threw on my 20mm F/1.8 and it worked great.
for lowlight, a fast lens and trying to get the image properly exposed at iso 800 helps. If your not getting the exposure you want there push to 2500. going over tht number you lose dynamic range and just introduce more noise. switching your meter to spot and sticking to your focus point allows you to determine the exposure in different parts of the image. long as your subject is properly exposed you should be fine. also saw some advice from a colorist who said you dont absolutely need to overexpose you image to 1.7-2.0 unless there is a lot of white in the image. for most skin tones and situations you can go 1.0-1.3. a sony rep also confirmed this to me
Definitely subscribed! Quick question. I’m setting up studio interviews and minimal model photography. Price rage is around 2k should I save a few bucks and get the a7iv? Grab the a7iii or go fx30?
I LOVE my Sony FX30, it's a tank and even in low light, I dont have any problems. For reference, I'm shooting on a Sigma 2.8 and I'm very happy. I agree with everything you said in the video, but im really happy with it and plan to grab another when it goes on sale.
Love to hear it. It really is an outstanding camera!
Great review!! I’ve been very interested in picking up an FX30 but keep watching reviews and reconsidering the 6700, A7IV, & ACii. Already own a6400 and looking to upgrade my video quality, leaning towards FX30 but if you can offer any advice, it would be appreciated!
Excellent analysis. We use very fast glass and don't have any problems with low light. We are very careful with exposure though. We sold the FX3 and got two FX30.
Quality glass makes this camera such a viable option. I think the Venice has dual base ISOs at similar values as the FX30, so lighting a scene and exposing should be a similar workflow. 12,800iso is great but it kinda just makes up for not lighting properly. You guys have a great channel btw!
@@kraigpruett Thank you Kraig.
What lenses do you regularly use? Primes or GM zooms?
lots of people complaining about the handles breaking , the handle is cheap plastic a piece of crap if it breaks it costs 600.00 to replace.
APSC lenses are much cheaper than a full frame if your a beginner or using the FX30 as B camera
So true. It is a great way to save some money.
*I LOVE MY FX30!!. I love the S-Log 3 as I'm still learning Log Editing but I bought this too Replace my A6400 because I wanted a Video Focused Camera. I do Love that Dual SD Card Slot and I'm still Learning the Dual ISO and I'm still learning that Menu setting and because it's an APS-C it'll work with my Sigma 16mm and My Sony 11mm and they work Fine BUT I need another good Talking Head Lens and still struggling lmao but I love that versatility & I got the Body only. All in All this is My end all to be All Camera*
I really enjoy this camera as well! You definitely have a couple of solid lenses for it. What is your favorite thing to shoot with it?
@@kraigpruett well I did do My First Vlog with it and it was with my 11mm f1.8 and it's a nice Lens but I didn't know it was an ULTRA Wide lens so I'm lookin for a in between Lens, I keep Hearing 24mm or 35mm for Talking head videos.
I have controlled indoor settings, this camera seems perfect for that. The issue is I have glass for the A7 series so I may need to get the 16-35mm
Yeah it might be an issue... but I would try it out first. Most of the time if you just back your camera up an extra 6-10 feet it solves the problem.
Hi, Kraig. Is there a Sony camera within the price range of FX30 that doesn't struggle as much as in low light? I usually shoot in run-in-gun situations, so having access to lighting equipment isn't always an option. I've seen quite a lot of videos of the FX30 in low light, and while it seems alright, it didn't blow me away or anything. Was wondering if that's just a compromise I'm going to have to make or if there are some alternatives available within the Sony lineup?
I dunno . When i use 1.4 prime lense it gets really awesome. Yeah, it has noise but you can remove it with editing programs nowdays
Thanks for this great video. Will nd filter help if you use ISO above 2500?
I’m not sure what you mean. An ND filter won’t help produce a cleaner image, just get correct exposure. In any case, this camera performs great at ISO 2500 in S-Log 3
Thank you for the informative video...but Please tell me why all your video have Blurry image!
GREAT VIDEO. THANKS FOR HAVING THE GUTS TO SAY IT LIKE IT IS.
Thanks a lot!
I have no camera or vlogging experience at all and really want to start. I looked up beginner budget vlogging cameras and the Sony ZV-E10 is the most popular i've seen but many people argue to just invest in the FX30 because it does the same thing for cheaper and its better quality...? Again, I know nothing about cameras or how to work it. Good picture quality and something user friendly for a complete rookie is what i'm looking for, something to learn off of and eventually invest in something better later on. Out of the two, Sony ZV-E10 or the Sony FX30 which would u recommend for a beginner? Very great in depth video by the way :D hope you can help.
Hi there! Well the ZV-E10 is a cheaper camera than the FX30, and get great results. It’s only $700 or so, so I would look into that. Great camera for the money. The FX30 is closer to $2K so if you can swing it, it’s worth the upgrade. But if you’re just starting out the ZV-E10 is a great option.
There is the ZV-E1 (which is a full frame camera), which it think isn’t the best fit for a beginner. It’s just overpriced so I would stay away from that, and look at the E10 or the FX30.
OR! Look at a used A5000 ($200) or A6400 ($450-500) and save up for some quality glass that you could transfer from body to body when your upgrade camera bodies. Lenses are what matters!
Honestly speaking , what’s the look of a full frame Sony footage compared to an APSC crop sensor footage ?
There are definitely difference in noise performance, overall image quality, and field of view (obviously). But most people will never tell the difference.
Hey so I film basketball games for my brother and soccer work. I just have a cans on m50 as of now, planning to upgrade to fx30 or a74 what do you think is better?
I would go with the FX30 personally.. but both are amazing.
you are wrong about ISO and dual base iso
At least try to use 12800 and overexpose correctly with +1.3/1.7 and check the same scene on 2500 ISO ( native for fx30) You will be suprised how clean this will be compared with 2500 .
I have a question, I have the a7IV now, and I still struggle to shoot at low light with 24mm f1.4 GM. Am thinking to have FX30 as B cam or getting the new ZV-E1 as my B-cam. What would you suggest?
Great question Nelson! If you have the A7IV and you struggle with low light, the ZV-E1 might pair well as a low light b roll cam. This way you can shoot upwards of 12,800-16,000 ISO with little noise. The FX30 doesn't do great beyond 4000... same problem the A7IV has. But if you B-cam needs to have reliable runtimes for long form interviews... FX30 all the way. But it sounds like you need the lowlight capabilities of the full frame A7siii/ZV-E1/FX3 sensor.
@@kraigpruett sounds like a plan. Yeah, I reckon if any talking head shot. I will just use my a7IV to deal with it with proper lighting. and ZV-E1 as B-cam B-roll cam for low light short clips. I have been thinking long and hard. Should I get something almost similar ISO range with a7IV but with cinetone or get the ZV-E1 with a7sIII,FX3 sensor. Would Davinci resolve be a solutions to resolve the noise in the clips and get FX30 as second body? Reason is the ZV-E1 only 1 SD card slot and it looks like a toy ad FX30 are very solid.
Keep a7iv for full frame video and photo, fx30 for your video work and to try out, also upgrade your lighting
APS-C for daytime shoots is really very very close to the Full Frame. At night, it falls apart.
I agree. Low light it doesn’t do great. Daytime, can’t tell the difference.
Thanks for sharing
would you recommend purchasing an fx30 now (as a beginner), and getting glass for apsc if im looking to upgrade to an fx3 later?
I would recommend getting glass for a full frame lens if you are going to upgrade to the FX3 later. Sure, it will save a few hundred dollars in the short term to buy APS-C sized lenses, but you'll end up spending more in the long run. You'll have to sell the lenses you purchased at a discounted price, and purchase full frame glass for the upgrade. I will go right to full frame class. Look for a used Sony 24-105mm f/4 lens. I got mine for $850 and it rocks. Or, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is amazing too.
@@kraigpruett alright, thanks for the tip.
Hi, where can I find the video for @1:50 ( 1 minute and 50 seconds).
Hi there! That video is not live yet. Still in post production!
I was planning to get this one when I saw the new ZVE1. How does these two compare?
Both will produce a great image. Can I ask what type of video production work you do? That will help me give a better recommendation!
@@kraigpruett I am not a professional, I just shoot my family but I am an artist so kinda obsessed with image quality. All I shoot is slow motion so 60 fps is a must and 120 fps is an added bonus. I dont use a gimbal or tripod so good stab is a must. I dont mind running my footage on catalyst browse. I live in a place when the temp goes 33 degrees upwards but I hardly shoot more than 5 min in 60fps at a time and just under a min in 120 fps so i 'think' overheating would not be an issue for me. I dont mind shooting 120 fps HD as long as the image quality is decent. Previously I had a ZVE10 and the slow motion in HD sucked! I had a chance to use a friends FX3 and was blown away by the slow motion quality, just went ahead and sold my ZVE10. I hardly take pics. What would you suggest? I was also considering Panasonic S5II, Fujifilm HS2S & GH5. Sorry that was long, what would you suggest? (My budget wouldnt stretch till an A7SIII or FX3, I already have the Zeiss Batis 25mm & 40mm FE lens)
If you have doubts, definitely the ZVE1. The FX30 is a very specific camera. You’ll know if you want it. I think it’s a budged FX6
For a TH-cam studio like yours would you recommend Canon R6 ii or Fx30
They are VERY different cameras... one is a full frame hybrid camera (R6ii) and the other is a crop sensor video camera (FX30). So it really just depends. I personally would go for the FX30 with some more affordable crop sensor class. You could pick up this and a lens for less than an R6ii.
What is the Best sony camera for great pictures
and video. But Also compact. I want a vlogging camera with great pictures as well both are import for me in the 1000 price range but cheaper the better if i can get all the things.
Hi Joshua. I would recommend the Sony ZV-E10 or the A6600 for under $1k. If you can swing a little more cash, I’d look at a used Sony A7iii for around $1300.
For around $1000, the Sony ZV-E10 (without kit lens) with the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 is a great choice. The price range is very limiting for an interchangeable-lens camera, as you need to consider both the camera body and a lens. If you want a compact camera, go for either the ZV-1 or ZV-1F, depending on your budget and whether you want the ability to zoom.
A7iv for hybrid
ive been shooting with the a7iii and for photography its still perfect, video jobs its been difficult to grade. but with that said Im now looking at trying to take video more seriously and you could argue to go full frame, but Id be honest; video work requires not just different lenses to what id use for photography and a whole new kit of equipment ranging from external recorders or audio and even tripods, gimbals etc etc... Ive got strobes and all the camera equipment for photography but video is an entirely new kit, fx30 is economically the best entry point i think for high quality video work, the aps-c could also be argued to be a Pro: because lenses built for APSC ie E mount lenses youll save $500-$1000 over their full frame counterparts in my country.... ill only really earn about $700 a week at most so blowing a budget on expensive lenses for video work that at this point feels like not the smartest option.
You might find my $5K video production kit that I just posted on my channel to be helpful! Check that out!!
Simple 8bit vs 10 bit.
Hey brother ❤I just bought the fx30, I’m not a photographer just for video purpose, now I’m kinda regretting that for a savings of few hundred dollars I missed out on a full frame sony camera? I kind of worried if fx30 is future proof as of today❤
Hey there! Your FX30 will certainly hold its value if you need to sell, it is an amazing camera. I am currently working on a camera review about the Sony NEX-7, and I shot the whole review on the FX30 and was wildly impressed. You won't regret your purchase!
buy the Vltrox 23mm f1.4 and it will give you a 35mm field or view.
I’ll have to check it out!!
What makes the FX30 a ‘cinema camera’ vs other options? Coming over from the Canon world, the new R8 is incredible at $1500 if you want a full-frame sensor, but I think of these things from the point of view of shooting mostly stills. Not sure how s log compares to c log or any of that, but you would probably have better low-light performance from the R8 since it’s about the same resolution but on a bigger sensor. Plus better autofocus and crazy things like 40 fps shooting on the Canon if you’re also interested in shooting sports or wildlife in your free time lol.
Jesse, thanks for your question! I would say what makes the FX30 a cinema camera, rather than a ordinary video camera, would be the combination of available resolutions, interchangeable lenses, ability to shoot proxies, audio capabilities, and rigging capabilities.
I think you certainly would have better low light capabilities from the R8 due to larger sensor. And perhaps you could classify it as a cinema camera as well, but I think it would be lacking a few of the ergonomics/audio capabilities, that the FX 30 possesses.
Also, most cinema cameras don’t have a built-in viewfinder. Just a design thing.
You would think that the classification of a cinema camera would just have to deal with the sensor. But I don’t think that is the case. More ergonomics, functionality, and how the camera would be utilized on a film set.
FX30 let’s you use the same work flow as Fx3/fx6/fx9. This makes it a budget cinema camera. Compatible workflow and ecosystem are the main reason to buy FX30 over other similar priced cameras
Cinema cameras are just marketing term. You want cinema, find one with internal ND, multitude of codecs, and 10bit and higher bit rates.
A lot of bad things about this cam - the button layout, the noisy second iso but you get a very nice bad iso, 10 bit 4k60, active cooling. Not many cams offering that for the same price.
SUBSCRIBED !
Thanks a lot!!
Your logic when you talk about the apsc censor makes no sense. Yes, you have a crop so you factor that in. Use the right tool for the job. As you mentioned, you don't have enough lenses to cover then use more light or shoot in a different way to get more light. I used to complain about crop sensors being a big factor, but having shot with a black magic ursa, fs5, c70, it's definitely up to the user to make the best image possible. If you're a pro, you're getting paid to shoot the best image possible and tell the best story you can.
Hi Chris. There is a difference between APS-C and full frame. It certainly is up to the user to make the best image possible, but there are instances in which a specific tool will perform better than another tool. If someone chooses to make the FX30 their only camera, there will be trade offs. Especially with low light. These are just the facts, some tools are better than others.
Perfect comment.
ISO 800 & 2500 do not provide you the cleanest image, at those ISOs you get the most dynamic range which is evenly distributed to 7 stops below and above the middle gray. Lower the ISO you expose for, the lower the noise is going to be as you are practically over saturating the sensor with more light.
Hi Simeon. Your comment is somewhat correct. What Sony cameras do you shoot on? I use the FX6, FX3, FX30, A1, A7Siii, and A7IV… and in all of those, shooting at the base ISO setting provides the cleanest image in S-Log 3. There is a reason that when in CINE EI mode, you are forced to shoot in the base iso setting. It doesn’t just have to deal with dynamic range, it is overall sensor performance.
@@kraigpruett I shoot on FX9, FX3 and FX30. So you are saying that you get cleaner image if you expose for ISO 800 than ISO 100? CINE EI is no magic, it does exactly the same as lowering the ISO but it only does not bake it in. If you have dual-gain circuit your sensor has two ISOs and only two. As you change your ''ISO'' or ''EI'', all you are doing is raising or lowering the digital gain which shifts the middle gray.
@@simeonhela8541 you are right, most people don’t what base ISO means and it does refer to dynamic range.
But every camera manufacturer is different, if the FX30 is truly a cinema camera, users really need to understand what you just said.
With the Pocket 4k and 6k ISO 1000 has the dynamic range in the high lights, so when you are shooting towards the sky ISO 1000 should be used. Most people stick to base ISO of 400 but they can also shoot at ISO 100 when the situation is right.
Most don’t understand how to master their gear.
@@jayclas4023 well said!
So what does this mean? Do it shoot at ISO 100 if there's sufficient light? Or do I always shoot at one of the gain ISO?
Spot on. TH-cam is infested with paid for (not with cash) “reviews” of cameras.
100% Jeff. It is really frustrating when trying to make educated decisions on equipment. You have to weed through all of the noise.
What Len best for it
I’d go with the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 or the 28-75 f/2.8 to start!
FF cameras and lenses are way to expensive so the FX5is perfect. Plenty of hast primes and cheap portable lights now days. We are talking $1500+ Vs $300+ lens price difference. Can’t justify FF anymore
Why aren't u using apsc lenses with your Sony FX30? 😎😎
No, quality is 100% NOT why you pick a camera. You pick a camera for WORKFLOW!!! Having a better camera WILL NOT make you more productive or make you make better films, but a GOOD ENOUGH camera with a FASTER WORKFLOW will.
Interesting perspective. I certainly do not always pick a camera for workflow. If that was the case... I would never consider a RED, ARRI, Burano, etc. I would choose those for quality, performance, resolution. Workflow is laborious, but results are worth it.
@@kraigpruett What are you talking about? Those cameras are a joy to use compared to the old Sony menu system. If I chose a camera for quality, I would pick the Sigma FP. If I had to chose a camera for a green screen for a one-man production, I would pick an FX30 with Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens. Either way, the RAW is an extra step but not that much better than my 100mbps H.264 4K from my older Sony cameras.. The workflow is different. In the end you will get more of an effect from the lens than the camera.
It may be hard to believe but not everybody is like you! 😅