Why the Sony A7SIII is STILL the Video King in 2023 (Vs FX3 & A7RV)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- I've been using the A7SIII for video for nearly 3 years and this is why I think it is still the best video option for shooters like me in 2023.
Follow my work as a filmmaker and landscape photographer on Instagram: / rickbebbington
My Kit:
Amazing Cameras
Sony A7SIII
Sony A7RIV - geni.us/LHrjgkh
Cheaper Sony A7IV- geni.us/xTub
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16-35mm f2.8 - geni.us/trD4EFL
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Amazing value Sigma ART Prime Lenses:
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35mm - geni.us/5eCd
50mm - geni.us/YTEV5
85mm - geni.us/SK482J
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Music from ARTLIST: artlist.io/Rick-12174
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0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Owning an A7SIII
2:00 - Improvements to the FX3
5:07 - Using an FX3
5:35 - Why I prefer the A7SIII
8:50 - A7SIII vs ZV E1
9:15 - A7SIII vs A7RV
![ARE THEY BASICALLY THE SAME?! Sony FX3 vs A7s iii Breakdown [and why I'm buying an FX3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VKU9Sf8EhkI/mqdefault.jpg)
![ARE THEY BASICALLY THE SAME?! Sony FX3 vs A7s iii Breakdown [and why I'm buying an FX3]](/img/tr.png)
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Appreciate your thoughts on this Rick! I love your point about the new vents on the FX3 - sometimes camera brands market new features as the next best thing, but in practical reality sometimes works out as 2 steps forward and 1 step back. Always good to keep stuff like that in mind!
Thanks Moly! Absolutely. When I was being sent it to use it never even crossed my mind. it was only when I got the camera out of my bag on the beach that I realised it wasn't going to quite work out how I'd hoped.
I was told that the FX3 vent holes are not actually on the "inside" of the camera. It's supposedly more accurate to say they are still "outside" of the "real" body of the camera. Water can actually pass through it without going "inside" the actual sealed body. The heat sync is made to get (somewhat) wet.
Loved your work with Nigel! Thank you for the video.
Thanks Jennifer - I really appreciate that :)
Great video! Any issues with CMOS smearing in low light? I have the FX3 and unfortunately there is a bit of CMOS smearing in certain conditions.
Ordering the A7siii for video and retiring my A7iv to photo duty this wknd. Top notch Content
Awesome - good luck with it!!
Same thing I shoot with!!! And I’m subbed to your channel…
Great video. I am planning to get the same 2 cameras. They complement each other well.
Thanks - great choice!
imo by far the best feature from the new update is focus breathing comp, which u didn't mention!
if you're using sony glass, and in particular certain lenses (some of their best lenses too), it's crucial.
Bugger, knew I forgot something!! Again, not something that makes too much difference to how I shoot. I also mainly use Sigma glass so that's probably why I forgot. Appreciate you pointing it out though, thanks!
Great video and lovely house David 😊
Thanks.... who is David?!
Very valid points to be fair! And yes that EVF is mega!
Thanks James! Couldn't live without it!
I own an FX6 and am a documentary surf/ outdoor lifestyle film maker and photographer. I come from a photo journalism background so have been shooting in the A7R2 since release with the FX6 being my video camera. The FX6 has bigger open fan holes on the entire side and I’ve run that camera on the beach, on boats, and in harsh weather since release years ago, it’s a beast of a camera and hasn’t hindered me, other than with how big it is sometimes. That being said I finally just upgraded to the A7RV to cover me while I sent my FX6 in for maintenance. Was debating heavily between an FX3 or A7S3, and honestly feel like when all is said and done I would ditch my FX6 in a heart beat for the setup you just laid out. I’ve used all cameras and think you got it spot on in this review, can’t wait to see what they do with the A7V, that’ll probably be the go to for a lot of people when it drops. Earned a sub, can’t wait to see what you do in the future🙌🏼🔥
Good video! I own it too and have no regrets either way. It’s a VIDEO BEAST! Photos are very decent unless you do serious cropping. Thank You!! 👏
Thanks Pierre, appreciate it!
Hi, I agree with you on the S3. I have 2 of them. As a compliment to them, I also have 2 x RX100 VII’s. For a little tiny camera (mine both have smallrig cages and grips, self adhesive 52mm filter housings and Neewer Variable ND's) They are surprisingly good. Last weekend I had a days shoot following hot hatch racing at my local circuit. All 4 cameras were used, and all 4 did really well. As I also livestream with up to 4 cameras, I am at some stage soon, going to buy 2 more A7SIII’s with a whole variety of Sony G Master zoom lenses. This will cover both eventualities. Cheers, Peter.
I'd never even thought of using RX100s like that - great tip!
DCI ups it from 3840x2160 to 4096x2160, but it's not the full sensor, like RAW gives you (which is significantly larger at 4264x2408)
Ahh, ok. Thanks!
Hey Rick, Amazing review. I own a7iii and just couple of days back, got myself an a7Siii as a primary video camera (will be shooting interiors mostly, Day or Night depends on client needs). Do you think I should keep it or get exchange it with a7Rv?
Tricky, depends how much use it’ll get! It’s a lot to spend so only you know that really. If you use it a lot as a b-cam, the colours of the a7siii and the A7RV match perfectly… for me that’s invaluable. Enjoy the a7siii !!
I own the FX6 right now and I sold my FX3 and FX30 and I am likely to get A7S3 as my work changed to hybrid photo video again.
I have an r4 looking to buy the siii for video. Glad you’ve basically only one upped me on the r5 😂
vents work fine in the rain and bad weather Sony did a good job on that part. I get that some shooters wil miss the evf but the vents are a rock solid improvement
That's good to know. I think I'd still be nervous in heavy rain with sand blowing about no matter what Sony told me 😂
@@RickBebbington haha, I get that, I'am dutch so there not that much sand around here anyways, but plenty of rainy days here antdits solid in rain and a bid of mud. Hope Sony does an evf that works with mirrorless body as the fx line mirrorless body's are a charm to work with. and seem the be the way sony is going now.
@@Bobdrumbro Isn't the fan still in jeopardy in the current configuration?
Thank you for your video! I also have the A7sIII and there is no reason for me to swith to another camera. I love the evf too. I can emphasize every single one of your reasons. I love the A7sIII
Hello im a beginner in photography! Loved this video! I want to ask does the song A7S iii have a zoom that is good enough? I specifically want to rent it if it has a good zoom
Zoom really is lens dependent. If you want more zoom, look at the mm (focal length) on lenses. The greater the focal length, the more it'll be zoomed in
Also, if it's photography you are doing and not video, you might be better with the A7 or A7R ranges
I have the FX3 and love it in most situations. But not having an EVF has frustrated me on many occasions. I don't want to set up a 5 inch monitor every time I go outside. I just wish Sony would add full Timecode support like they've don with the FX3. Unfortunately, I don't see them adding that functionality anytime soon.
I never thought of it from a brightness POV, it was never full sun when I used it. That must be a bit of a pain!!
I'm debating between the A7siii and the FX3. I mostly shoot videos and very occasionally take photos (mostly for my friends, nothing serious) would you say the screen on the FX3 is mostly adequate for outdoor shooting? or is it really a pain not having the EVF? Thank you so much in advance!
Thanks for sharing.. I agree here and that's is why i bought same A7siii several months ago
Thanks, hope you are enjoying it!
HI
I currently shoot with an older Xt3 and im looking to upgrade. Im trying to decide between 2 full frame cameras. The new Lumix s5iix or the older Sony A7siii.
My use case is video only and im currently focused on realestate videos and some weddings, client work ect.
My main concern is for filming real estate in 4k60. What would look better a7siii 4k60 or the lumix s5ii 4k60 cropped? Most high end videographers in the real estate industry use a7siii. Taking everything into account, noise, low light, Dynamic range, image quality ect which is better.
My goal to get the best quality 4k 60 video.
Thank you
Hey. I've never used the Lumix cameras so can't really comment on that unfortunately, but I do know that the A7SIII will absolutely be able to do the things you mention. There must be a review out there that compares the two though....
I'm sticking with my GH5 mark ii for the same reasons - no other camera gives me the features I get. I shoot a lot of anamorphic and the GH line from Panasonic are by far the best cameras for anamorphic at that price level. Cheers for sticking to your guns.
Good man. Unless you are limited in some respect, there's no point in changing. Thanks!
I've been going back and forth on whether or not to buy the a7s3 or fx3 for my video-only camera, I already have the a7r3 as my photo camera. I might end up buying a used a7s3 body
Totally get this. I sometimes think I'd be better with an FX3, but the benefits I discussed in this video continue to outweigh those of the FX3 for me. Thanks for watching!
@@RickBebbington Thank you for making this video! I watched many videos on the a7s3 and fx3 and couldn't make up my mind until I watched your video. I will pick up an a7s3 by the end of this year.
Thanks ! has there been a firm ware update for for the a7s111 to support anamorphic de squeezing yet ?
EVF is truly the only true issue I think. FX3 is used in bad conditions and holds up the same as A7Siii which I also own. …I think it would very difficult to get great images out of either cameras. Nice review!!
Thanks man!
Does a7siii is good choice for taking photos and upload it on instagram?
Yea for that kind of thing you really can’t tell the difference
If you can't make amazing video's with the Sony A7siii you can't make amazing videos. I love the viewfinder in certain situations and the photos are fine for my use. I love the low light capabilities and am dabbling in astrophotography.
Totally agree! Hope your astro experiments are going well!
@@RickBebbington thanks Rick! Sony just announced A7siii firmware updates coming!
I think the a7siii is way better value than the FX3 especially now as on the used market as you can pick them up for anywhere between £2000 - £2500 and vs £4000 for the FX3. I primarily use BlackMagic cameras. I use to have a Sony A7siii but I sold it. I slightly regret it as I need a camera for some of my client work that requires quick videos for social media have that high quality look. I considered FX3 but paying £2K extra for true 24fps, anamorphic options and an improve menu for me is way too much especially as they produce the exactly same image
Totally agree. It's a shame Sony aren't updating the A7SIII like they are the FX3, but even with that being considered, that's quite a price difference.
The Sony FX-3 destroys the Sony A7S III for serious Video Production.
Purpose-built for Cinematography boasting a design that prioritizes video production. It's streamlined and optimized for video shooters, making it more intuitive to handle during extended shooting sessions. Like the three tally lights on its body which light up when recording. It's really handy for small production crews.
16-bit ProRes RAW Recording: The FX-3 supports 16-bit ProRes RAW recording, providing an unprecedented level of colour depth and flexibility in post-production. With 16 bits per channel, you have significantly more data to work with, allowing for finer adjustments to color, exposure, and other image attributes without sacrificing image quality. Compared to 10-bit ProRes RAW, which offers impressive quality and flexibility in its own right, 16-bit ProRes RAW provides even greater latitude for creative expression and ensures maximum image fidelity, especially in demanding shooting scenarios such as high-contrast scenes or extensive color grading. By offering 16-bit ProRes RAW recording, the FX-3 enables filmmakers to capture footage with the highest level of detail and dynamic range, giving them the confidence to push the boundaries of their creativity and achieve stunning cinematic results. (16bit is 68X more colours than 10 bit)
Fanless Cooling System: Unlike the a7S III, the FX-3 features a fanless cooling system. This means no risk of overheating during prolonged shoots, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions.
Enhanced Durability: The FX-3 is constructed with durability in mind, featuring a rugged magnesium alloy body that's built to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking. It's designed to handle the demands of frequent use in various environments.
XLR Audio Input: One standout feature of the FX-3 is its built-in XLR audio input, allowing for professional-grade audio recording without the need for external adapters or recorders. This simplifies your setup and enhances audio quality, a crucial aspect of any video production.
Integrated Grip and Mounting Points: The FX-3's integrated grip and multiple mounting points offer greater versatility and stability when attaching accessories such as monitors, lights, or microphones. This makes it easier to customize your rig according to your shooting preferences.
Anamorphic De-squeeze function in camera. Only the FX-3 allows you to properly preview and capture footage shot with anamorphic lenses, maintaining the intended aspect ratio and avoiding distortion during playback. To Pre-visualize the scene without awkward distortion.
True 24p DCI 4K. The FX-3 supports DCI 4K (17x9) recording, which is the standard for digital cinema. This means you can capture footage in the same format used by professional filmmakers. By shooting in DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) format, it expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to achieve a cinematic look and feel for your projects. Whether you're shooting indie films, documentaries, or commercial content, having the ability to record in DCI format adds a professional touch to your
Lens Breathing is another aspect where the FX-3 excels compared to the a7S III. The FX-3 addresses this issue with reduced lens breathing, providing smoother and more consistent focusing throughout your shots. ensures that your footage maintains a consistent perspective, particularly important for professional filmmaking where maintaining visual integrity is crucial. Whether you're pulling focus during a scene or using autofocus, the FX-3's minimized lens breathing helps preserve the cinematic quality of your footage, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience for your audience.
In September 2024 another firmware update will add more for cinematographers.• Shutter Angle: Users will be able to choose from both Shutter Speed/Shutter Angle similar to what is available with the FX6.
A NEW preset 709tone support to colour match multiple Cinema cameras.
Ability to add clip flags to mark shots - SRT/RTMP/RTMPS support for live streaming via the Creator’s App
The EVF is not an issue when you are shooting RAW with an external monitor such as a NinjA V which unlocks many Advanced Monitoring Features: The Ninja V offers a range of advanced monitoring tools such as waveform monitors, histograms, focus peaking, and zebras. False Colours. These tools can help you achieve more accurate exposure and focus, ensuring higher-quality footage.
While both cameras have stabilizing modes the FX-3 has an Active Stabilization mode that is not present on the Sony A7S III .
Simply put Sony will NEVER EVER... cannibalize the FX Cinema line gear for the Alpha line.
Good morning is possible to film For 2 hours continuously without overheating on A7siii ? Thank you
I honestly don't know as I've never tried it. I guess it depends on the conditions.
Yes 4k 24/30p 10bit 422 with one sony battery
Thank you for your answer
Great information! I’m researching between the fx3 and the a7rv but now torn three ways with the a7siii 😂 what would you recommend? I’m looking for a camera that I can capture great video in nightclub settings for social media. Will be taking photos as well but the main concern is getting great crisp video in these low light nightclubs! Help 😢
If you are shooting primarily in low light, I'd definitely opt for either the FX3 or the A7SIII because of their low light performance advantages.
My reason for using the A7SIII will differ from yours as they are used in totally different environments.... The benefits I'd see for the the A7SIII over the FX3 for what you do are that (from my understanding, I may be wrong) it's a bit easier to switch between video and photo. The Electronic Viewfinder that the FX3 doesn't have could also be an advantage in that kind of situation, not only for viewing but also for stabilisation. If you are shooting handheld, having that third point of contact against your face makes getting stable shots easier. In saying that, the in body stabilisation is probably good enough to not worry too much about this!
But the FX3 has a few performance advantages over the A7SIII (look up the firmware update for details, Sony haven't updated the firmware in the A7SIII). I hope this helps - could you rent both and see which your prefer?
I just researched and found out about Share Grid. I'm going to try the 7siii before I buy! thank you so much!!@@RickBebbington
Got the alpha 1 best of both world ❤
Nice, lucky you!!
I wish Sony would just certify their camera's weather protection. It's just way too ambiguous currently and nobody is going to hard test a 3-4k camera.
Totally. I guess they don't want to leave themselves open which should raise concerns tbh.
If it’s about making videos which both cameras are designed for, the FX3 is way better. More video features, zero overhearing b/c of the built-in fan, tally lights and etc. only thing missing is EVF. The Sony FX3 body design is the best in any full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens compact camera imo. If Sony add Internal NDs to the MK2 i will buy it in a heartbeat. I don’t care for EVF
I'm going to invest in my first full frame and I'm completely undecided between the Sony A7SIII and the Lumix S5IIX. Sony seems very reliable to me, but I have doubts mainly due to the lack of updates and also because it is an older camera. On the other hand, I have an amazing recent camera with a great price, but which raises questions about Rolling Shutter and 60 fps cropping. What would I recommend? I've been in this cruel doubt for months! 😅
Same here.
it's all about glass and on that front Sony is still miles ahead of Pannyboy in that regard. But I get why to Panny is Tempting
I'm going to wait for the A7S IV
I wonder when that will be. And what the specs would be?! The A7SIII still does literally everything I want (and need) it to, so I'm not actually sure what Sony could do to get me to upgrade!
Thx for the thoughts. Your landscape work looks great but just as a thought if you are doing a talking head and you are talking about cinematography it probably isn’t a great idea maybe to shoot against a blown out background. Also I get you have a specific use case but it doesn’t hurt to know a little more outside your use case so you can be a little more well informed about filming in general. Shutter speed?? I’m not sure how much you know about the Sony Venice but again it doesn’t hurt to have researched things before name dropping cameras particularly if you might not be so experienced with them or maybe have never used one yourself. Sure as a photographer and where you are now in your career saying this is where I am right now might seem a raison d’etre to know what you know and not think too hard outside that box and it’s honest but it doesn’t make great viewing for many who have broader uses and when the algorithms point you videos at them. Just a thought if you are interested in TH-cam growing your subscriber base and info posts. Good luck with it all. Thx
Appreciate your comments, but my specific use case is one that differs to other videos I've seen on this topic so it's still relevant to some people even if it's not relevant to you - you can't please everyone. Get more detailed and specific and you potentially lose the people who are more at my level want basic use examples. There is no need for me to be any more informed than I am if I'm making points about why the camera suits me best. I wasn't saying it'd be the case for everyone and I was quite clear about that in the video. I don't know much about the Sony Venice. I never claimed to, I just mentioned that some with the Venice use the FX3 as a b-cam which is true 🤷🏻♂️
As for the blown out background - does it matter, really?! It's TH-cam, not the Oscars.
@@RickBebbington thanks for that and just fyi none of it matters apart from the fact that your video ends up in my feed thanks to the TH-cam algorithms and despite having a lot of experience and lots of cameras including the a7siii I would actually like to hear informed opinions from people that really know their stuff ideally before they start posting their opinions on TH-cam. I’m not saying that your opinion isn’t valid for people just like you but for me it’s a huge irritation. In much the same way that if I Search for best cinema camera on Google I get results of cameras I already have or am interested in simply because of a search history and woeful algorithms that are based on the likelihood to purchase rather than the search for information. I don’t blame individuals but given the way that youtube Google and a host of other search engines keep feeding content to me I try to encourage whatever ends up at my door to be useful and if not I can simply try and let the algorithm know how I feel. Sometimes the responses are revealing and in all honesty I don’t expect too much. You responded and that in itself should be noted and appreciated. Thx.
@@KenFlanagan That's fair enough, I understand your frustration. I just like making videos that represent topics I think would be helpful to 'someone else like me' and often don't consider who else it might be shown to. As it happens, I want to make less videos like this and harness my creativity a bit more through storytelling - I find making videos like that to be a lot more fulfilling (but unfortunately a lot more time consuming!). Hopefully the next video of mine that shows up in your feed will appeal to you for different, more positive reasons! Thanks.
@@KenFlanaganA huge irritation? Really?! Take a pill pal and calm down. I agree with him being an a7Siii owner and it’s a video beast! I never even considered the FX3
why dont you shoot 120 fps on the R5?
The A7RV? Only goes to 60fps in 4k
I love my siii ✌
Same!! Thanks for watching 👍🏻
👍🏻
The low light performance being linked to the low res sensor of the siii is a myth. In any case I absolutely love my a7siii. Also, just sold my a7iv and replaced it with the zv-e1. Cool video, thanks for posting.
So I believe, going to read up on why it is the case!! Awesome, how's the ZV-E1? Thanks for watching/commenting!
@@RickBebbington The zv-e1, for me, is simply an amazing camera! It's basically the siii in a smaller package. I love the focus breathing comp, dynamic stab, and auto cropping. The overheating "issue" has been way too overblown and is not an issue at all in my opinion. Hated to sell my a7iv but the -e1 is the better camera for me. Thanks for the great video on the a7siii!!
@@ChrisMitchells_FlyingCameras Overheating overblown, but are you having any issues with that? I almost pulled the trigger on it.
@@AM1media If you need a camera to record longer-format video at 4k/24 or 30 for over an hour in your studio then I would go for the a7siii/fx3 or fx30. If you need it to record for 45 minutes or more in the sun and heat (32 deg c) and not worry about the camera getting hot then get the a7siii/fx3. Otherwise if you are doing shorter recordings 10-20 minutes in the sun and heat (32 deg c) at 4k24 or 30 then the -e1 is completely fine. I live in South Florida, it's always hot here. I can (and do) record 4k/30 for 20 -30 minutes at a time or 4k/60 for 15-20 minutes at a time at 32 deg C in the sun and its fine. Even my a7iv overheated indoors if I recorded for over 60 minutes of so (at 23 deg C).
@@ChrisMitchells_FlyingCameras Thank you for stating your experience with zv e1 . I have been looking into that cam for short burst shots professionally, but mainly for vertical content. To reduce the weight on gimbal. I hope it doesn't become a headache eventually.
1:09 - any Panasonic camera with IBIS. Or Olympus. Any modern camera with IBIS, really. And that more megapixels=worse low light was debunked by DPReview TV quite a while ago.
Fair point!! It's not just the IBIS though, it's the ISO performance as well.....
@@RickBebbington Yeah, I love how high the second native ISO of the A7Siii is. Not sure why everyone else puts them so close together.
a7siii getting the dci 4k 24p and breathing compensation
Totally missed that - thanks for pointing it out!!
I mean you made this video what a year ago , I don't think you missed it , was announced not long ago , but I guess im updating for anyone else like me coming and looking at these type of vids , and the fact we got that firmware coming is enough for me to buy a used one and save from a new fx3@@RickBebbington
Basically, 3 cameras is the solution.
Haha!! Pretty much 🫣
I am going to sell mine and grab another Z8.
R5 does have 120 fps.
In 4K?
Yes just no audio in 120 4k no crop though…
Most disappointing camera. I've owned it since day one and can't understand why you can't use imaging edge to do tap to focus in photo mode, why there's no focus breathing to compensate for Sony's flawed gmaster designs. It basically doesn't have the basic necessities to compensate for the horrendous focus breathing, it doesn't have true 24p which is a joke considering they claim it does, doesn't have animal eye AF in video though it's on the menu. It's basically crippled on the photography front and video front. A7r3 was my last new photography camera and the A7S3 the last Sony camera period.
Appreciate the comment 👍🏻 I get your points completely, guess it just shows how different peoples uses are and what fits for one creator totally doesn't for another.
@@RickBebbingtonfor me it's not so much how it's used but rather Sony's upgrade policies compared to even Canon the former cripple king.
A person shouldn't have to sprint 3500 for something newer to get the functionality of a 1900 camera. Even Canon used to offer paid upgrades.
Hope all is well with you man
@tyshchenkoyevhen the camera itself is fine. Its the features that are lacking.
sorry Lmount glass is way better. Sony sucks
Say cheaper 😂
what lens your using for the R5 ? with the video
Generally, the Sigma ART 24-70mm f2.8