Sony has recently introduced a new stripped down version of its FX3 Cinema Line camera, which it initially launched in February of last year. Known as the FX30, the company’s latest compact sized video-focused shooter drops its sibling’s full-frame sensor and replaces it with a Super35 APS-C instead, as well as sporting a far more affordable price tag.
Design-wise, the Sony FX30 Cinema Line looks identical to last year’s model; complete with the same minimalist look, interface buttons, handgrip, and interchangeable E-mount lens support. Like its high-end sibling, it also lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder, therefore requiring the user to rely on its vari-angle LCD touchscreen for framing. On that note, the display itself has been upgraded, now featuring a 7.5 cm screen with 2.36M dot resolution.
Besides that, the numerous mounting and connectivity features on the camera are the same as the FX3. To recap, onboard are five 1/4-20 inch UNC thread holes on its upper body for mounting external peripherals, Bluetooth 5.0 support, one USB-C port, a microUSB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a full size HDMI Type-A port. In terms of storage, there are dual CFexpress Type A and SD memory card slots.
Moving on to its internals, the new Sony FX30 is equipped with a 26 MP APS-C backside-illuminated CMOS sensor. With this, it is capable of capturing oversampled 4K videos from 6K resolution at up to 60 frames per second (fps), as well as 4K at 120 fps with a 1.62x crop. Footage can be captured in 10-bit 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 in either H.265 or H.264 AVC, or output as 16-bit RAW video to an Atomos Ninja V+ external recorder.
Other features include both mechanical and digital image stabilisation and Breathing Compensation support for compatible Sony lenses. The camera also allows you to upload custom look-up tables (LUTs) so you’ll be able to preview your Log footage in post-production. You may also apply these as Picture Profiles, which will automatically adjust the colour and tone when recording newer footage in order to preserve continuity.
The FX30 Cinema Line is scheduled to be released in October 2022, though no exact date has been provided. That being said, Sony Malaysia’s website currently lists the camera as “coming soon.” In terms of pricing, the new compact shooter will retail at US$ 1,800 (~RM 8,347) for body only, and US$ 2,200 (~RM 10,200) when bundled together with the XLR adapter and top handle. For comparison, the Sony FX3 Cinema Line model is currently offered at RM 18,999 for body only.
(Source: Sony [official website])
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