Sony ILME-FX3

Make: Sony

Model: ILME-FX3

Short Description: FX3 Full-frame Cinema Line Camera

Main Description:

Sony Alpha FX3 ILME-FX3, the most compact Cinema Line camera was designed for solo-shooting . With the internal cooling system the FX3 can extend the shooting time and will be able to cover a wider range of shooting situations.  It records outstanding 4K full frame quality at up to 120p with minimal rolling shutter, excellent low light capabilities (up to 409,800 ISO) and a wide dynamic range thanks to its 10.2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and new Bionz XR processor. It allows for more shooting expressions with the inclusion of S-LOG3 and S-CINETONE picture profiles defining a new era of Cinema line cameras from Sony. The Sony FX3 also provides more freedom for shooting videos with a fast and accurate Autofocus technology including Real-time Eye Autofocus,  Real-time touch tracking and customisable autofocus tracking sensitivity. It also includes a 5axis inbody stabilisation with Active Mode, which makes it ideal for handheld shots. On top of its small form factor, the Sony FX3 includes a detachable top-handle with XLR inputs for professional microphones or audio connections. The idea of a cage with the grip and screw options is already integrated in the body design, which is emphasizing the compact form factor. The Sony Cinema line FX3 is designed for the future of cinematic expressions.

FX3 New Cinematic Freedom

Sony’s FX3 Cinema Line camera brings the visions of passionate content creators to life. Cinematic expression is matched with reliable performance and streamlined operation to serve the needs of today’s creative community. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to carry and handle.

Full-frame image capture even in dim light

The FX3’s full-frame image sensor is coupled with innovative light-gathering techniques to let you capture clear and usable images even in dim light. The standard ISO sensitivity of 80-102400 for movies is expandable all the way up to 409600.

Wide dynamic range, wider creative expression

The FX3 offers an exceptional 15+ stops1 of dynamic range to handle settings ranging from well-lit interiors and outdoors in mid-day to morning and evening shots. Capture every nuance, and allow for unprecedented cinematic freedom in colour grading.

Stunning bokeh and full-frame creativity

Capture the scene in cinematic 4K resolution, with the shallow depth of field, stunning bokeh and cinematic freedom made possible with a full-frame sensor.

Cinematic colour science of S-Cinetone

S-Cinetone colour, developed for Sony’s acclaimed FX9, is the default look on the FX3 for cinematic expression. It’s precisely tuned to meet the requirements of today’s content creators, with rich colour and natural skin tones that match other Cinema Line cameras without grading.

4K 120fps with every frame in focus

Even at high frame rates, detailed 4K imagery is captured thanks to the FX3’s high-precision AF and high-speed readout capabilities. Slow and Quick (S&Q) mode gives you full control over the shooting frame rate, for beautiful motion sequences at up to 5x slow motion (with 24p output).

10-bit S-Log3 and HDR recording for smooth gradations

S-Log3 gamma curve and S-Gamut3.Cine enable shooting with high-quality colour reproduction over a wide dynamic range, and they make it easy to match up footage with shots from other Cinema Line cameras during post-production. In addition, an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR picture profile enables direct HDR (HLG) playback on compatible TVs with no post-production.

16-bit RAW HDMI output

For demanding post-production workflows, 16-bit RAW output3 is available over HDMI connection to compatible external recorders while XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K, and proxy, files are simultaneously captured in-camera. RAW video output is 4264 x 2408 [16:9] resolution, exceeding DCI-4K resolution4.

Enjoy rich detail and realistic colour

The FX3 is capable of 4K internal recording, 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 colour sampling with All Intra on top of Long-GOP compression. This makes it possible to push your colour grades further while still retaining natural gradation, for true editing freedom.

[1] All-Intra (All-I)   [2] Long-GOP   [3] Group of Pictures

Designed for comfortable solo shooting

Dependable, highly accurate autofocus

The wide-area AF with intelligent tracking uses focal-plane phase-detection for tenacious subject tracking across almost the entire frame5. The Fast Hybrid AF system delivers precise focusing even when shooting at a shallow depth of field and at high frame rates of 120p in 4K (QFHD)2.

Sophisticated tracking AF for steady focus

Sophisticated tracking features keep your subject in steady focus, so you can concentrate on composition. Real-time Eye AF ensures precise focus on the face and eyes, while Real-time Tracking is powered by Sony’s unique AI-based subject recognition algorithms.

Smooth transitions and touch focus control

The FX3 includes AF Transition Speed in seven settings, to easily create rack focus, and five AF Subject Shift Sensitivity settings, which allows the user to customise how easily AF will switch or stay with the locked-on subject. You can also select the subject you want to focus on simply by touching the LCD monitor.

High-performance E-mount lenses for movies

Experience smooth, responsive autofocus with Sony’s E-mount lenses, with premium optical performance and operability for demanding cinematography applications. The unique linear-drive actuator technology in Sony’s E-mount lenses provides smoother, more precise and tenacious AF performance to support your creative endeavors.

High-mobility performance wherever you go

With its compact size and light weight, the FX3 is designed for high mobility. The attached handle and cage-free accessory mounting holes make for fast setup, fluid shooting and quick pack-down. The main body and covers are constructed from a lightweight magnesium alloy to enhance durability and performance even in challenging environments.

Attachable XLR handle

A handle equipped with an XLR adaptor with two full size XLR terminals can be attached to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe on the camera for more comfortable and stable camerawork in difficult shooting situations, such as low-position shots.

In-camera image stabilisation

Active Mode6,7,8 is an optical in-body 5-axis image stabilisation system that provides increased stabilisation for movie shooting. To preserve image quality, the gyroscope sensor accurately measures camera shake and compensates optically. This makes stable video possible even when shooting hand-held without gimbal use, while walking, and at 4K resolution.

[1, 2] angular shake (pitch and yaw) [3, 4] shift shake (X and Y axes), [5] rotational shake (roll on Z axis)

Image stabilisation and easier editing with Catalyst

Camera-shake metadata is recorded by the built-in gyro, allowing handheld footage to be smoothed out and stabilised in post-production. Using Sony’s Catalyst Browse / Catalyst Prepare desktop application9 you can easily balance automated shake-compensation and image-trimming levels. Catalyst can also make effective use of recorded camera-rotation data.

Expandability and operability for content creators

Front and rear tally lamps

Tally lights on the front and rear of the FX3 indicate whether the camera is recording at any given moment. They are clearly visible to both the camera operator and the person performing in front of the camera.

Vari-angle LCD touch-panel monitor

The 3.0-type (1.44 million-dot10) LCD touch-screen panel features a side-opening design to allow flexible positioning and improved visibility when the camera is mounted on gimbals. Touch-panel support also provides intuitive menu control for many camera settings.

Essential controls for efficient solo shooting

In addition to six customisable buttons, frequently used controls are within easy one-handed reach, leaving your other hand free for lens operation or balance. And usability is enhanced by multiple screw holes on the body and handle, allowing accessories to be attached directly.

Uninterrupted 4K/60p recording

For uninterrupted 4K/60p11 recording, the FX3 is designed with an innovative heat dissipation system. Heatsink placement, airflow structure and a silent cooling fan work to optimise cooling even during long shoots.

XLR adaptor and digital input for quality audio

In addition to the camera’s convenient built-in microphone, a variety of professional microphones can be connected externally via the full-size XLR connectors on the handle through a digital audio interface via Multi Interface (MI) Shoe. Three recording formats can be selected, including 24-bit 4-channel. Digital audio recording is also possible by attaching a digital microphone such as the ECM-B1M even when the handle is not used.

Dual high-speed media slots

Designed for next-generation filmmaking requirements, CFexpress Type A cards support high bit-rate recording. The camera’s slots are ready for CFexpress Type A as well as conventional SDXC UHS-I and UHS-II cards, and having two identical media slots makes relay or backup shooting possible.

Remote camera control and network transfer

A network connection, via Wi-Fi® or wired via a USB type C connector, provides support for remote control from smartphones or tablets, with either NFC one-touch or manual pairing. Remote shooting can be controlled from a PC with Sony’s Imaging Edge Desktop™ application, or from a mobile device with Imaging Edge Mobile™. And captured still and movie files can be transferred using high-speed FTP.

Remote preview, shooting and streaming

Either wired or wireless remote shooting is available from a PC, or from a mobile device with Imaging Edge Mobile installed, for more efficient workflows and shooting in challenging environments. Imaging Edge Webcam™ enables high-image-quality online video communication.

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