Details have been released of Sony’s FX30, a new compact cinema camera with the same body as the FX3 but a new 20.1-megapixel APS-C BSI sensor that can record Super35 4K video.
The new Sony FX30 camera, kitted out for a video shoot. (Source: Sony.)
Compact and lightweight, the FX30 has a flat-top design with threaded accessory attachment points, making it easy to use for shooting handheld, capturing low-angle shots, mounting on a gimbal, or adding accessories. It features dual memory card slots for CFexpress Type A and SDXC/SDHC cards and is compatible with the newly announced large capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards. The new 20.1-megapixel APS-C BSI sensor is paired with the BIONZ XR processing engine, which enables dual-base ISO (800/2500) to deliver high sensitivity, low noise, and more than 14 stops of dynamic latitude. It can shoot 4K Super 35 (16:9) by oversampling from 6K at up to 60 fps and also supports high frame rate shooting, including 4K at up to 120 fps and full HD at up to 240 fps. Both16:9 recording modes can shoot at 10-bit 4:2:2 while an HDMI Type-A connector can be used to output 4K, 16-bit RAW to an external recorder.
Like the rest of the Cinema Line, the FX30 features Log shooting modes by enabling Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, which allows more flexibility when colour grading. All three modes allow video shooting while monitoring with an appropriate LUT to preview the final image. The FX30 comes with a selection of built-in cinematic looks, including Sony’s S-Cinetone. It can also record single stills. Standard Sony AF functions like Real Time Eye AF, Real Time Tracking and AF Assist are provided with the ability to recognise human, animal and birds’ eyes. The Focus Map makes it easy to visualise depth of field, while Breathing Compensation provides stable angle of view when focusing. The camera also includes optical in-body 5-axis image stabilisation and time code sync.
The FX30 will be available in two versions, the FX30, which includes a top handle and has an RRP of AU$3699 and the FX30B without the top handle for AU$2999. Both models will be available in Australia from late October 2022 and can be pre-ordered through Sony’s Australian website. Click here for details.
October will also see the release of the new, high-performance CEA-G320T CFexpress Type A memory card which claim write speeds of up to 700MB/s and a VPG400 Video Performance Guarantee, which offers sustained writing speeds of up to 400MB/s and enables 4K 120p high bit rate video shooting. The new cards will be available in 320GB capacity at AU$1299 or 640GB for AU$2499.
