FX30 compact Cinema Line gateway camera

Memorable imagery from the Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

The FX30's back-illuminated Exmor R APS-C CMOS sensor is ready to deliver memorable imagery with outstanding resolution and a shallow depth of field. Sony's industry-leading image technology is packed into a new Super 35 format (20.1 megapixel

1. Approximate effective megapixels for movies. Approximately 26 megapixels for still images.

S-Cinetone™ for a cinematic look without grading

The FX30 incorporates S-Cinetone, based on the colour science behind the highly regarded colour and skin tones of the FX9 and FX6. It delivers the natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin, plus soft colours and gorgeous highlights. Because S-Cinetone produces all this directly within the camera, it's easy to achieve a beautiful cinematic look without the necessity of post-production grading.

Recording formats for image quality and  post-production

The FX30 can record 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally when using Long GOP or All-Intra compression, enabling fuller and more natural gradations and providing greater editing freedom. Recording in XAVC HS format roughly doubles compression efficiency

1. Using the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec and compared to normal 4K XAVC S format.
2. Catalyst Browse™ or Catalyst Prepare™ software is recommended.

Dual Base ISO for cleaner images in low light

The Dual Base ISO feature provides two Base ISO settings; one at ISO 800 and one at ISO 2500. This allows you to select an appropriate noise floor, for clean images, as well as maximise the FX30’s dynamic range when shooting in both bright or low-light conditions. What's more, a wide 14+ stops

1. S-Log3 movies, Sony tests.

Log recording for smooth cinematic colour grading

For full-scale productions, the S-Log3 gamma curve provided in the FX30 has been designed for smooth gradations, and to make it easier to achieve cinematic image quality when colour grading in post-production. Both S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine offer high-quality colour reproduction over a wide latitude, and special care has been taken to adjust the camera's output to ensure that the highest image quality can be easily achieved during post processing.

New Log shooting modes for optimised image quality

Three modes are provided for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve. Cine EI

1. Catalyst Browse/Prepare or the Catalyst Prepare Plugin (Adobe Premiere Pro Plugin) is required.

See an accurate preview of the final image with user LUTs

When recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, the low-contrast image on the monitor can make it difficult to judge what the final image will look like. For a more accurate preview, the FX30 allows customisable LUTs to be applied to the LCD monitor preview and HDMI output, and also embedded in clips to facilitate post-production processing

1. Embedded LUTs can be used with Catalyst Browse/Prepare or the Catalyst Prepare Plugin (Adobe Premiere Pro Plugin).

Dependable, highly accurate autofocus

Sophisticated tracking features keep your subject in steady focus so you can concentrate on composition. Wide-area AF, with intelligent tracking, uses focal-plane phase-detection for tenacious subject tracking across almost the entire frame. Real-time Eye AF ensures precise focus on the face and eyes (for humans, birds and animals

1. Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations.

Sophisticated focus functions to handle any situation

The FX30 makes fast, accurate focusing as easy as possible. AF Assist

1. Not available when using the SELP1650, SEL18200LE or A-mount lenses.

Flexible motion with up to 4K / 120p recording

The FX30 provides 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second

1. With approx. 38% image crop. Post-production editing or S&Q mode recording is required. In case of S&Q mode, data must be recorded to a CFexpress Type A memory card when the frame rate is 120 (100 in PAL) fps or higher.

Active Mode image stabilisation supports handheld movie shooting

1. Slight image crop in Active Mode. "Standard" setting is recommended for focal lengths of 200 mm or longer. Active Mode is not available when recording at frame rates of 120 (100) fps or higher, including S&Q.

Active Mode

1. Slight image crop in Active Mode. "Standard" setting is recommended for focal lengths of 200 mm or longer. Active Mode is not available when recording at frame rates of 120 (100) fps or higher, including S&Q.

Metadata to facilitate editing with Catalyst

Sony's Catalyst Browse and Prepare software are ideal production partners for the FX30. The camera records five types of metadata: LUTs, image stabilisation, breathing, camera rotation and shot marks. These can be useful when previewing and preparing to edit in Sony's free Catalyst Browse or purchased Catalyst Prepare software

1. Latest version is required.

Proxy recording for efficient editing workflow

Low-bitrate HD proxy files can be recorded simultaneously in nearly all recording formats. The smaller proxy video files can be used for editing previews prior to final 4K online editing, reducing computer load and enabling a faster workflow[FN|Proxy recording is not available under the following conditions:
- Normal movie recording at a [Record Frame Rate] of 120p (100p) or higher.
- S&Q movie recording at a [Record Frame Rate] of 120p (100p) or higher.
- S&Q movies at a [Frame Rate] of 120 (100) fps or higher.].

Still image shooting function

Because the FX30 can shoot stills as well as movies, it can be handy to use when you are location hunting. For example, you can use it to shoot stills that will be used in storyboards or pre-production presentations.

Multi-thread body makes a cage unnecessary

Designed for mobility and efficiency, the body of the FX30 features five thread holes (1/4-20 UNC) for accessories, making a cage unnecessary. While providing ample capacity for accessory attachment, the fact that no cage is required contributes to reduced system size and weight for easier handheld shooting. The XLR handle unit

1. The XLR handle unit is not included with the ILME-FX30B (body-only model).

New main menu for quick access to frequently used items

The camera’s new list-style main menu gives you access to frame rate

1. Although frame rates are listed in integers, actual frame rates are: 23.98p (24p), 29.97p (30p), and 59.94p (60p).

Movie standby screen

The layout of the information and icon overlay that appears in standby mode has been optimised for movie recording so you can concentrate more fully on composition and framing. Only the most essential items are displayed in the black bands above and below the image area.

Tally lamps

Recording (tally) lamps are provided on the upper front and rear of the camera. The REC button on the top of the camera is also illuminated and linked to the rear recording lamp. To make it clear when the camera is in record mode, a red frame appears on the monitor display so that the operator can easily confirm that recording is in progress.

Flexible, high-resolution touch-panel LCD monitor

The FX30 features a side-opening vari-angle rear monitor that allows broad positioning and framing freedom for gimbal-mounted shots, handheld shots, very low ground-level shots, or whatever the shoot requires. The large 3.0 type 2.36 million-dot

1. Approximate.

Vertical aspect markers

With the proliferation of smartphones and social media, creators are producing imagery with a variety of aspect ratios and orientations, with vertical orientation becoming more common. The FX30 offers a number of aspect markers that can be used to check framing while shooting in standard horizontal orientation. Aspect markers that are useful when shooting social media ads and vertical movies are included.

XLR connectors for high-quality external audio input

The XLR handle unit

1. The XLR handle unit is not included with the ILME-FX30B (body-only model).

Broad connectivity for a wide range of shooting needs

An HDMI Type-A connector can be used to feed 4K, 16-bit RAW

1. With a choice of 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 23.98p frame rates and colour spaces.

16-bit RAW output via HDMI

For demanding post-production workflows, 16-bit RAW output

1. With a choice of 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 23.98p frame rates and colour spaces.

Time code sync

The FX30 can be synchronised (TC-IN) to a second camera that has a time code output terminal by connecting the FX30’s Multi/Micro USB terminal to the time code source via an optional VMC-BNCM1 adaptor

1. The availability of the VMC-BNCM1 (product number: A-5051-506-A) may vary depending on the country or region. Refer to the following support site for inventory confirmation and purchase. https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/Support/

Two CFexpress Type A compatible media slots

The camera's two media slots are compatible with CFexpress Type A cards as well as SDXC/SDHC cards supporting UHS-I and UHS-II speed classes. CFexpress Type A cards are the next standard for compact storage with fast write/read speeds suitable for 4K movie recording at high bitrates. Dual slots enable either relay or simultaneous recording.

Uninterrupted 4K 60p

1. Sony internal tests. USB power supply, XAVC S-I (All-I), 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2, 25 degrees C (ambient, camera when recording started), Auto power off temperature: High, Cooing fan: Auto. The duration will vary depending on shooting conditions. The maximum continuous recording time for a single movie shooting session is approximately 13 hours (a product specification limit).

For uninterrupted 4K 60p recording, the FX30 features an innovative heat dissipation structure, including a unique Sony Σ (sigma) shaped graphite-alloy heatsink. A complete internal redesign optimised the camera’s airflow and heatsink placement. When required, a silent

1. The sound level of the fan depends on recording mode and operating environment.

Designed to resist dust and moisture

1. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof. The XLR handle does not feature a dust and moisture resistant design.

Dust and moisture resistance refinements have been implemented everywhere in the FX30. Sealing is provided throughout the body as well as on the battery compartment cover, and the media slot has a double sliding cover and lock lever to keep water out. Cooling airflow, from inlet to exhaust, is completely isolated from the interior. All routes for dust and moisture entry have been examined to ensure reliable operation in challenging environments.

Sturdy magnesium alloy body

The camera’s body and covers are constructed from a lightweight magnesium alloy to enhance durability and performance even in challenging environments.

Imaging Edge Mobile™

Imaging Edge Mobile provides support for remote control from smartphones and tablets. It can also remotely control Touch Tracking and Touch Focus for convenient AF operation, and transfer captured still and movie files.

Environmentally conscious without compromising performance

The Sony Group continues to accelerate our "Road to Zero" environmental plan, aiming to achieve zero environmental footprint by 2040. Measures have been taken to reduce the environmental footprint of this product at every stage of its life cycle. These include using recycled materials in production; managing environmental impact throughout the supply chain; using renewable energy in production; and using recyclable non-plastic packaging materials.