Sony FX30 review 2024: great autofocus

The Sony FX30 stands out as the most cost-effective option within Sony’s Cinema Line cameras, providing an excellent entry point into professional-grade videography without compromising its ability to capture still images. What makes the FX30 stand out is that it can find a good balance between price and efficiency. This camera is well-made and easy to use, and it records high-quality video.

Surprisingly, it also holds up well when compared to cameras that are mostly used for taking pictures of still objects. Even more impressive is that it does all of this for about half the price of the Sony FX3, which is in a higher price band in the Cinema Line. When compared to the most expensive models, the lower price tag does mean some trade-offs. For example, the FX30 doesn’t have a full-frame sensor like the FX3.

Sony FX30 Specifications

Sony FX30: Design

We’ve already said that the FX30 will look different to people who have never used a Cinema Line camera before. Even though it’s about the same size as a regular Sony mirrorless camera, like the A7 IV, the design is easier and more open to modular configurations. For example, there is no mode dial. Instead, there is a small mode button on the back of the camera. To switch between modes like Aperture-priority and Video, you use the menu on the LCD.

This does slow things down, especially if you need to switch between stills and video, but it’s important to keep in mind that if you’re on location, you’re probably there to shoot a lot of video or a lot of stills, not both at the same time, so I don’t see this as a huge problem. You can buy this Sony FX30 from its official website

Image and video quality

The FX30’s (relatively) modest price tag belies the fact that it captures high-quality stills and videos. The quality of the stills is the first topic for discussion. To get the most out of the 26-megapixel Backside Illuminated CMOS sensor’s tonal data, users can either shoot in JPEG format for “right out of the camera” results or in RAW format.

Good color reproduction is achieved without the need for laborious adjustments in RAW processing tools like Adobe Lightroom. The video quality, however, is exceptional. In “Super 35 format,” the FX30 uses 20 megapixels of the sensor’s resolution to capture 4K video, resulting in an excess of data.

Final Words

Sony’s FX30 is the entry-level model of its cinema range, making it accessible to people just getting started in the field of cinematic video creation. For those wishing to upgrade from a smartphone, the device offers a significant improvement in overall production quality. The FX30 is an affordable movie camera with a lot of features. It has useful functions that even high-priced cameras often lack. Those looking to make the jump from smartphone photography or hybrid mirrorless cameras will appreciate the camera’s specialized video-rich features.

Sony FX30 review: The good and The bad

FAQS