Sony FX30 Gray 2022
The 20.1MP Exmor R APS-C sensor with 6K oversampling delivers 4K video with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range, plus S-Cinetone color science for cinematic skin tones without grading. Dual base ISO at 800 and 2500 provides a 14+ stop latitude, and the compact 1084g body includes IBIS with Active Mode for stable handheld footage. This camera is best for aspiring filmmakers and content creators who need professional video features like 4K 120fps, Log recording, and user LUTs in a portable cinema package.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The FX30 is the best value in Sony's Cinema Line, full stop. Stunning 4K, reliable autofocus, and a price that makes full-frame cameras look silly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 6K oversampled 4K looks stunning, sharp but natural 100th
- S-Cinetone gives you that FX9 look without grading 100th
- Dual base ISO makes low light genuinely usable 96th
- Autofocus is fast, accurate, and reliable at 120p 95th
Cons
- No full-frame sensor, and some people won't shut up about it
- Battery life is mediocre, carry at least two spares
- No weather sealing on a camera this expensive is annoying
- EVF is nothing special, fine but forgettable
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q4 202697/100
Buyers in Q4 2026 praised the FX30 as a powerful, easy-to-use cinema camera with excellent image quality, autofocus, and reliability. It was seen as a great value for its price, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- Image quality is sharp with great colors, especially in S-Log3, providing professional-level results.
- Autofocus locks on subjects reliably, making video shooting easier and less stressful.
- Camera is easy to learn and use, even for beginners, with a manageable learning curve.
- Reliability is strong: no overheating issues, fan provides peace of mind, and dual SD slots add security.
- Q3 202687/100
Buyers in Q3 2026 praised the FX30 for video quality and versatility, noting it excels in live streaming and event capture. One mentioned less background blur than A7S III/FX3, but overall satisfaction was high.
- Excellent video quality and performance across various shooting situations.
- Great for live streaming and event capture, meeting specific professional needs.
- Less background blur compared to A7S III and FX3, but not a major issue.
- Significant upgrade from ZCam, with noticeable improvement in user experience.
- Q2 202698/100
Buyers in this period are highly satisfied, praising the FX30's video quality, low-light performance, and suitability for filmmaking and videography. It's seen as a great value for beginners and professionals alike.
- Excellent video quality and performance for professional and beginner videography.
- Great low-light capability, reducing need for additional lighting setups.
- Ideal for film students and beginner filmmakers, offering professional features.
- Reliable and durable, with one user noting it survived two years of use.
- Q1 202673/100
Buyers in Q1 2026 found the camera good for video, with strong recording capabilities, but noted it lacks a lens out of the box and has low light limitations.
- Excellent for video recording, especially long duration, and a good budget option for FX3 users.
- Cannot be used out of the box; a basic lens should be included.
- Low light performance is a weakness.
- Q3 202584/100
Buyers praise the FX30's image quality, value, and ease of use, noting it intercuts well with other Cinema Line cameras. Some mention low-light noise and battery life as drawbacks.
- Image quality is excellent, especially in 4K, with sharp downsampled footage that matches higher-end Sony cameras.
- Great value for money, often recommended over the FX3 for budget-conscious filmmakers, with money left for accessories.
- Low-light performance and noise are noted as not great, but acceptable for a beginner cinema camera.
- Battery life is short, lasting only a few hours, requiring additional purchases for extended shoots.
- Q2 2025100/100
Buyers in Q2 2025 praised the camera as a significant upgrade from other Sony models, easy to transition to, and working flawlessly. It was highly recommended for movie-making.
- Camera is a significant upgrade from non-cinema Sony line, with easy transition.
- Item works well with no issues since purchase.
- Recommended as best option for starting in movies.
- Purchase experience at Best Buy praised.
- Q1 202596/100
Buyers in Q1 2025 praised the FX30 as a major upgrade, delivering excellent video and audio quality, strong autofocus, and professional features at a competitive price. One reviewer bought it twice, highlighting its value for filmmakers.
- Image quality: 4K, dynamic range, S-Cinetone/S-Log3, and 120fps praised as cinematic and high-definition.
- Value for money: Priced below competitors like FX3, yet offers pro features, making it a no-brainer for filmmakers.
- Autofocus: Sony's AF system with eye tracking and real-time recognition keeps footage sharp, even with moving subjects.
- Build and ergonomics: Compact, lightweight, robust body with dual card slots, ideal for run-and-gun and gimbal use.
- Q4 202496/100
Buyers in Q4 2024 praised the FX30's 4K picture quality, value versus the FX3, and ease of use for beginners, with one noting the price is high for novices.
- Exceptional 4K and cinema-quality image, described as 'off the charts' and 'dramatic'.
- Great value for Super 35, half the price of FX3 full frame.
- Easy to use for newcomers, with a gradual learning curve and good audio handle.
- Expensive, but recommended for experienced users; still a top purchase for many.
- Q3 2024100/100
Buyers in this period are highly satisfied, praising the camera's video quality, low-light performance, and value. It's recommended for professional use like film sets and music videos.
- Exceptional 4K video quality and low-light performance, ideal for professional filmmaking.
- Great value for the price, with features surpassing expectations for the cost.
- Compact, lightweight design with user-friendly interface and intuitive controls.
- Advanced autofocus system ensures sharp, precise shots, enhancing usability.
- Q2 202473/100
Buyers praise the FX30's video quality, ease of use, and value, but one open-box purchase led to a severe customer service complaint about a missing battery.
- Excellent video quality and cinematic image, praised by multiple buyers.
- Easy to use and versatile for beginners and experienced users.
- Good value for the price, with strong features for the cost.
- Open-box purchase missing battery and poor customer service response.
- Q1 202491/100
Buyers in Q1 2024 praised the FX30's value, image quality, autofocus, and features like Cine EI and dual XLR. Some noted rolling shutter, no viewfinder, and software quirks, but overall it's seen as a strong budget cinema camera.
- Excellent value for price, offering 95% of features of more expensive cameras like the FX3.
- Superb image quality with oversampled 6K, good dynamic range, and solid low-light performance.
- Autofocus is amazing, with Real-Time Eye AF and Tracking, praised by multiple reviewers.
- Rolling shutter could be better, no viewfinder, and some software choices questioned (e.g., no shutter angle).
- Q4 202396/100
Buyers in Q4 2023 overwhelmingly praised the FX30 as a budget cinema camera with excellent image quality, autofocus, and ergonomics. Minor complaints included the fragile handle and crop sensor limitations.
- Image quality and 10-bit color praised; users highlight cinematic output and flexibility with ProRes Raw.
- Autofocus and ergonomics lauded as improvements over other Sony lines; easy for all skill levels.
- Value for money emphasized; seen as a budget cinema camera outperforming pricier alternatives.
- Crop sensor (1.5x) noted as a limitation for some, especially for weddings and low light; others find it acceptable.
- Q3 202388/100
Buyers in Q3 2023 praised the FX30's video quality, features, and value, calling it a great entry-level cinema camera. Some noted low-light limitations and the crop sensor, with a few mentioning the forced audio attachment.
- Excellent video quality and cinematic image, often described as stunning and incredible.
- Great value for money, offering cinema features at a lower price than FX3 or FS5.
- Low light performance is weak, requiring overexposure to avoid noise.
- Crop sensor limits lens choices and full-frame capability, but some find it acceptable for the price.
- Q2 202388/100
Buyers in Q2 2023 praised the FX30 as an affordable, high-quality cinema camera, ideal for video work. Some noted menu complexity and intentionally limited features, but overall satisfaction was high.
- Excellent value for money, offering professional video quality at a budget price.
- Image quality is highly praised, often compared favorably to more expensive models.
- Menu system is complicated and monitor visibility in daylight is poor, but overall usability is acceptable.
- Some features are intentionally crippled by Sony, requiring multiple cameras for full functionality.
- Q1 202350/100
Buyers praised the FX30's autofocus, color, and build, but two open-box orders arrived in poor condition with missing parts, causing frustration with Best Buy.
- Open-box units arrived in poor condition, missing battery, not as described, causing returns and frustration.
- Autofocus and 10-bit color are superb, a major upgrade from previous cameras like the LUMIX S5.
- Camera body feels solid and looks great, a step up from earlier models.
- SLOG3 filming has a learning curve, but the camera performs well once mastered.
- Q4 202296/100
Buyers in Q4 2022 praised the FX30 as a top-value cinema camera, highlighting excellent image quality, solid build, and user-friendly menus. Some noted the handle as unnecessary, but overall sentiment was highly positive.
- Exceptional value for price, often compared favorably to higher-end cinema cameras.
- High image quality and versatile codecs praised for professional and beginner use.
- Solid build quality, good battery life, and no overheating reported.
- Handle considered a waste of money by some; bundle availability forced unwanted purchase.
Based on 115 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
The 20.1MP Exmor R sensor is the star here. 6K oversampling down to 4K means the footage is sharp without looking crunchy, and the 14+ stops of dynamic range give you real room to push shadows and pull highlights in post. Dual base ISO at 800 and 2500 is a lifesaver for run-and-gun shooters. The autofocus is classic Sony, fast, sticky, and the Real-time Eye AF tracks like it's reading your mind, even at 120p. Burst shooting at 120fps mechanical is absurd for a cinema camera, but hey, it's there if you need it. The IBIS is rated at 5 stops, which is solid but not class-leading. Battery life is the weak spot, sitting at the 47th percentile, so bring spares.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | CMOS |
| Size | aps-c |
| Megapixels | 26 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 495 |
| AF Type | VideoPhase Detection: 495 |
| Eye AF | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes |
| Subject Detection | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 120 |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 |
| 1080p FPS | 240 |
| 10-bit | Yes |
| Log Profile | Yes |
| RAW Video | Yes |
| Codec | XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit, XAVC S, XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit, XAVC Proxy, ProResRAW 16-Bit |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36 M dots |
Build
| Weather Sealed | No |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.2 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 2) |
| HDMI | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
vs Competition
The Fujifilm X-H2S is the closest rival, and it's a genuine toss-up. The Fuji has better burst shooting and a slightly nicer EVF, but the FX30's S-Cinetone and dual base ISO give it the edge for pure video work. The Panasonic S5 II brings full-frame to the table at a similar price, and if you absolutely need that shallow depth of field look, it's worth a hard look. But the FX30's autofocus is more reliable than Panasonic's, and the lens ecosystem is deeper. The Nikon Z9 and Canon R6 Mark III are in a different league price-wise, and honestly, the FX30 makes them look overpriced for most creators.
| Spec | Sony FX30 | Fujifilm X-H2S | Nikon Z Z9 | Canon EOS R6 Mark III | Panasonic LUMIX S S5 II | OM System OM-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | cinema | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 26MP aps-c | 26.2MP aps-c | 45.7MP full-frame | 32.5MP full-frame | 24.2MP full-frame | 20.4MP micro-four-thirds |
| AF Points | 495 | 425 | 493 | 1053 | 779 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 120 | 40 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 10 |
| Video | 4K @120fps | 6K @120fps | 8K @120fps | 8K @120fps | 6K @60fps | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 562 | 579 | 1160 | 609 | 658 | 511 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | EVF | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | User Sentiment | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony FX30 | 90 | 85.4 | 73.5 | 99.7 | 90.8 | 94.5 | 46.5 | 85.5 | 76.1 | 99.6 | 86.7 |
| Fujifilm X-H2S Compare | 87.9 | 96.7 | 94.4 | 92.5 | 97.9 | 96.7 | 97.9 | 99.1 | 65.3 | 94.1 | 94.5 |
| Nikon Z Z9 Compare | 89.7 | 90.5 | 99.3 | 95.6 | 98.8 | 68.1 | 97.4 | 85.5 | 98.1 | 94.1 | 86.7 |
| Canon EOS R6 Mark III Compare | 98.4 | 89.9 | 94.9 | 92.5 | 98.5 | 61.9 | 96.7 | 99.1 | 65.3 | 94.1 | 99.5 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S5 II Compare | 97.4 | 90.1 | 95.9 | 90.3 | 93.8 | 52.8 | 91.4 | 99.4 | 82.5 | 94.1 | 86.7 |
| OM System OM-1 Compare | 94.3 | 97.7 | 84.3 | 94.3 | 84.2 | 46 | 95 | 85.5 | 93.4 | 87.8 | 86.7 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At USD 1,695 to USD 2,100 depending on the vendor, this thing is a steal for what it does. The spread across six US listings is real, so shop around. The best deal we're seeing is at the lower end of that range, and at that price you're getting 90% of an FX6 for a third of the cost. If you're paying full retail at the top of that range, you're still getting a good deal, just not a great one.
Amazon 1 offer From £1,398
Price History
Read more
Overview
The Sony FX30 is the camera that makes you wonder why you'd spend twice as much on a full-frame cinema body. It's a Super 35 sensor packed into a compact, no-nonsense frame, and it delivers footage that looks way more expensive than the price tag suggests. The one thing to know? This is the best value in Sony's Cinema Line, period. You get 6K oversampled 4K, S-Cinetone straight out of the box, and dual base ISO that handles low light better than most APS-C cameras have any right to.
Common Questions
Q: Is the FX30 good for beginners?
Yeah, honestly it's great. S-Cinetone means you can get a cinematic look without touching a LUT, and the autofocus is so good you won't have to think about focus pulls. The menu system takes a weekend to learn, but after that you're golden.
Q: Does the FX30 overheat when shooting 4K?
Based on what we're seeing, no. The body handles heat well for extended 4K recording. It's not a perfect track record across every climate, but most owners report no issues even in longer sessions.
Q: Should I buy the FX30 or wait for a full-frame version?
If you need full-frame, go buy a Panasonic S5 II or save up for an FX3. But if you're asking this question, you probably don't actually need full-frame. The FX30's Super 35 sensor is plenty for most work, and the dual base ISO handles low light better than you'd expect.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a stills-first photographer, this isn't your camera. The 20.1MP sensor is fine for photos, but you're paying for video features you won't use. Go grab a Fujifilm X-T5 or a Sony A7 IV instead. And if you absolutely need full-frame for that ultra-shallow depth of field look, the Panasonic S5 II is the better buy at this price.
Verdict
Buy it. If you're a video-first creator who wants cinematic footage without selling a kidney, the FX30 is the obvious choice. It's not perfect, the battery life is meh and there's no weather sealing, but the image quality and autofocus more than make up for it. This is the camera I'd recommend to anyone moving up from a phone or a budget mirrorless, and it's a killer B-cam for Sony shooters.
