HELP?! Is the Sony FX3 "BETTER" Than the A7S III? 

You either gonna make me spend money or keep me from spending money. 😅 GO! 👇🏻

Just traded my fx3 for an a7s3 and couldn’t be happier. The viewfinder is gorgeous. Missed focus few times with fx3 and manual lens and decided to take a look at a7s3. Really like it now.

I've owned both cameras since last year and honestly, they're both terrific. The audio on the FX3 makes it the main camera for me (plus I love the Tilta cage that has a side handle on it), but the a7SIII is the one that first hooked me on Sony. It's so good! Ultimately I think it comes down to form factor, audio handle, and the new upgrades with firmware 2.0 (which are nice, but not worth upgrading for in my opinion). It's also ok to just want something and go for it! Side note: I REALLY want that Tamron 17-2.8 😁

I live and work in Dubai and call the Philippines home. I went with Two FX3 simply because of the fan. Filming in 50°c is a killer on non ventilated cameras.

It depends on what you do. As a content creator if you shoot mainly b-roll, fly the camera on a gimbal and mainly run and gun style shooting and do not need professional audio, then absolutely…..yes, A7SIII is the perfect camera for that application. Whereas, If You shoot mainly tripod work using studio lighting and Shotgun microphones on boomed overhead (just out of frame) then the FX-3 is the better option. I shoot corporate video, therefore professional XLR audio is a MUST. My clients pay a lot for professional video production including professional studio lighting and professional audio filmed at their location. As a professional content creator shooting corporate work, the audio has to not only be pristine, but it also needs to be backed up by my 3rd and 4th channels. For insurance I record at a lower level on channels 1 & 2 then I do on channels 3 & 4. You can always boost audio, but it’s difficult to do anything when the audio gain is too high and vocals are distorted. I could not use the A7SIII without purchasing the K3M-XLR adapter first (a $598 accessory). Without that adapter on the A7SIII, I wouldn’t be able to use that camera for my workflow. As a professional, I must be able to have redundancy in both video and audio. My livelihood depends on my reputation. I cannot stake my reputation and client experience on one 3.5mm audio jack. What happens if I capture audio with two much gain on my Rode Wireless Go II’s? What happens if I shoot a live conference event using one source of audio a 3.5mm Jack and my audio fails? I need at least two, if not three sources of audio recording directly into the camera for my workflow. You may ask why not use a zoom recorder and sync audio later? The answer is simple, I do not want to create extra work in post production syncing audio files. There is enough to do without having to add additional steps in post production. It is a terrifying feeling when you have the clients content and now you realize there is a crisis with their audio recording that is flawed or worse not captured at all. Imagine going back to a client that just spent $6000 on a video production with your company and you have to call them with an excuse about poor audio quality or no audio at all? If the audio can be salvaged it has to go to a sound engineer for $50-$75 an hour. That’s a bad look. To me, the extra $400 spent on a tool that I needed for my workflow and that would more than pay for itself 20 times over was well worth the investment.

Always you have a sence of humor on you videos so when the notifications pop up i immediately watch your video immediately

Getting the FX-30 makes me appreciate my a7SIII better. When you shoot overhead with your FX3/ FX30, you have a hard time finding the record button. I love having the viewfinder when I am shooting under bright sunlight. I love the FX3/30 for its top handle, so I bought a small rig adaptor and now I have a Sony a7SFXiii. Problems solved.

Haven't used the a7s. Do own the FX. Pre-hype, would add. This one goes out mostly to someone who has neither but wants one of the two. Joris, keep your S. No need to upset the apple cart. I like it because of the work that I do on my channel (which you are welcome to look at). Long uncut takes. On a Gimbal mostly. In the outdoors. In a hot car. No matter the climate or condition, no overheats. Hello active cooling. Perfect for me. The FX is lower profile than the S. Both visually and dimensionally. Less to see when walking around with it in public. Not a high target item because it doesn't look like a spendy Mirrorless. You have to know what it is to appreciate it. Like a low key Audi RS3. Just a rental spec A4 to everyone else. A lack of EVF hump means it is low profile in other ways too. works on smaller Gimbals with ease. Crane M3 all day. Control surfaces are a little more videocentric out of the box, but you can make the S do the same dance with some customization. It's a draw. The new firmware doesn't matter to me. Can't shoot log for an hour long clip in wildly varying lighting. But if you are the type to froof around with that nonsense, 2.0 is a broader toolkit that is not available on the S and may help you with what you do. Finally, we get to body mounts. I like that it is festooned with extra 1/4-20 mounts. It means less extra hardware like a cage or what have you. Oh yeah, xlr top handle in the box, though you can buy the same thing for the S I guess.

I have an FX3, the red lights are great, I can shoot vertically without a cage, EI mode are for psycho (if you're into that, juste buy a Venice). The FX3 looks minimalist and beautiful. The handle with XRL is great. BUT if you have an AS73 already, don't buy it juste for the hype. And one last thing, it's crazy to think that you have a cine camera in such a small body, is basically an FX6 in a smaller form factor. Oh and the FX3 is cool for youtuber and filmmlaker but clients see it as a toy (until you say it's 5K€). Thank for your videos and your energy !

Do you need it? Nope, should you get it? Only if you can afford it as a luxury item. I have the A7III, A7IV, A7S3, and the FX3. All of these cameras produce similar results minus the A7III (because of 10 bit). If you really “needed” the FX3, then you would be looking at the FX6. I don’t NEED all of them, I just can afford them…..

I've used the A7SIII, not the FX3. But I did notice myself looking for things that were available on the FX3 that the A7SIII didn't have. Will you notice a difference in the final image? Most likely not, but you will appreciate the quality of life upgrades. It'll be easier and maybe faster to get RU-vid videos filmed. All that being said, I would only switch if the price is a good swap. Can you get a lot for your A7 and find a good priced FX3? Then sure! Otherwise I'd say wait for the next one.

Myself hangin into my FX9, it has Cine EI and I use it all the time (client work) Having A7III but will upgrade around weekend time to FX3, still thinking if I would go A7SIII instead but now when noticed it has (FX3) Cine EI, I will go with it! Also they match better by the looks of the cameras haha and I really rarely have used EVF, so I am fine without. Photos I also shoot really rarely anymore with my camera (iPhone 13 Pro handles it for my needs like 99% of time).

I shoot on the a7Siii and Alpha 1 so honestly I'm good where I'm sitting. But, if I were going to be adding another video focused camera into my equipment pool it would without a doubt be the FX6. To me, the FX3 is an amazing camera but at the end of the day it doesn't offer me enough over my a7Siii to add any new value to what I already have. The FX6 on the other hand takes the few additional benefits the FX3 offers over the a7Siii and adds a whole lot more like internal NDs and focus breathing compensation. So, in terms of the a7Siii vs the FX3, they really offer the same identical quality footage in different form factors. If you are doing true films and need things like time code etc then obviously the FX3 is the correct option. If you want a sneaky run and gun setup and maybe RU-vid style vlogging where you might not want to draw as much attention then the inconspicuous a7Siii would probably be the go to for that.

Do you have a link to that anamorphic lens you have? Thx!

Im going to just end up getting the fx30 and fx3 because spending 3 years wondering what camera to get really does get exhausting because newer cameras are always getting announced every year with new similar firmware updates and features for other cameras overall I believe these are the best for me even though I have no clue on what lenses is great for podcasting! 😂

Biggest mistake I did was by the FX 30 I should’ve spent a little extra money and got myself a7siii I would have been happier, now I have to sell the FX 30 and lose money😢

I would love to get the FX3 over the SIII, main reasons, Recording lights, form factor (love my a7C) and aesthetics.

What do you think about bmcc 6k G2 , can it be used as a talking head video camera .

I think the fx3 firmware wasn’t ready. It also wasn’t really considered a cinema camera, where as now it fits with the fx line.

Hi Joris! Very cool video and nice questions!!! So, i don't own a a7siii or a FX3 but i had the same affect by youtube review videos in the past for the GH5! I just wanted a video camera that will improve my work and GH5 seemed to be like the absolute solution but guess what??? ...NO! I'm still using my older 6D with magic lantern and BMPCC original camera. My opinion about your questions though is to stay with the a7siii make more money and when sony or any other company decide to make a camera that fits in your style and your content more than the a7siii, give the chance to it! Cheers \m/

I went through the same argument in my head. i landed on a7s3 because a few reasons. 1. i personally use EVF allllll the time. and if i didn't, it's just an added feature that goes a little further just having it. great for sunny says. 2. i want some software updates, like the shutter speed update, but, my timeline would be stuck with making new frames or dropping them. so one camera workflow, nah. 3. i'd rather add my own cage and top handle than be force to have one. 4. i don't have a problem with my audio setup currently. 5. it's more space for travel 6. hype makes us spend money, where it is better used elsewhere 7. a new camera that is equal to the one you have won't make your work better, only make it a little easier to do a few things. but i can't imagine THAT much easier After even more thoughts, i figured, i'd only get the fx3 as a second camera or if i didn't already have the a7s3. maybe i'd do that. but i love the a7s3 so much that i see myself keeping it for the next 5 years at least. i think it's near perfect!

so here's my thing, and what my thinking is. first, this videography stuff for me is a hobby, one i spend a lot of time and get a lot of enjoyment from, but at the end of the day, any purchase *i* make is a toy. but i wanted to get a video-centric camera. I have the S5, which I love, and years ago i got the BMPCC OG when they were new. But i really wanted to get a proper "cine" camera and it was down to the FX3 and something else.... but then Blackmagic came out with the 6k G2. Since I am really enamored by the Blackmagic color science i decided to go with the 6k G2. I'm NOT advocating the the BMPCC at all! I just thought that when I was looking at the FX3 versus anything else, that 6k G2 came out, it was like a light went on! So maybe that's what it is? If that light doesn't just pop on in your head for the FX3, maybe it doesn't make sense?

If your a photographer as well, then the A7Siii is definitely for you! If money wasn’t a problem then buy an FX3 and remove the A7Siii for an A7IV.😎

Mate hang fire. I have the a7siii and probs like many got it before the release of fx3. I shoot stills with it too, here and there. It does the job. There are audio extensions if one needs it. Personally I'd hang fire for the new release, like an fx4. Most likely not far off as I'm sure it's been around 2 years since the release of a7siii.

Keep the A7s3 content is King 👑

Liked that cinema lens 50mm. How it'll work with my a7iv?

Custom LUT is much needed in A7s3 and it's frustrating that its not getting it

I honestly don’t know if one is better than the other. It bothers me that Sony are only now separating the cameras, but I mean it’s theirs and they can do what they want. If they don’t update the s3 and make it something different than the fx3 I’ll be annoyed as I don’t see a benefit for the s3 when the x3 will have more features and relatively the same price. It seems like the s3 will be the last of the series because why continue it when the x3 is so close and offers more. I’m rambling. I also damaged my s3’s sensor and had to send it to someone for repairs and I feel sick just thinking about it.

HI! I think the Sony A7SIII is great. It has nothing to envy to the FX3 !! The sony A7SIII with a good lens a good ND filter remains cinematic and fantastic! Sony A7Siii for ever! Hello from Italy.

Sounds like you don’t need an fx3 but you want one. I just got mine yesterday and looking to get another one

Nobody can’t compare the sony AS73 with the FX3 because now with the Cine EI firmware update the Sony FX3 now is a real cinema camera because with all the features from Fx6 and Fx9 make the Fx3 in a winner camera. You can get a real Skin Tones, no more magenta and green bending problems. Im very happy with my camera.

I can't comment on the A7SIII as I've never used it. But the new update is a game changer for me. The main reason behind buying it in the first place was the XLR handle, but the new update just made me soooo glad of that decision!

No one talks about the image differences! I have shot a ton with both. The A7SIII has a slightly sharper look that is perfect for fashion work. The FX3 has a slightly softer image. Sort of like the S1H vs S1 image difference. I bet they are using an optical low pass filter, although I can't confirm anywhere. Anyways, I still prefer the A7SIII for sharp fashion brand videography.

I have the fx3 for a few days now. And boy am I glad I saved up a little more money. You just really feel and experience that this is a dedicated VIDEO camera. And if some people say that this isn’t a “cinema - line” camera. There just being total snobs. Especially with the new firmware update, the fx3 beats the A7sIII hands down (when it comes to video). For me, the shooting experience is as- if not even more important than the image quality. Just heaving the ability to: see if i’m recording from meters away, surfing through VIDEO setting super fast thanks to the button layout, switching between native iso fast, punch in the image with the zoom rocket, not heaving to worry about overheating in warm conditions, etc. This camera just is amazing! Also the top handle comes in handier then I thought. With a little modification, it’s actually really nice to use. I wouldn’t really upgrade from the a7SIII to the fx3, but if you need an equal b-cam, or when your coming from something like an A7III. Don’t even hesitate and go for the FX3, you’ll thank me later! Cheers, Renzo

what is the best b cam for the fx3?

OMG MERCH!!! YES!!!

Great video (you are funny man 🤣)... Unfortunately, with this topic, I am about as useful to you as an inflatable dartboard 🙄🤦‍♂️🤣 But as for the merch? NICE 🔥. As soon as my boss is good enough to pay me, I shall purchase a cap to place on my oversized head 😁🤣. Looks great Joris - the very best of luck with it 🙏.

Netflix approved should end the discussion.

that ending was quite funny, considering how it seems sony will come up with a new compact cinema camera, fx30, this september :)) i guess dont get fx3 yet :))

I love the a7siii... and use the electronic viewfinder constantly because I'm 40+ and my eyes are beginning to suck. That being said, I wish I got the fx3 because I bought two a7siii's... . I think I need to be practical and wait until I need to buy a third camera, and by that time, I'm sure something better will be out 😂😂😂😂

You just make a lightning plushie and I'm buying it. 💪 You also need to remember that the FX3 is less photography orientated now. 🤔

ALs je weet waar ze te kopen zijn laat je me het ff weten? ;)

Nice job Joris, merch move is wise. Look into the FX30 - better resolution than the FX3, about 1/2 the price and you can use your full frame lenses. Crop factor and very few fast (1.4/1.8) APS-C lenses are the only downside (what will Netflix say about that? More importantly, who cares what Netflix says?) I have an A7Siii, never use the viewfinder and sadly the camera is rarely used as well - it's my "studio" camera and well beyond what I need. The driving decisions in the need vs. want category for me was smaller lenses - I do a lot of Motorcycle camping and less is more and value (not price). Unless you're planning to do a remake of Cleopatra, The Godfather or The Wizard of Oz, consider the FX30 so you're money won't be "Gone With The Wind."

After the update yes for me fx3 better. looking to trade & cash my a7s3

What camera you use. It’s so clean

If you already have a cage and an xlr audio solution, you don't need the FX3. I think you would know if you need an FX3

Hey Joris.... you asked so I'll say: do as what I do.....waaaaiiiiiit! 🙂I was due to buy another body and upgrade my gear in general in 2020... i held off when all my work was cancelled, i lived off those savings thankfully for a while. And now, with my savings at zero... I just got used to the fact of not upgrading. Sure, I'd love to have all the bright sparkly things buuuut, look at it this way: every penny earned using equipment you didn't upgrade to, is effectively making the gear that you end up buying a little cheaper. Besides the equipment is just a tool, not the art. Rent an FX3 if you really want to feel the vibe, rent it 2-3 times...

I am one of the three Nikon shooters. Z9 - 8K 12bit in camera raw goodness. :)

The question is, how will Netflix know that the movie was shot with an FX3 or A7S3..it's the same sensor.. same format .. Results match in every way ?!!

Hey Joris McKinnon, the grey hair makes the ladies go gaga. Embrace it, trust me ;)

just save the money for the new and better camera, technology is changing every day. The software update didn't help get better results, it just makes the workload maybe turn a little more smother.

From personal experience, if you really have to ask yourself, then you don’t need it. Renting it might give you a better impression.

You’re a funny guy santa hahah

i think time code sinc is a game changer

I use both. FX3's build quality, ease to shoot videos (both hardware & software wise) , stability and reliability while shooting videos is couple notches better than A7SIII. I thought the lack of EVF is a turnoff but for video shooter it really doesn't really matter much. An external camera monitor is still miles better than EVF anyway.

Since I saw FX3, I have been telling A7siii is so much better! Its cheaper, it has viewfinder (which makes more sense for small run and gun setups), You can have XLR audio and 4 channels which can be mounted anywhere on the rig (not limited to top handle nonsense...), if you want to rig up, you put it in Cage and have much more felxibility then FX3... FX3 owners say it has a fan, like that was a benefit, I have been shooting in 40 Celsius (140 Fahrenheit) past 2 years for hours of continuous shoot and never ever even had a notification of overheating. 2.0 update and tally light maybe the only reasons for considering FX3, for me its still not worth it.

super

its nice camera but something bad with camera its very fast heat and you cant use it for 30 minutes

finally someone who is in the same spot as me

I just bought another FX3 the hype is real!

Nooo its the same just sony won't give the new updated

A7S3, like Philip bloom

and those 3 Nikon shooters 😭😭😂😂😂😂

i mean the main highlight is You can tell your clients that you have a netflix approved camera which can buildup a hype and make u worth -- clients may search what is A netflix appproved camera !! not FX3 vs a7siii differences ~ KEEP THAT IN MIND FOLKS

Aahhmmm.... Fixing documents for my credit eligibility for an iPhone 12. If granted. Hopefully. I could start a decent RU-vid Channel.

Sony is marketing genius that they can sell a lot of fx3. Now I can see a lot of a7siii on used market and price is keep getting low which sony doesnt care about. They sell more fx3. Fx3 a7siii are both good on what we are doing. Specially who does job with 4000 dollar camera budget. If u are hired by company works for netflix thing they will have cinema camera or you can rent it. We all know budget for netflix is nit cheap. We better spend time for developing picture quality not for the gear. Let save money and be creative. I got a7siii I was having headach with same reason, I realized when I see your youtube posts. Camera is not making film, we are making flim. Dont wanna be gear slave. Thank you.

actually saying 3 nikon shooters is violence 😂😂😂😂

at this point, you will be only happy, when you get your fx3. this is just how it works 😂

No image quality difference = no difference in story telling. There’s no internal ND on fx3. It has more holes. Keep the a7s3

Also except slomo and different dual iso a7iv is also the same and better for photos

Stick with the A7SIII and buy the FX30 and make some nice videos about that last one!

Aye

Yeah, Ummmm I would've bought both by the time you finished this video. 😅

Will you be doing a NETFLIX film? Then you got your answer.

Is this not old news?

go ahead and buy it. You will do that anyway even if it isn't the right choice. Make Sony some money they need it. 😂😂😂 BTW I am a Nikon fan.

You don't need one. Wait for a new one.

Just buy it!

You are fighting the G.A.S

No it's the photographer that counts not the kit!!

You can get more out of the 7SIII

If you sell the a7s3 I have $3 in my wallet and a nikon d3200 with a couple lens, I'll trade you

Forget about cameras, join the dark side of smartphone videos and claim the real glory of video editing Muahaahaha

Buy A1 better DR and 8K

YOU DON'T NEED THAT

So you drop a lot of money on a new camera then spend how much time setting up your "Netflix" camera SO YOU CAN LEAVE US!!!! What if the firm ware breaks, what if the luts ruin your shot. Stay with us stay with the A7S.

Not worth upgrading to the FX3 now. Its the „same“ camera. Wait for the next big release