One thing I don't see often talked about, is the quality of the 1080p on the A7S3 and Fx3, its superb, and yes 4k is better, but if you want nice quality video on an older comp to edit...then the quality of the 1080p is money
Thanks! Actually, was asking myself that recently. But, I do remember the A7s and A7s ii full hd always being praised. Even the A7 iii seemed pretty nice. Would be interested if the full hd on the A7 series sucks in comparison to the A7s series. 🤔
Right?! They do pop up in stock from time to time. I ended up ordering mine from Full Compass in Wisonsin. I hadn't heard of them before, but they were absolutely awesome to work with.
I didn't realize that the menu button is on the right side. Sony should switch that on all their cameras because you can access the menus one handed with your hand on the grip. I can't believe Canon paid you to wear their shirt in a Sony sponsored video 🙃
I call it a Cinema Lite camera. I agree with the handle being much sturdier than the XLR extension. I think ND Filter's built-in should define whether it's a Cinema Camera or NOT! If your this guy Tom Buck who is a single shooter RU-vidr it may be the perfect camera? As a consultant, I'm down to one camera the Sony A74 which is the best hybrid camera on the market that's NOT the Sony A1 (that cost twice as much). And if I ever spring for the A1 all the glass that I have will still work! For my B roll, I use the ever-versatile ZV-1 though I keek thinking about upgrading to the Sony ZV-E10 ...
"Diet Cinema" 😁 I guess historically matte boxes have been the go-to method for using ND filters on different sized lenses? But a built-in ND system is absolutely game changing. And if I'm not mistaken the FX6 has a stemless variable built in ND? That's amazing.
For your indoor studio camera needs and multiple other cameras for photos, I’m not surprised you prefer this. Awesome camera. For a hybrid, one camera solution for someone who uses a studio occasionally, I like the A7iv.
I really wish they went with a 24 MP sensor, personally. It would enable crop mode, and in full frame, it seems like A7 IV and A1 have better picture quality in 95% of situations because 12 MP pixels don't actually create 12 MP of detail, especially when you lose some detail to IBIS and built-in lens corrections, too. It would allow for 6K recording, too. For a lot of people, A7 IV just seems like the better camera because it's way cheaper, it shoots full frame at 4K standard frame rates with a better picture and more features (auto focus breathing correction is amazing), its low light is actually even better at 3200 to 9600 ISO, and has a better control scheme (IMO). I understand that there are issues like overheating and rolling shutter, but the A1 is perfectly able to handle those despite having 4x the pixels, so it seems like with the right sensor, like maybe a modified A9 sensor, we could have something that really does it all. I wonder if the A9 III will be that camera.
I've unsubscribed to all channels producing content similar to this and only focused on cinematography channels. However, the way you cover real world use cases is extremely valuable. You got yourself a new subscriber. Keep up the great work and thanks for all the helpful content.
Even the captions got mixed up when you talked about the M1 Macs (26:59). Why can't Apple get people to say things outloud before naming their products 🤦♂
Between the podcast and the channel this has been a great compare tool - finally chose the FX3 mainly for the range going from low light indoors to bright, hot outdoor shots- thanks so much for the details, it really helped👍👍
So happy to hear that! It's a truly awesome camera that's been a total joy to use. (Love your channel by the way- I've been having foot problems this year and finding the right shoes has been insanely important).
I see your point but don't look at the negatives as negatives. On the contrary, this camera is clearly designed around a modular workflow. I understand the design.
I think that’s important to consider. I tried to emphasize the size/modularity as a point of the camera, but there are still trade offs that not everyone is aware of. Fortunately the FX6 and above can cover those if needed (but not nearly as compact or user friendly).
about the button for the lens release ... i was your opinion until i saw thieves stealing the lenses off the cameras ... on sony you block the way to the release button with your hand. and personally i would love to see better protection of camera gear so that thieves have no chance to sell them
@@tombuck sadly yes :( the video of that case is on youtube, it is called "Sneaky Thieves Steal Expensive Lens" some also distract you and cut either the bag or the strap open ... i am pretty afraid of things like that so i keep that alwas in mind
Sony? Hmm... I have a 2011 Sony Handycam HDR-PJ30E. I've got him (I mean, My camcorder) from my mom in 2017. He (My camcorder) is even have a name! His name is Bluebird. I've fell in love with him. He can record in 1440x1080 (Standard Full HD), Which is a pretty standard quality of FHD from 10 years ago... and He's even has an Exmor R CMOS sensor, 12x optical zoom and a 5.1ch built in surround sound mic. He also has a microphone jack like what a pro camcorder is supposed to have... I'm not talking about a headphone jack... He's like everything to me... He stills lives on until now...
I love this story. My mom gifted me a Handycam at the start of my freshmen year of high school. I was going through a tough time and it meant the world to me. It was just an analog 8mm camera, but it pretty much never left my side for years and years.
@@tombuck That's why my first youtube camera is a camcorder, And I'm looking forward to get him a camera rig. I'm going to use him both for my youtube and short films. He's a little cinema camera, In a body of a 2011 camcorder.
Thanks for. this! You caught me just moments before pulling the trigger on. the A7S III. Now I can't wait for the FX3 to arrive... whenever SONY can get the chip shortage sorted.
whaaaaa! I'm watching this video thinking 'I like this review, this guy seems cool' then my beady eye spots something in the blurry background that looks like some graphics I recognise: is that... the cover of an Aquabats album?! So I check out your other vids to find a shot of your wall in focus (sorry a bit stalkery)... and I was right!! And of course I'm like, ah maybe he worked with them or something. So then I find the video (and podcast!) where you explain the whole thing - dude, same here, I'm stoked 😆 ok I'm gunna comment on that other video - this is a camera review vid haha
I love it. I can't remember if I mentioned it in a podcast or not, but I was able to have Parker Jacobs teach a two day workshop for my high school students a few years ago. It was amazing and I still can't believe it happened 🤯
I REALLY appreciate this! There's always a fine line between sharing stuff I'm excited about and feeling like I'm pitching a product. I'm super glad that the enthusiasm shines through.
Fantastic job sir. I JUST switched from the R6 and R to the A74. I’m digging it so far. I would love to have an FX3 as an “A” cam. Btw, thank you for the lens release button observation. Not a deal breaker, but it’s definitely in an awkward spot lol.
Great review! My only gripe, (if you could call it that) is that I wish it had an EVF. As far as files from the FX3 go, they are pretty laggy on my iMac but proxies solve that issue for me.
I like Blackmagic’s solution of offering an EVF attachment. I’d love to see Sony do something like that. They usually love little proprietary attachments, so I’m surprised they haven’t!
I've actually been looking for one. I had the Canon dummy battery system, which works really well, but I haven't found one for Sony that I wanted to get yet. It looks like Kondor Blue makes some interesting stuff though.
Ok, I knew that this camera would be out of my budget for now, but you always hook me in, and here I am to the very end. Your content is always so easy to watch, always entertaining, and I learn stuff. Haha! Your B roll is always so inspiring. You do such amazing work in general. Thank you for all your hard work!
True! It just inspired me to do a classic coffee b-roll shot. Million videos out there. Never did one myself. And product shoot b-roll - on my list, just because this video today!
Hi Tom, awesome work on the video. Do you have any experience with recording with neon lights giving you flickering and banding with the FX3? I own the FX30, zve1 and a7cii and all have variable shutter which helps with this issue. Also, can you confirm that the FX3 does NOT have variable shutter? I've already ordered the FX3 and planning to return my fx30.
I wanted to get the FX3 as my first full-frame video camera, especially because I've been shooting on my iPhones for years pretending to be a RU-vidr 😅 So, I settled for the A7S3 because the FX3 was and still is back-ordered everywhere. As always, thanks for the in-depth video ✌🏼
The color quality of your videos are perfect! Can you tell me which camera and color profile you're using? If you're using S Log 3, which LUT are you using. Thank you!
This is a perfect video! I definitely love the utility feel of the fx3. It not having built-in ND isn’t a deal breaker but I still wish it had it. Great review
No DR, highlight rolloff, color science talk, nothing :) "it has usable 20.000 ISO" has nothing to do with image quality. The same goes for full frame or 12mpx.
Just wondering if you use the EOS R any longer for video and if so does the footage fit in well with the sony footage or is it too much of a difference to mix with the sonys.
For the sake of video oriented work, yeah this camera makes a lot of sense and the included audio handle. You could even shoot a movie with these cameras if you wanted to. Once you learn how to process sLog3 you can dial in the look further. For pictures, 12mp is enough. Can't remember how many weddings I shot with a D3s that had just 12mp and those were stunning.
That's a great question! I don't have an a7III to test it with, but I believe it should work since it's very similar to the K3M that's made for the a7III. On the FX3 I've found the noise floor to be about the same, if not a little better than the built in input.
Loved the review Tom - incredibly in-depth. Quick question: push-shove - would you continue to use the audio handle/direct-XLR in studio or do you prefer the Podcaster Pro in the end for your audio tracks? Thanks again for the review.
Just here to inflate my confirmation bias. I’ve had mine for about as long as you have had yours and it’s been a good experience. Giving up a few things with it but nothing that I miss for my use case.
“Adios to Audio” almost made me quit the video, but I’m a dad too so I feel ya :) love the video quality in this video. What glass are you using? Is it also two A7SIII’s in your multicam setup?
It's pretty crazy. I'm surprised I don't hear it talked about more because it's a huge benefit and was definitely a nice surprise once I started using Sonys regularly.
My migration from the "Sony NEX 5n" to my current "Fx3" makes that little "menu/mode" button switcheroo seem almost laughable to me! (in my defense, I had a couple of Canons DSLR's in between) which ALSO reminds me Q: what makes these two Sony's models similar A: Both are E.V.I.L cameras (Electronic- viewfinder- interchangeable- lens)
This camera is amazing dude! 1st time watching your content Tom and I’m not disappointed … Keep up the great work bro! From KiwiKoNZ all the way from New Zealand 🇳🇿👈😎👍✨
Tom, how have I never come across your channel before! I am waiting for my FX 3 to arrive and this has been my favorite review! So excited to get started on this side passion of mine. I love the colors in your shots and the composition in your b-roll. This video is so punny and perfect and I’m ready to “buck” the trend and hit subscribe after the very first watch!
Oh man thanks Sam! This totally makes my day to hear. You’ll love the FX3. I ended up getting the Tilta cage with hand grip for mine, and it’s been a great addition if you plan to do a lot of handheld work m👍
Dude, just read your website bio and that is one helluva story. You mos def seem like you'd be one of those cool teachers that impact kids' lives and that they never forget about. Kudos to you. And to reiterate, the amount of value you bring to these videos is immeasurable. TY!
Thank you! It absolutely makes my day to hear this and really does mean the world to me. Thanks for taking the time to read the way-too-long bio page 😁
My gripe was no time code or sync input. Ended up going with three Panasonic BGH1’s. I got two for basically what this cost and they are absolutely just insane perfect if you are keeping them posted up in a studio!
Panasonic really does seem to cram a lot of pro features into just about all of their cameras. If they had better autofocus, I definitely would've really considered one before getting the FX3. 👍
I use the 5w Sony charger that came with my a7IV, but most USB power supplies will do it. Depending on your source/cable, you might still have the battery drain but over a lot longer period.
That lens release button being close to the grip makes it difficult for thieves to pop your lens. In Asia and Europe, thieves will approach a photographer, one will distract and another will hit the lens release button and take the lens. Not impossible to do with Sony, but if you’re holding the camera by the grip, it’s that much harder.
You can run the monitor outputs (set to line level) into the 3.5mm jack using a balanced Y cable (two 1/4" connectors on one side and a 3.5mm on the other). But truthfully, I've gotten mixed results with this. It's very tough to find the right cables/settings to get a clean signal. I wish the RCP2 had a camera audio output like the Vocaster Two does.
