Nah bro you hit the nail on the head... its not superficial when you find something you spent a sh*t ton of money on aesthetically pleasing to look at. It encourages you to pick it up and use it. It was a huge factor in why i bought into the sony system
I’m that dual shooter you speak of, using the very same two cameras that you film with. Wedding has been my bread and butter for the past 4 months, and here are my two cents (that no one asked): 1. Physical button layout was something that I’m still trying to get used to. I have custom buttons all set up to my liking (e.g., the big wheel for ISO, AF-ON on for MF/AF switch, etc) so I try to replicate it on the FX30 (that I only get to use at gigs). 2. Your thoughts on low-light capabilities is spot-on. I’ve only noticed it in the last few weeks, but yes, the a7IV beats the FX30 easily. 3. Crop factor. On the a7IV, I have 24-70mmGMII, while the FX30 got an 85mm f1.8, which gives me the full-frame equivalent of f 127mm or so. This allows me to capture faces across the isle of the chapel we film at and I love it. I almost never swap lenses. 4. More on the button layout…I am not a huge fan of the rec button on the FX30, as I feel I have to stretch out my thumb to reach it. On the a7IV, it’s easily done with my index finger. 5. I also own an FS5 that I had shot in place of the FX30 before, and I noticed that the image quality is (1080p) better on the FS5… Because I get to shoot at the same exact chapel week after week, I was able to do simple A/B comparison (both cameras use an APS-C-sized sensor) and realized that the footage shot on the FX30 appears overly sharp, almost as if you applied sharpening effect. On the FS5, it is more natural - filmic even. This is especially noticeable on garments with fine details. All in all, I don’t have much to complain about either. Love shooting with them.
As an A7iv owner who sold his A7iv for the FX30, I can tell you that I do not regret the swap. I am mainly a filmmaker, and rarely take photos. I watched TONS of videos on the FX30 from people I trust because of their occupation as a professional filmmaker or colorist. After filming lots of tests, etc., I am really thrilled about my FX30. As a filmmaker, I have lights for filmmaking. Several lights. Recently, I started filming a web series with the FX30 and I am very happy with the results. I've also been a visual effects artist on over 30+ feature films. So, having the ability to record 16-bit ProRes RAW externally is a huge plus. Not to mention having timecode to sync up with more cameras if needed.
I’m so glad that you have had a good experience. I really do prefer the shooting experience of the fx30 for video over the A7IV. I’ve also not really had an issue with low light or anything yet.
Haha so that's great! But after testing an a7iv for 2 weddings (that's what I do with the a7siii being my main camera) I returned it and ordered an fx30 and tested it on one wedding. Now as people know wedding filming is very hard because light conditions change and are hard to control. After reviewing the footage I can say the fx30 definitely has more iso grain in low light than the a7iv even in the 4k60 crop mode which I would have thought thw opposite. Anyway, it was a no Brainer for me because I was able to get a basically new a7iv from BnH photo for 350 dollars difference. The fx30 is definitely a good camera just not for low light
@@cassijoanna definitely agree. If you are someone that regularly shoots events and weddings, the A7IV makes more sense. But for everyone else who controls lighting or shoots in daylight, you would hardly notice a difference. But if I had to choose one cam, it’s the A7IV. Just for the flexibility of the lowlight and full frame
I own the A7IV - My Fx30 comes in tomorrow and so excited to use it. I want my photo camera and I want a video camera separate even though I could do it all on the A7IV
Well the overheating concern with the A74 made me change my order at the last minute. I've had Sony DSLRs shut down on me in the past during long filming and I can't risk that on paid work. Since I might get an FX6 at some point I didn't want to buy an FX3, which is already pricey enough. A7S3 is also pricey and I expect is due an upgrade v.soon. The FX30 with the XLR audio feels like having an FS7 in my hand, but better colours, decent autofocus and gimbal friendly!
Absolutely agree. Fx30 is a perfect cam to get started on the cinema lineup. I was planning to go for an fx6 as well, but ultimately decided to get the FX3 since it made the most sense for my work. Not disappointed at all!
You can get 3 APSC primes for the price of a FF lens. I went back to APSC a couple of years ago on Sony FF for video. BTW Eliminate the need for using your sound card when filming in the studio. Get the XLR handle!! Connect the FX30 with usb-c and use your nice mics for zoom calls, recording tutorials, youtube videos. It's actually amazing
Thy sounds great! Yea I considered the handle but I just had no need for it personally. It’s a great option though! Totally agree about the Apsc primes. Most people would benefit greatly from that. Especially those sigma 1.4 primes 🤙
I totally agree with the "look" of the camera being a selling point. I am a visual guy also with what equipment looks like. This camera style/design was a huge factor for me in wanting to go create and carrying this around camera vs a "traditional" looking camera. The video/cinema quality is really outstanding also and makes creating/editing content super fun.
@@liquaard2824 I definitely agree. For the price, Black magic has the best image quality available at this price point. It’s just more of a hassle to use on a daily basis than a typical mirrorless. If I were only doing commercial/production work. It would be BM all the way. But for video work, Sony is my favorite system
EXCELLENT review. I recently pulled the trigger on an FX30 and was debating between the FX30, A7IV, Panasonic GH6 and Fuji X-H2S. I watched tons of videos on RU-vid and at the end of my research it came down to the two Sony cameras. I asked a lot of people in video comments and most people suggested the A7IV (even though I mentioned I needed the camera for video only). This video makes me way more confident about my decision to get the FX30. Just waiting for it to arrive (from what I've heard it is sold out everywhere). What you mentioned about the FX30 being better than the GH6, in low light, is great to know. I also agree with what you said about the camera looking cool (especially for the price). Keep up the great work!
Wow ! I have both cameras and also go the 11mm 1.8 for it and will use mu full frame lenses from my a7IV with them. People asked why I decided to get the FX30 and i can just show them this video. This validates my decision.
@@darpinomedia9619 I love the size and weight of it but yet to. have to really gotten a chance to play with it . After the holidays , I will have some time to experiment .
picked up two FX30 units...they replaced a pair of FX30s did plenty of testing especially in low light...very very pleased with the image...did a lowlight shoot from 100ft away using the tamron 70 to 180 and the FX30 performed like a charm
This video helped out a lot! I currently have a A7IV and want another cam like the FX3 but the price on that thing is too hefty! About to pull the trigger on the FX30
My local Best Buy had an FX30 with the XLR handle on display. It looked and felt a lot better than I expected and made me think that it might be time for a new camera! Even though I recently bought the a7IV to pair with my a7SIII...
Yea it’s definitely one of those cameras that once you use and handle it, it’s just great. Specs are great and image quality between most modern cameras are all SO good and similar. It just about finding what makes you happy and gets the job done. I love my fx30, would I take it over the A7IV or A7SIII if no budget was kept in mind? Probably not, but if I only had the budget for the fx30, I could easily accomplish 95% of what I need.
Great explanation on the purchase. Like you I liked the look of the camera and the lens available for it, plus the price made it a no brainer. I considered the FX3 but it was too pricey for the low MP count, for photos but, the low light capability is awesome on it. I’ve actually shot more photos on this camera than videos and it does well there. Coming from the photo side, I’m more likely to take a photo than shoot video but I’m working on that. I got mine with the handle and rigged it up to use my Deity V Mic D3 Pro, I also got the ECM-B1M for when I’m about and about to remain somewhat inconspicuous. With how this is selling, SONY may have to make a better APSC hybrid camera, with the look of the A7 line to satisfy the hybrid crowd.
@@darpinomedia9619 I think it’s coming this year. A7000 it’s rumoured to be designated as…the Zv-E1 is due in just over a week and could be a fantastic way to get that FX3 sensor much cheaper. I’m deciding between the FX30, A7IV (used) and that ZV-E1 at the end of the month.
*Just got Mine on the 3rd and just started using it a few days ago and it's AMAZING. I'm lookin forward to getting a Zoom Lens like the Sigma 18-50mm or Sony 10-20mm*
nice video and love the image! thinking about the FX30 since it is announced. still shooting with my a6300 but the time has come to replace it. I already have some nice apsc lenses so the FX30 would be a no-brainer. but I'm still a little in doubt why I shouldn't take an used A7iii for example (for around €1100 without lenses) because here in the Netherlands the FX30 is €2300 without top handle. shooting various things, small promo's, weddings, youtube video's..
It honestly depends on your use case. If you are someone who wants to shoot in log and color grade, then the FX30 definitely makes more sense. If you typically shoot in a more standard profile and don’t do much color grading then the a7iii still performs great. Then obviously with full frame, comes full frame glass. Much more expensive investment.
@@darpinomedia9619 thank you for your reply. I'm highly interested in color grading and getting the best image of out a camera. So I would shoot in log3 when I'm experienced enough with that profile when shooting the real deal (a wedding for example).
I'd say don't go with fx30 unless you are most of the time working in a studio environment or can bring studio lights. Low light capabilities on the fx30 leaves a lot to ask for! I went with the IV, but will prolly get the fx30 as a secondary cam. Using a7iii as a second cam right now but missing 10bit.
I’d say I agree to an extent. But the lowlight on the 30 is far from bad. I think 2500 is great and will be totally usable in most situations. Other than maybe dark nightclubs or venues if you are trying to shoot 60fps and above. But with the right lenses 2500 and pushing a bit beyond is very usable. Now having said that, the A7IV/fx30 combo is perfect
I agree to a certain extent. But considering the built in fans and overheating issues of the Zv-e1 I’m not sure. Don’t regret the FX30 but I am certainly very intrigued by the ZV-E1.
Yep my FX30 will be here tomorrow along with the Sony 11mm 1.8! I will be using it mainly for real estate video in the beginning. I will try branching out into other areas of video as well and this will be my video work horse if it's as good as I have heard. How's the stabilization with and without the RS3? I have that too, still trying to perfect the "walk" lol. Thanks!
In my country FX30 and X-H2s costs the same. So Im actually leaning towrds Fuji just for colors and the amazing dynamic range of that camera. Autofocus isnt the same but its not that important to me. I use manual lenese anyway most of the time.
Great video. In the UK today the difference between the A7IV and FX30 is just £84 but my use case is a third camera (to the FX6 and A7SIII) for host/guest video podcasting in my small studio. Which do you think I should buy?
Thank you! I think you could probably get away with either. But I have had issues with overheating on the A7IV and you won’t have any of those issues with the fx30. I’ve recorded 1hr+ takes on the A7IV, but the fact that I’ve had it overheat before makes me not trust it for long takes. If that’s the very specific use case for you, then I’d probably go for the fx30. But if you were going to use it for photos or some other style videos I’d say A7IV
Correct me if I’m wrong but the fx30 does have a minor crop in 4k60 and the A7IV has a 1.5x crop so technically you’re getting more with the A7IV and it’s 10bit as well
I have a Sony a7iii and I just order the Sony fx30 last night but it’s back ordered:( I’m going to run these two setup and not get the Sony Iv like I originally wanted.
I have an a7iii and just received my fx30 and 11mm f1.8 last week and sent my a7iii for repairs. After playing with some of the 10 bit footage from the fx30 I’m starting to consider selling the a7iii and getting an a7iv because I still want a capable stills camera that has similar output to the fx30. One thing I love is that my Tamron zoom f2.8 lenses are great on the fx30. I do wish the fx30 had built in ND, but that might be asking for too much!
@@darpinomedia9619 We had it up in York too.. I've lived in Montana now for almost 27 years.. so the accent is welcome nostalgia. btw.. the FX30 is dope and I'll be getting one here soon Lord willing!
Everywhere on RU-vid people talk about overheating and getting extremely hot of the Sony A7IV during 4K recordings and even shutting down! My simple question, if you film in 1440p does this camera also overheat after filming for a long time? Since this A7IV is high on my wish list instead of the FX30 because of more possibilities for photos and better low light possibilities, I want to be able to make beautiful films during a performance! These stages are not fully lit and I wouldn't add extra because of the atmosphere. Unfortunately, there are usually only professionals who judge this camera and who have a computer that can process 4K images without difficulty! While afterwards they will render to 1440p so as not to make the file too large!
I’ve never done a test. But something tells me you would be fine. But having something with a built in fan would definitely be a plus just to be safe. Have you looked into the Panasonic s5 mark ii?
@@darpinomedia9619 No, but I immediately started looking after your message! Full Frame Finally Gets Phase Auto Focus in 6k 10-bit!! Has cooling I'm going to read more about this, since I have to buy everything new anyway, I used to be a Nikon fan and can't do anything with these lenses anymore. Thanks for your advice!
Currently debating which camera Im planning to upgrade to as rn I own an A7iii but doing more video than photo these days which is why I'm looking at the FX30/FX3 I like the 30 at its price point and then upgrading to the 3 when I can afford it
I totally know what you mean. I can only offer this advice. For my work, I don’t think there is one thing other than low light that the FX3 would offer me over the 30. It’s obviously a better camera in almost every way, but it just makes sense for me to have the 30.
@@darpinomedia9619 I do alot of weddings but most times in those low light scenarios I have my own lighting on hand so I don't see it being too much a problem!
Same here. I have a GH5 which i don’t use since I bought the A7iii, because of the poor low light performance. But now after a year of using the A7iii as main Video Camera i miss the 10bit and higher bitrates of the GH5. Especially stabilisation. Now I’m selling the GH5 and planning to buy a new main camera and using the A7iii as backup or B-Cam. What I do not like about the FX30 ist the APS-C with the crop (I have to buy new glasses for wide shots) and the low light. So I think about the A7Siii. But it’s almost as pricy as the FX3 🤔
@@darpinomedia9619 I was scared to death that this may seem a deciding factor.. But as a lot of folks advised me.. it only gets hot recording more than 40mins in a hot weather.. So I'm willing towards A7IV as I like to shoot pics and videos..
@@Musica-zp7zn Yea I think for most people, you won’t have many issues with overheating on the A7IV. But the threat of it happening has definitely increased my anxiety about using it in some important situations. I’ve had the A7IV overheat on a few occasions that it shouldn’t have. But that was a pretty unique situation where I factory reset the camera and forgot to turn on the internal temp high setting
Considering one myself next to my a7SIII for wildlife with that x2.05 crop factor in real time with audio in 4K@120fps 10-bit 4:2:2, that makes the 200-600mm lens about 1230mm lens! Also it's great for many other stuff.
I just meant in my particular case. Because I don’t have to purchase new glass. Like for instance, on Panasonic I needed two different types of lenses. I like thats it’s a unified lens mount
For sure 🤙. All depends on the individual needs. Although, some people are “pro” that do need a higher ISO for certain events or things you can’t light, or have time to light.
In the UK at the moment there is only £/$90 difference between the FX30 and the A74 from the grey importers I buy from. So it just doesn't make any sense to buy a FX30 against buying a A74.
@@hashimmahmood2031 Einfinity or Panamoz - I've bought from Panamoz before - nice savings on my camera and they delivered earlier than quoted - Ive heard from another post that Einfinity are reliable as well.
My gripe though with this camera is how you can’t set a custom white balance off a card when your using your saved memory 1 2 or 3. Kinda makes them useless.
Oh the A7SIII is a beast in lowlight. But in practical use, I just don’t have a need for 12,800 as a second base iso. Other than the very specific occasions. The A7IV keeps up with it until that 12,800 kicks in
@@rousedvideo3380 Never said I did not shoot with the camera. I just haven’t made a specific comparison for the 4K 60fps between the two in low light. You really have it out for me today huh? 😬
@@darpinomedia9619 It's not that I don't like them. I don't understand them. Black bars are something that display devices create when the aspect ratio of a video doesn't fit them. They're not a part of the video, they're a part of the device, if that makes sense... Burning them in makes the video a strange smaller frame with black bars on all 4 sides on screens that have a wider aspect ratio, like phones. It's a concept that started like 20 years ago when RU-vid didn't support aspect ratios other than 16x9, so people had to do it that way. Now it's just very strange people still consider it.
@@lukastemberger I get what you are saying. But what started as a thing of necessity has become a stylistic choice that a lot of people use. I’m my opinion, I like it because a-lot of people associate the “black bars” in this case 2:39 aspect ratio with the widescreen cinema. It’s not necessary, but it’s a little “hack” that can make things look a bit more “cinematic” (for lack of a better term).
@@lukastemberger I definitely don’t always use it, but every once in a while, I like it. Also, how can you be sure that I wasn’t shooting with an anamorphic lens that would give it that aspect ratio by default?
@@darpinomedia9619 Fair, and I'm not trying to argue :) But the aspect ratio is what makes it cinematic, not the bars. You'll have the same ratio whether you burn the bars in or not. And devices that are widescreen will accommodate it better. Watching it on my phone, your video didn't fill my screen since the phone has a wide screen. I had black bars on top, bottom and sides. To me it'll always be a mistake, but it's a kind of mistake that even "big pros" make. I saw it on some expensive music videos on RU-vid for example. So I get why it was normalized.