LOS ANGELES, CA – September 28, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. is pleased to announce the newest addition to the brand's prestigious Cinema Line – the FX30 (model ILME-FX30). The new FX30 is a 4K Super 35 compact cinema camera that offers many professional features of the Cinema Line, such as Dual Base ISO, Log shooting modes, and user-imported LUTs (Look Up Tables) at a price point that appeals to many aspiring filmmakers.

In addition to introducing the new FX30, Sony announced two new CFexpress Type A Memory Cards – CEA-G320T and CEA-G640T. Both are large capacity cards that support high-speed performance with a maximum writing speed.

“The new FX30 is a great fit for a wide range of filmmakers,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “As part of our Cinema Line, it is an attractive addition for seamless integration into large productions. Additionally, by incorporating many professional features found in our flagship cinema cameras, it is a perfect camera for up-and-coming filmmakers that are working with tight budgets.”

​Creating a Cinematic Look

The FX30 offers next-generation filmmakers cinematic expression with the latest imaging systems. It features a new back-illuminated 20.1 megapixels APS-C Exmor R™ CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) with a dual base ISO (800/2500) to deliver high sensitivity, low noise, and 14+1 stops of latitude.

The FX30 supports a variety of video recording codecs. It can shoot in high frame rates, including 4K at 120fps and full HD at 240fps2. The FX30 also features the ability to shoot 4K Super 35 (16:9) by oversampling from 6K at up to 60fps. Both 16:9 recording modes can shoot at 10-bit 4:2:2 while the HDMI Type-A port outputs 4K, 16-bit RAW3 for an external recorder4.

Like the rest of the Cinema Line, the FX30 features Log shooting modes by enabling Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, which allows more flexibility when color grading. All three modes allow video shooting while monitoring with an appropriate LUT to preview the final image. In addition, the FX30 includes a selection of built-in cinematic looks, such as Sony's S-Cinetone™, and can shoot single stills. The camera offers advanced image processing capabilities with the BIONZ XR processing engine for natural gradations and realistic color reproduction.

​Designed to Support Creators' Needs

The FX30 features Sony’s fast and reliable still and video autofocus, with settings including:

  • Real-time Eye AF (human, animal or bird5)
  • Real-time Tracking
  • Detailed AF settings
  • AF Assist6

Creatives also have more control when using the Focus Map7, which makes it easy to visualize depth of field, and Breathing Compensation8 to offer a stable angle of view when focusing. The camera includes effective stabilization for run and gun shoots using Active Mode9 thanks to the optical in-body 5-axis image stabilization. The FX30 also includes time code sync10.

The FX30 incorporates other features that retain the spirit of the Cinema Line, including:

  • New customizable list-style main menu screen for quick access to frequently used items ​
  • New standby movie screen that provides an unobstructed view of the subject
  • Buttons and dials dedicated to movie shooting
  • The FX30 also includes added functionality to assist with the creative workflow, such as post-production editing using embedded LUT, and EI metadata11. ​ This metadata is available using the latest version of Sony’s
  • Catalyst Prepare12 or Catalyst Browse applications. A new “Catalyst Prepare
  • Plugin” for Adobe Premiere Pro was released in August.

​Easy Operation and a Compact Form Factor

Compact and lightweight, the FX30 has a flat-top design with threaded accessory attachment points, making it easy to use for shooting handheld, capturing low-angle shots, mounting on a gimbal, or adding accessories. The FX30 also features an XLR handle unit13, which can be used to capture low-angle shots and also allows filmmakers to capture crystal clear audio through various audio inputs, including two XLR audio inputs and a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording. External microphones can be connected directly to the camera via the Multi Interface Shoe or microphone jack. The FX30 also features an internal stereo microphone for audio recording.

The FX30 are equipped with two memory card slots that are compatible with both CFexpress Type A cards and SDXC/SDHC cards, bringing wide range of shooting experiences to filmmakers. The FX30 is also compatible with the newly announced large capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards.14

The FX30 pairs advanced performance with outstanding reliability. It features an innovative heat dissipation structure for uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, reliable power for extended recording, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis. A comprehensive selection of E-mount lenses, high-performance microphones, and other essential components offers extraordinarily flexible systems for a broad range of creative needs.

Sony Future Filmmaker Awards

The new FX30 is an ideal choice for filmmakers actively working on or considering entering the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, a major new annual awards program for short films. Sponsored by Sony and free to enter, the Awards set out to elevate original voices from around the globe with a fresh perspective on storytelling. For more information, please visit: www.sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com. ​

​Pricing and Availability

The FX30 enables ultimate creative freedom and comes with an option to purchase with or without the XLR handle15.

The new FX30 (supplied with the XLR handle) will be available in late October for approximately $2,200USD and $2,900 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.

The new FX30B, (supplied without the XLR handle) will also be available in late October for approximately $1,800 USD and $ 2,400 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.

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15 comments

  1. Does Canon even have a path to compete with this price and features (not just specs) anytime soon? I was waiting on a C70 adjacent option, the R5C's internal battery just doesn't do it for me (aside from no internal ND, which at that price pushes me to the C70). I currently have a R5, R, and C200 (along with a BMPCC4K). Shooting a lot of interviews, I'd like to finally get 2 cameras that are identical or nearly identical and now this $2k price of the FX30 has me contemplating a switch. Getting an XLR handle as well (which isn't an option for the R5) also makes it a very attractive option for shooting interviews and grabbing 2 of them for this price. I may be shooting a doc soon, so I'd like no-fuss matching and a price that's easy to swallow when buying 2.

    Seems like a really great price for the features (extra steady shot, focus breathing compensation, XLR option, etc). Some sort of digital ND option would probably seal the deal and allow me to sell my Canon video stuff to jump over (and still shoot photos with the R5).
  2. Does Canon even have a path to compete with this price and features (not just specs) anytime soon? I was waiting on a C70 adjacent option, the R5C's internal battery just doesn't do it for me (aside from no internal ND, which at that price pushes me to the C70). I currently have a R5, R, and C200 (along with a BMPCC4K). Shooting a lot of interviews, I'd like to finally get 2 cameras that are identical or nearly identical and now this $2k price of the FX30 has me contemplating a switch. Getting an XLR handle as well (which isn't an option for the R5) also makes it a very attractive option for shooting interviews and grabbing 2 of them for this price. I may be shooting a doc soon, so I'd like no-fuss matching and a price that's easy to swallow when buying 2.

    Seems like a really great price for the features (extra steady shot, focus breathing compensation, XLR option, etc). Some sort of digital ND option would probably seal the deal and allow me to sell my Canon video stuff to jump over (and still shoot photos with the R5).
    There is an EOS R7 C coming in the first half of 2023.
  3. There is an EOS R7 C coming in the first half of 2023.
    Ah nice! And so that should have the XLR top handle as well. Bummed the R5 came out just a little too late to not have that as a feature.
  4. Does Canon even have a path to compete with this price and features (not just specs) anytime soon? I was waiting on a C70 adjacent option, the R5C's internal battery just doesn't do it for me (aside from no internal ND, which at that price pushes me to the C70). I currently have a R5, R, and C200 (along with a BMPCC4K). Shooting a lot of interviews, I'd like to finally get 2 cameras that are identical or nearly identical and now this $2k price of the FX30 has me contemplating a switch. Getting an XLR handle as well (which isn't an option for the R5) also makes it a very attractive option for shooting interviews and grabbing 2 of them for this price. I may be shooting a doc soon, so I'd like no-fuss matching and a price that's easy to swallow when buying 2.

    Seems like a really great price for the features (extra steady shot, focus breathing compensation, XLR option, etc). Some sort of digital ND option would probably seal the deal and allow me to sell my Canon video stuff to jump over (and still shoot photos with the R5).
    Old outdated and recycled hardware.
  5. Ya, I'm quickly losing interest in staying with Canon. Why have my R5 and R6 arbitrary 30 min. record limits not been removed by firmware yet? Why is the R5c video OS trash for battery life? I need to film hour+ weddings with 3-4 cameras in 4k, and with Canon I have to run around and start/restart recording or deal with power issues on the R5c. 3x FX30's for a little more than the cost of 1x R5c sounds like a steal. And I can easily pick up affordable third party glass for E-mount in the switch. I've been matching S-log and S-Cinetone to my C-log3 footage for the past year and the gross colors of past Sony are no longer there. It's easy to make gorgeous now.
  6. Ya, I'm quickly losing interest in staying with Canon. Why have my R5 and R6 arbitrary 30 min. record limits not been removed by firmware yet? Why is the R5c video OS trash for battery life? I need to film hour+ weddings with 3-4 cameras in 4k, and with Canon I have to run around and start/restart recording or deal with power issues on the R5c. 3x FX30's for a little more than the cost of 1x R5c sounds like a steal. And I can easily pick up affordable third party glass for E-mount in the switch. I've been matching S-log and S-Cinetone to my C-log3 footage for the past year and the gross colors of past Sony are no longer there. It's easy to make gorgeous now.
    Not having internal ND and RAW recording aside, I cannot imagine someone using FX30 professionally without false color and waveform built into the camera. Just saying.
  7. Not having internal ND and RAW recording aside, I cannot imagine someone using FX30 professionally without false color and waveform built into the camera. Just saying.


    Yes, yes, all the professionals you’ll see using the fx30 in the future are all just paid actors. Just like everyone who doesn’t shoot raw currently is :LOL:
  8. Yes, yes, all the professionals you’ll see using the fx30 in the future are all just paid actors. Just like everyone who doesn’t shoot raw currently is :LOL:
    Please don't interpret me wrong. I didn't mean that being pro is equal to shoot RAW! Not at all. I meant at the minimum, having proper exposure needs waveform and false color tools. Without these two it is unpractical and almost impossible to record video pleasant to the eye of the producer and the customer. This is the bare minimum and unfortunately FX30 lacks both.
  9. Not having internal ND and RAW recording aside, I cannot imagine someone using FX30 professionally without false color and waveform built into the camera. Just saying.


    Not having false color , waveforms and internal raw are all things canon has been preparing us for for years. With all of the overheating and record limit issues we have had, an atomos solves for all of those issues. It does do external raw
  10. Not having false color , waveforms and internal raw are all things canon has been preparing us for for years. With all of the overheating and record limit issues we have had, an atomos solves for all of those issues. It does do external raw
    External recording with Atomos defeats the cause of having a small camera that can do it all. Being a compact camera that can do everything is what FX3/FX30 are advocating for.

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