Sony FX3A Full-Frame Cinema Camera

Designed for solo creators and travel-friendly productions, the Sony FX3A blends features from Sony's Cinema Line and Alpha series into a highly portable and capable cinema camera. While it delivers the imaging power expected from a professional tool, it does so in a compact, lightweight form that eliminates the need for a traditional camera cage by allowing accessories to be mounted directly onto the body. At its core is a 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, offering 10.2MP in video mode, paired with a BIONZ XR processor to enable internal UHD 4K recording with 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling or 16-bit raw output. The back-illuminated design enhances sensitivity and clarity, providing an ISO range expandable up to 409,600 and over 15 stops of dynamic range. S-Cinetone offers a cinematic color profile matched to higher-end Sony models, while S-Log3/2 and 10-bit HLG provide flexible color grading options. Rolling shutter is minimized thanks to the sensor-processor combo, and Fast Hybrid AF, powered by AI-based algorithms, enables swift and accurate subject tracking using real-time Eye and Tracking autofocus.

This full-frame sensor supports both stills and cinematic footage, with shallow depth of field, attractive bokeh, and sharp low-light performance. Frame rates of up to 4K 120p allow for smooth slow-motion capture, with 5x slow motion playback at 24p. Recording formats include simultaneous internal XAVC 4K, proxy capture, and 16-bit DCI 4K+ raw output over HDMI. Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is supported in both All-Intra and Long GOP codecs. The FX3A's thermal design includes a quiet fan and heatsink that maintain temperature for uninterrupted 4K60 recording. Dual card slots support both CFexpress Type A and SDXC cards, enabling relay and backup recording. Super 35 1080p video can be captured at up to 240p for added flexibility.

Touchscreen focus control and real-time autofocus help solo operators keep subjects in sharp focus with minimal effort. Seven AF transition speeds and five Subject Shift options offer refined control over racking focus. With 627 phase-detection points covering around 89% of the image area, Fast Hybrid AF ensures reliable tracking. The cage-free design features multiple 1/4"-20 mounting points on both the body and detachable handle, eliminating the need for external rigs while maintaining support for accessories. Controls such as the record button, menu, focus options, and six customizable buttons are grouped for efficient single-hand operation. A fold-out 3-inch touchscreen with 2.35 million-dot resolution can be angled for optimal visibility, while top, front, and rear tally lights signal recording status to all crew members on set.

Professional audio features include a detachable handle with two XLR/TRS combo inputs, a built-in mic holder, and a 3.5mm jack, allowing up to four-channel 24-bit recording. The FX3A can be remotely controlled and files transferred via Imaging Edge Mobile or Desktop apps, with options for wireless Wi-Fi or wired USB-C connections. Live streaming is supported using the Imaging Edge Webcam app and a computer. Post-production is streamlined with Sony's Catalyst Prepare/Browse software, which leverages gyro metadata to stabilize footage, allowing users to balance image trimming and shake compensation as needed.

Bringing new improvements to the Cinema Line, the FX3A supports comfortable handheld shooting, features battery life 1.6 times longer than the a7S II, and offers USB-PD power for extended sessions. Like the FX6 and a7S III, it incorporates a full-frame back-illuminated 12.1MP sensor, 120p 4K and 240p HD frame rates, and a dynamic range exceeding 15 stops. It also shares S-Cinetone, S-Log3, HLG, and Rec. 709 options with the FX6, along with front, side, and rear tally lights, internal cooling fan, and a zoom lever. Features borrowed from the a7S III include 5-axis in-body image stabilization, 16-bit HDMI raw output, S-Log2 support, and the wide 80 to 409,600 ISO range. For connectivity, the FX3A supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and can connect to a wired LAN via its USB-C port with an adapter.