Sony FX3 vs a7S III – Which One to Choose for Video?

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When Sony lastly launched the a7S III there have been a whole lot of videographers celebrating – myself included. We had waited so lengthy and it regarded like Sony did a whole lot of the issues that we have been asking for. Then, a number of months later, they present up with the FX3 as a part of the Cinema Line. Basically an a7S III, however designed explicitly for video. This made a simple selection a bit tougher.
If you’re nonetheless attempting to resolve which to get and wish some assist, filmmaker Chris Brockhurst put collectively a pleasant video breaking down the variations. How simple the ultimate choice is will nonetheless come right down to your explicit wants and workflow.

Proper up entrance Chris calls out that the FX3 is a greater digicam for video than the a7S III – regardless that the precise picture high quality and specs are precisely the identical. The FX3 does should justify the slight value bump over the a7S.
The massive adjustments are all to the bodily design. The FX3 is designed for video first whereas the a7S III is clearly nonetheless a mirrorless hybrid digicam with stills-focused ergonomics. A fast factor you possibly can see is the addition of tally lights on the FX3 in a number of spots so for sure when you’re recording. You’ll be able to see these from all angles so that you don’t all the time should see the again of the digicam such as you do on the a7S III.
One other important change with the FX3 is a fan for energetic cooling. The a7S III doesn’t precisely have issues with overheating, however the fan on the FX3 ought to make any points virtually non-existent.
Picture Credit score: Sony
One thing that’s more durable to see is that the on/off swap on the a7S III turned a zoom rocker on the FX3. Now, you possibly can management any PZ lenses with a bodily management, or, in case you are utilizing non-Energy Zoom lenses, you need to use the zoom rocker to make use of options like Clear Picture Zoom for a digital punch-in with out digging into settings.
For customers seeking to proceed to make use of the FX3 handheld, the digicam does have a barely higher design for throwing on a correct hand strap. The strap lug is a strong one built-in into the physique and with a easy L-bracket with a lug on the underside you need to use a regular hand strap.
Constructing on this function, the FX3 is designed for cage-free use. It has 5 built-in 1/4”-20 mounting threads across the physique. One on all sides and three on the highest. The 2 on the highest will assist a NATO rail fairly properly.
Button format has been optimized for video as nicely. Whereas the a7S III could be very customizable, the FX3 comes prepared for video proper out of the field – and the buttons are nicer. On the prime, you might have buttons 1, 2, and three which can management iris, white steadiness, and ISO, respectively. Every management even has shortcuts for fast presses and lengthy holds that may make issues even quicker. On the again is 5 for focus magnification and 4 is on the backside and is nice for personalisation. The D-pad has some pre-assigned features that are helpful, too.
Picture Credit score: Sony
As for different tweaks, the grip is a special form. It extends out a contact farther and has a extra triangular form. The depth might really feel nicer.
Lastly, the FX3 comes with an XLR prime deal with. That is truthfully the place the worth distinction begins making a whole lot of sense. It screws into the highest of the digicam immediately and offers you true XLR audio straight into the digicam. There’s the elective XLR adapter for the a7 sequence, however that truly would make the a7S III equipment price greater than the bottom FX3. You’ll make your a reimbursement proper there in case you are a video shooter primarily.
I feel that in case you are taking pictures virtually completely video the FX3 makes much more sense. The a7S III is nice for those who want a extra hybrid digicam and shoot some stills as nicely. There’s an argument to be made about having an EVF, for video, you would possibly miss it not being on the FX3 however the different advantages I feel put it forward anyway.
What are your ideas? Would you get the FX3 or a7S III?
[source: Chris Brockhurst]
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