Sony FX3
Sony · Mirrorless · 12.1 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | FX3 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2021 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 23, 2021 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 129.7 x 77.8 x 84.5 mm |
| Camera weight | 640 g |
Optics71/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony FX3 scores a solid 75/100 in our review. Measuring 129.7 x 77.8 x 84.5mm and weighing 640g or 1.41lbs, the FX3 presents a compact and lightweight option for photography enthusiasts. Given its specifications, the FX3 holds its own in the competitive camera market. Its combination of size, weight, and features make it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable mirrorless option. Sony FX3 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony FX3 receive a score of 71/100. This camera features a 12.1-megapixel resolution and a shooting speed of 10 frames per second. The FX3 is equipped with a CMOS sensor and a Bionz XR processor, which contribute to its DXOMARK sensor score of 94. Furthermore, the camera has a full-frame sensor size, a Sony E lens mount, image stabilization, and a 3:2 aspect ratio. In the current market, the Sony FX3’s specifications offer competitive performance. Its 12.1-megapixel resolution, while not the highest, provides adequate image quality for most applications. The 10 fps shooting speed allows for capturing fast action and motion. The full-frame sensor size and Sony E lens mount enable compatibility with a wide range of lenses, providing versatility in various shooting situations. Moreover, the image stabilization helps to minimize camera shake, producing sharper images. Given these specifications, the Sony FX3 offers solid performance in optics, making it a viable option for photographers and videographers seeking a reliable and versatile camera. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4240 × 2832 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 35.6 x 23.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz XR |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 8030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 1024003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 4030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 4096003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 6270300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video91/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony FX3 boasts a video score of 91/100, reflecting its impressive capabilities. It offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, ensuring crisp and detailed footage. The camera can also record at a high frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smooth slow-motion shots and fast-paced action scenes. Additionally, the FX3 includes a built-in time-lapse functionality, providing users with creative options for capturing the passage of time. When compared to other cameras in the market, the Sony FX3 stands out due to its high video score and performance. Its specifications cater to both professional and amateur videographers, making it a versatile and powerful tool for various filming needs. The FX3’s video capabilities make it a strong contender in today’s competitive camera market, providing users with top-notch quality and functionality. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-1 |
Features83/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony FX3 boasts a feature score of 83/100, showcasing its strong capabilities in the competitive camera market. With a 3-inch screen size and a high screen resolution of 1,440,000 dots, the camera provides users with clear and sharp visuals. The touchscreen and flip screen functions enhance user experience, making it more convenient to navigate and capture images from different angles. Although the camera lacks GPS, it compensates with WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity. These features allow users to easily transfer files and remotely control the camera, adding to its practicality and versatility. The Sony FX3 holds its own in today’s market, thanks to its impressive set of features that cater to both amateur and professional photographers. Its high feature score reflects its well-rounded performance and adaptability in various shooting scenarios. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 14400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery76/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony FX3’s storage and battery receive a score of 76/100. The camera has two memory card slots and accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC (UHS-II compatible) cards, as well as CFexpress Type A cards. This variety of accepted memory cards provides flexibility for users in terms of storage options. The battery life of the FX3 is 600 shots, powered by an NP-FZ100 battery. Additionally, the camera has USB charging capabilities. In the current market, the Sony FX3’s storage and battery specifications are competitive. The dual memory card slots and diverse card compatibility offer users convenience and versatility. A battery life of 600 shots and USB charging functionality ensure that the camera remains reliable for extended periods of use. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress Type A |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 600 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes |