sony fx3 vs a7siii

Sony FX3 vs A7SIII – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Sony

Sony FX3 was released in Feb 2021 &  A7S III in Oct 2020, Both are good quality cameras with lots of similarities & few differences. If you are looking for the best one between them, I would recommend Sony Fx3 rather than Sony A7s III.

Why Do I Recommend Sony FX3?

  • The FX3 features an active cooling system with a fan, allowing for longer recording times without overheating. The A7S III uses a passive cooling design, which is still effective but doesn’t support as long continuous recording under high-stress conditions.
  • The FX3 is equipped with multiple 1/4″-20 UNC threads across its body for attaching various accessories directly, without needing a cage. The A7S III typically requires additional rigs or cages to attach similar levels of external gear.
  • The FX3 includes built-in XLR audio inputs via the included top handle, making it more suitable for professional audio recording setups out of the box. The A7S III requires an external adapter (such as the Sony XLR-K3M) to connect XLR microphones.
  • The FX3 comes with video-centric color profiles & options that are fine-tuned for post-production workflows, such as S-Cinetone, which offers a cinematic look straight out of the camera. While the A7S III supports a wide range of color profiles, including S-Log and HLG.
  • Both cameras are designed to be compact, but the FX3’s design is especially conducive to gimbal & drone use, where its form factor and weight distribution are advantageous.
  • Sony FX3 can take 510 shots (LCD) and 135 minutes of video recording with a single charge, and Sony A7S III can take 600 shots (LCD),and  95 minutes of video recording.

Maybe the Sony A7S iii price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the FX3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Sony FX3 Sony A7S III
Cooling System active cooling system passive cooling design
Mounting Points Multiple 1/4″-20 UNC threads for accessories Standard tripod mount, additional accessories require cage or grip
Built-in XLR Inputs Yes No
HDMI Port Type-D port Type-A port
Color Science & Profiles video-centric color profiles wide range of color profiles
Body Type Compact, cube-like design optimized for video; built-in cooling system for extended recording Traditional mirrorless with ergonomic grip; designed for both photo and video
Battery Life (CIPA) Approx. 510 shots (LCD), 135 minutes of video recording Approx. 600 shots (LCD), 95 minutes of video recording
Dimensions (WxHxD) 129.7 x 77.8 x 84.5 mm 128.9 x 96.9 x 80.8 mm
Weight (including battery and card) Approx. 715 g Approx. 699 g
Price Check FX3 Price Check A7S III Price

What Common Both Can Do?

The Sony FX3 and A7S III share several high-performance features, reflecting Sony’s commitment to providing exceptional quality and versatility in both their cinema and mirrorless camera lines. Here are the common capabilities that both cameras offer, showcasing their strengths in video and still photography:

  • 12.1MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor: Both cameras are equipped with the same sensor, offering excellent low-light capabilities and a wide dynamic range, ideal for both video and still photography.
  • ISO Range: They share an impressive ISO range of 80-102,400 (expandable to 40-409,600), enabling remarkable performance in a variety of lighting conditions.
  • 4K Video Recording at up to 120fps: Both can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second, allowing for high-quality slow-motion footage.
  • 10-bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording: They offer 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling for internal recording, ensuring high-quality video with greater color depth and grading flexibility.
  • S-Log3 and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): Both cameras support S-Log3 and HLG, providing a wide dynamic range for advanced color grading in post-production.
  • Fast Hybrid Autofocus System: The Fast Hybrid AF system, featuring 759 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points, delivers fast and accurate autofocus performance in both video and still modes, including Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals.
  • In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS): With 5-axis stabilization, both cameras offer effective compensation for camera shake, enhancing the quality of handheld shooting.
  • Dual CFexpress Type A / SD Card Slots: They are equipped with dual card slots that support both CFexpress Type A cards for high-speed, high-resolution recording and SD cards for versatility and convenience.
  • 16-bit RAW Output via HDMI: Both the FX3 and A7S III can output 16-bit RAW video through their HDMI ports to external recorders, maximizing post-production flexibility and quality.
  • External Audio Input and Output: Each camera features a 3.5mm microphone input and a 3.5mm headphone output for audio monitoring and recording, with the FX3 also including XLR inputs via the handle for professional audio connectivity.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: They offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and file transfer, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD: Both models come with a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, facilitating easy navigation of menus and settings, as well as flexible framing and focusing during shooting.

The Sony FX3 and A7S III are both versatile tools designed to meet the demands of professional videographers and photographers. They share core technologies that enable high-quality video and still imaging, robust autofocus capabilities, and flexibility in post-production workflows. If you are okay with the above-explained feature, then you can get any one of these.

Common Features

Feature Sony FX3 Sony A7S III
Sensor Resolution 12.1MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS 12.1MP full-frame back-illuminated CMOS
ISO Sensitivity 80-102,400 (normal), 40-409,600 (expanded) 80-102,400 (normal), 40-409,600 (expanded)
Video Resolution 4K up to 120fps, Full HD up to 240fps; S-Cinetone color profile 4K up to 120fps, Full HD up to 240fps
Video Bit Depth 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
RAW Output 16-bit RAW over HDMI 16-bit RAW over HDMI
Autofocus Points 759 phase-detection points, 425 contrast-detection points 759 phase-detection points, 425 contrast-detection points
AF Features Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, Touch Tracking Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, Touch Tracking
In-Body Stabilization 5-axis stabilization, up to 5.5 stops 5-axis stabilization, up to 5.5 stops
LCD Screen 1.44 million dots, side flip-out touchscreen 1.44 million dots, side flip-out touchscreen
Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) None 9.44 million dots, 0.90x magnification
Internal Recording Formats XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I (All-Intra), H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I (All-Intra), H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC
Audio 3.5mm microphone, 3.5mm headphone, XLR via handle, Digital audio interface via Multi Interface Shoe 3.5mm microphone, 3.5mm headphone, XLR via XLR-K3M adapter kit, Digital audio interface via Multi Interface Shoe
Battery Model NP-FZ100 NP-FZ100
Networking WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), Micro HDMI Type-D WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), Full-size HDMI Type-A
Memory Card Slots 2 slots: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II) 2 slots: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II)
Price Check FX3 Price Check A7S III Price

FAQ: Sony FX3 vs. Sony A7S III

Q1: Which camera is better for professional video production, the Sony FX3 or the A7S III?
  • A1: The Sony FX3 is designed specifically with professional video production in mind, featuring a compact design optimized for video, a built-in cooling system for extended recording times, and professional audio inputs via the included XLR handle. It’s better suited for dedicated videographers.

Q2: Can the Sony A7S III be used for professional photography?

  • A2: Yes, the Sony A7S III is a versatile hybrid camera that excels in both video and still photography. It features a full-frame sensor, high ISO performance, and fast autofocus system, making it suitable for professional photography.

Q3: Do both cameras support 4K 120fps video recording?

  • A3: Yes, both the Sony FX3 and the A7S III support 4K video recording at up to 120fps, allowing for high-quality slow-motion footage.

Q4: What are the main differences in design between the FX3 and the A7S III?

  • A4: The FX3 has a compact, cube-like design with multiple mounting points and lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), focusing on video production flexibility. The A7S III has a traditional mirrorless design with a pronounced grip and includes an EVF, catering to both photographers and videographers.

Q5: Which camera offers better audio input options?

  • A5: The Sony FX3 offers better built-in audio input options, including XLR inputs through the detachable top handle, making it more suitable for professional-level audio recording without needing external adapters.

Q6: Is the image stabilization system the same in both cameras?

  • A6: Yes, both the Sony FX3 and the A7S III feature a 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, providing effective stabilization for video and stills.

Q7: How does the autofocus system compare between the two cameras?

  • A7: Both cameras utilize Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF system with 759 phase-detection points, offering quick and accurate focusing for both video and still photography, including Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals.

Q8: Are there any differences in video quality or capabilities between the two cameras?

  • A8: Both cameras are capable of delivering exceptional video quality, including 4K 120fps recording and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording. The main differences lie in their design and additional features like the FX3’s active cooling system and professional audio inputs, which are more tailored towards dedicated video production.

Q9: Which camera has a longer battery life?

  • A9: While both cameras use the same battery model, the A7S III typically offers slightly better battery life for still photography, thanks to its efficient power management. For video recording, the FX3’s active cooling system allows it to maintain longer recording times without overheating.

Q10: Can both cameras output 16-bit RAW video?

  • A10: Yes, both the Sony FX3 and the A7S III can output 16-bit RAW video via HDMI to compatible external recorders, offering maximum quality and flexibility in post-production.

These FAQs provide a quick overview of the main queries potential users might have when choosing between the Sony FX3 and the A7S III. Each camera serves different user needs, with the FX3 focusing more on dedicated video production and the A7S III offering a versatile hybrid solution for both high-quality video and still photography.

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