Sony Expands Cinema Line with New 4K Super 35 Camera for Aspiring Filmmakers
Sony is thrilled to introduce the newest addition to the brand's prestigious Cinema Line series - the FX30 (model ILME-FX30). The new FX30 is a compact 4K Super 35 cinema camera that offers many of the 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 is particularly attractive to many aspiring videographers.
Along with the new FX30, Sony also introduced two new CFexpress Type A memory cards – CEA-G320T and CEA-G640T. Both cards offer large capacity and support high operating speeds with fast read and write speeds.
"The new FX30 is a great choice for anyone looking to get into filmmaking," said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of IP&S Marketing, Sony Europe. "It offers many of the professional features of our high-end cameras at prices that make it easily accessible to all video enthusiasts, regardless of their skill level." This camera is an excellent choice for a first camera from our Cinema Line Cameras series."
Your Cinema with Cinematic Look
The FX30 offers all aspiring video operators the opportunity to express their cinematic vision thanks to the latest video recording systems. It features a new 20.1 megapixel APS-C Exmor R™ CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) with back-illumination with Dual Base ISO (800/2500) for high sensitivity, low noise levels and 14+ stops[i] of exposure latitude.
The ILME-FX30 supports various video recording codecs. It can shoot in 4K Super 35 (16:9) with 6K oversampling at up to 60fps. The ILME-FX30B also allows you to shoot at high frame rates, including 4K at 120fps and Full HD at 240fps. In both 16:9 shooting modes, you can record in 10-bit 4:2:2, and you can use the HDMI Type-A connector to output 4K, 16-bit RAW[ii] data to an external recorder[iii].
Like all other models in the Cinema Line, the FX30 offers Log shooting modes, allowing recording in Cine El, Cine El Quick, and Flexible ISO modes with an S-Log3 gamma curve, which means more flexibility in color grading. All three modes allow video recording and simultaneous monitoring using a suitable LUT for previewing the final footage. Additionally, the FX30 also offers several built-in cinematic looks, such as Sony's S-Cinetone™, and can be used to capture still images. The camera offers advanced image processing capabilities thanks to the BIONZ XR processor, which ensures natural gradation and realistic color reproduction.
Designed to Meet Every Creator's Needs
The FX30 utilizes Sony's fast and reliable autofocus with multiple setting options, including:
- Real-time Eye AF (humans, animals, or birds[iv])
- Real-time Tracking
- Detailed AF Settings
- AF Assist[v]
Those desiring more creative freedom get more control options when using the Focus Map function[vi], which allows easy visualization of depth of field, and the Breathing Compensation function[vii] provides a stable angle of view while focusing. The camera also offers effective stabilization for dynamic moving shots using Active Mode[viii], thanks to which the in-body 5-axis optical image stabilization synchronizes with the timecode[ix].
The FX30 also includes other features in the spirit of the Cinema Line series, including:
- A new customizable main menu screen in list format, providing quick access to the most frequently used functions.
- A new standby screen for movies, providing an unobstructed view of the subject.
- Buttons specifically for video shooting.
The FX30 has additional features to aid the creative process, such as post-production processing with built-in LUT and EI metadata.[x] This metadata is available when using the latest versions of Sony's Catalyst Prepare[xi] or Catalyst Browse applications. A new Catalyst Prepare plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro was released in August.
Convenient Functionality in a Compact Body
Compact and lightweight, the FX30's design features a flat top and threaded connections for accessories, making it easy to shoot handheld, capture low-angle shots, mount on a stabilizing system, or add accessories. The FX30 also has an XLR handle[xii], which can be used to capture low-angle shots and allows operators to record crystal-clear audio thanks to various audio inputs, including two XLR audio inputs and a 3.5mm 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 offers an internal stereo microphone for audio recording.
The FX30 and FX30B are equipped with two memory card slots, compatible with both CFexpress Type A and SDXC/SDHC cards, for more diverse experiences while creating behind the lens. The FX30 is also compatible with the newly introduced high-capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards.[xiii]
The FX30 not only offers advanced performance but also exceptional reliability. It features an innovative heat dissipation design for continuous 4K/60p recording, reliable power for long shoots, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis. The rich catalog of E-mount lenses, high-performance microphones, and other essential components provides content creators with extremely flexible systems to meet all their needs during the creative process.
Sony Future Filmmaker Awards
The new FX30 is an ideal choice for filmmakers who are considering or actively working on their participation in the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards - a major new annual awards program for short films. Sponsored by Sony and with no entry fee, the awards aim to amplify original voices from around the world who can offer a new perspective on visual storytelling. For more information, please visit: www.sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com/
Price and Availability
The new FX30 will be available from the end of October at prices starting from approximately 4600 BGN. It will be sold by various authorized Sony retailers across Europe.
The FX30 gives you complete creative freedom, with the option to purchase the camera with or without an XLR handle.[xiv]
The FX30 will also be compatible with the new version of the Camera Remote SDK (Version 1.06), a software development kit that allows remote control and configuration of the camera.
CFexpress Type A Memory Cards: CEA-G320T and CEA-G640T
The compact, high-performance CFexpress Type A memory card CEA-G320T will be available from October (CEA-G320T), and the CFexpress Type A memory card CEA-G640T[xv] will be available from December. In addition to the already available 80GB and 160GB cards, high-capacity 320GB and 640GB cards will be added to the lineup[xvi].
These high-capacity cards support high operating speeds with a maximum write speed of up to 700MB/s and a Video Performance Guarantee VPG400, which offers reliable write speeds of up to 400MB/s and allows for high-bitrate 4K 120p video recording.
The new high-capacity cards meet TOUGH specifications, meaning they are certified for water and dust resistance (IP57) and are robust enough to stably support continuous shooting in various environments[xvii].
Here you can find various exclusive stories, videos, and interesting new content shot with Sony's latest cameras and other products. Sony's European photography hub is available in 22 languages, publishing product news and competitions, and an up-to-date list of Sony events for each country.
About Cinema Line
Cinema Line is a series of cameras with cinematic image quality, enhanced by Sony's years of experience in digital cinematography, offering improved functionality and reliability in response to the many and diverse demands of creators. The Cinema Line includes the flagship VENICE and VENICE 2 digital cinema cameras, which have received widespread acclaim in the film industry for feature films and series, the professional FX9 camera, which is popular for documentary and theatrical productions, and the FX6 for creating high-speed dynamic content. With the new addition, the FX30, the most compact camera in the series, Sony offers a truly complete range of products with a wide array of creative tools that can meet the individual needs of different visual content creators.
Notes:
[i] S-Log3 movies, Sony internal testing.
[ii] With selectable frame rates 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 23.98p and color spaces.
[iii] Supported devices are as follows: as of September 2022, ATOMOS NINJA V and planned support for NINJA V+ HDR monitor-recorder. For more information, please contact ATOMOS.
[iv] Accurate focus may not be achieved in certain situations or with certain subjects.
[v] Not available when using SELP1650, SEL18200LE, or A-mount lenses.
[vi] The Focus Map function cannot be used under the following conditions: when taking still images, when using the Focus Magnifier function, when using digital zoom, during USB streaming, when no lens is attached, when an A-mount lens is mounted, and when using the SEL16F28. For other lenses, please use the latest lens software.
[vii] When this function is enabled, slight changes in angle of view and image quality may occur. Breathing compensation is not available for unsupported lenses, when recording at 120/100p, S&Q recording at 120/100p, and for still images. Limited lens compatibility. Please refer to Sony's support page for more information on compatible lenses. https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/
[viii] Slight image crop in Active Mode. "Standard" setting is recommended for focal lengths of 200mm or more. Active mode is not available when recording at frame rates of 120 (100) fps, including S&Q.
[ix] VMC-BNCM1 is required for timecode synchronization. For VMC-BNCM1, it is important to note that the availability of VMC-BNCM1 (product number: A-5051-506-A) may vary by country or region. For availability confirmation and purchase, please visit the following support website. https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/Support/
[x] This metadata includes Embedded LUT, image stabilization, breathing compensation, camera rotation, and Movie marking.
[xi] Software download page URL: https://www.sony.net/disoft/
[xii] The FX30B does not include the XLR-H1 handle. The XLR-H1 handle will also be available as a separate item, available from spring 2023.
[xiii] New CEA-G320T and CEA-G640 CFexpress Type A memory cards.
[xiv] The FX30B comes without the XLR handle, and the FX30 model comes with the XLR handle.
[xv] To use the CEA-G640T memory card with the following cameras, the camera's software must be among the versions listed below. Alpha 1 (Ver.1.31 or later), Alpha 7S III (Ver.2.11 or later) and FX3 (Ver.2.00 or later).
[xvi] 1 GB = one billion bits. A portion of this card's capacity is used for system files and may vary.
[xvii] Actual performance may vary. Based on environmental conditions and usage. Sony does not guarantee protection against damage to recorded data or the card itself in every situation or under all conditions.
