Sony announces FX30 with 26MP Super35/APS-C sensor

Sony has announced a new evolution of last year's FX3, replacing that camera's full-frame sensor for a 26MP APS-C backside-illuminated CMOS sensor while keeping almost everything else the same, to create the FX30. 

The new film-ready camera sits alongside the FX3 in Sony's cinema line and is capable of capturing oversampled 4K (from 6K) at up to 60p and 4K/120p video with a 1.62x crop.

In addition, video can be captured in 10-bit 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 in either H.265 or H.264 AVC or output as Raw video to an Atomos Ninja V+ external recorder.

The FX30 is visually identical to the FX3, with the exception of FX30 branding and lack of ‘Full-Frame’ under the lens mount.  It has exactly the same button layout and tripod mounts on the body, making it clear Sony see the FX3 being a camera that could be used in partnership with its sibling. Both cameras also share the same NP-FZ100 battery as in other Alpha cameras. 

The sensor in the FX30 is stabilised both mechanically and digitally, and it also can take advantage of Sony’s ‘Breathing Compensation’ feature with compatible Sony lenses. Both features can be turned on/off in Sony's Catalyst software.

The FX30 is set for an October 2022 release, and will set you back $2,999 body-only, which makes it considerably cheaper than the FX3 was at launch ($6,699). It will also be available with the XLR top handle pictured above for $3,699.