FX30

The Sony ILME-FX30 is a dedicated cinema-line camera designed to bring professional-grade video features to a more accessible APS-C sensor format. It is built for content creators, independent filmmakers, and videographers who need a reliable, compact, and highly capable tool for high-end production. It sits in a unique spot in the market, offering advanced features like dual base ISO, professional Log shooting, and a robust cooling system that sets it apart from standard hybrid mirrorless cameras.

This camera is packed with features that cinematographers will appreciate, including a dedicated XLR handle unit (on the ILME-FX30 model) for professional audio, advanced autofocus capabilities with real-time tracking, and extensive customization options for buttons and dials. It supports a wide range of professional codecs, including XAVC S-I, and offers sophisticated Log shooting modes like Cine EI and Cine EI Quick, making it a powerful choice for productions that require high-quality color grading and a professional workflow.

Narrative Filmmaking

Use the Cine EI or Cine EI Quick Log shooting modes to maximize dynamic range. Set the base ISO to 800 or 2500 depending on your lighting conditions. Use XAVC S-I 4K for the highest quality intra-frame compression, which is ideal for editing.

Documentary / Run-and-Gun

Use Flexible ISO mode for quick exposure adjustments. Enable real-time tracking and Eye-AF to ensure subjects remain in focus during unpredictable movement. Use the XLR handle for professional audio input directly into the camera.

Interview & Talking Head

Set the camera to a standard picture profile or use S-Cinetone for a cinematic look straight out of the camera. Use the 4-channel audio monitoring feature to ensure both lavalier and shotgun microphones are balanced correctly.

Slow Motion

Use S&Q mode. Note that 4K 120p/100p recording introduces a 1.6x crop factor, so choose your lens focal length accordingly. Ensure you are using a CFexpress Type A or V90 SD card to handle the high bit rates required for slow-motion recording.

Recording Interrupted

What's happening: Movie recording stops unexpectedly. Why: This is often due to the memory card being too slow for the selected bit rate or the camera reaching its thermal limit. Fix: Ensure you are using a memory card that meets the speed requirements (e.g., V90 or CFexpress Type A for high bit rates). If the camera is hot, turn it off and allow it to cool.

Overheating Warning

What's happening: The overheating warning icon appears on the monitor. Why: Continuous high-resolution recording in high ambient temperatures causes the internal temperature to rise. Fix: Turn the power off and wait for the camera to cool down. You can also set [Auto Power OFF Temp.] to [High] to extend operation time.

Autofocus Not Tracking

What's happening: The camera fails to track the subject. Why: The focus mode might be set to Manual Focus, or the subject is in a situation where AF is difficult (e.g., low contrast, back-lit). Fix: Ensure [Focus Mode] is set to [Continuous AF]. If using a lens that doesn't support phase detection, some tracking features may be limited.

Audio Not Recording

What's happening: No sound is being recorded in the movie file. Why: [Audio Recording] might be set to [Off], or the external microphone is not properly connected or configured. Fix: Check the [Audio Recording] menu setting. If using the XLR handle, ensure the switches are set to the correct input (MIC/LINE) and the HANDLE AUDIO switch is set to ON.