Sony FX3A Cinema Line + SmallRig 4184B Handheld Cage Kit
The Sony FX3A Cinema Line + SmallRig 4184B Handheld Cage Kit combines the Sony FX3A cinema camera with the SmallRig Handheld Cage Kit for Sony FX30 / FX3 4184.
Sony FX3A
The Sony FX3 has been upgraded and renamed the Sony FX3A. The Sony FX3A takes you into the world of cinema. The video camera is super compact, but has everything you're looking for as a cinematographer. 4K image quality, low-light performance, real-time Eye AF & touch tracking, and much more.
Sensor
Sony's FX3A (ILMEFX3AB.CEC) uses a 10.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, and together with the Bionz XR processor, this technology delivers the performance you're looking for. This sensor not only makes it possible to shoot 4K at 120fps, but also with minimal rolling shutter. This means you won't get any black-outs. It also allows you to deliver a beautiful result in difficult lighting conditions, thanks to an ISO of up to 409,800 and a wide dynamic range of +15 stops.
Autofocus and stabilisation
Sony's autofocus is renowned for its accurate Eye AF on people and animals. With this camera, they've taken it a step further, letting you work with touch tracking too. This means you simply tap a person or object on your screen, and the camera automatically keeps your chosen subject in focus, even as it moves. The improved FX3A features an upgraded LCD touchscreen with 2.36 million dots (compared to 1.44 million dots in earlier versions), so you can see in maximum detail what's in focus. The camera also uses five-axis image stabilisation, so you'll notice you never get shaky footage again. At least, it won't be the camera's fault.
S-Log3 and S-Cinetone
The most talked about, and probably most used, picture profiles are S-Log3 and S-Cinetone. These picture profiles let you add high contrast in post-production, with beautiful brightness and detail. Just keep in mind that with S-Log3 you'll always need to grade your footage. S-Cinetone, on the other hand, inspired by Venice colour science, uses gorgeous colours and natural skin tones. You can use this straight away without necessarily having to grade your footage afterwards. If you do want to, there's still plenty of room to do so.
WiFi and Bluetooth
As you'd expect from Sony, you can once again use a WiFi and Bluetooth connection. This lets you transfer your footage straight to your phone or stream it. You can also safely store your footage on the two CFExpress Type A or SD cards.
Exterior
At a weight of 715 grams, you can safely say it's not just comfortable to hold, but also easy to add to your existing gear. The camera uses E-mount, so it can be used with lenses you may already have bought for other cameras. It also has everything you need as a cinematographer: a 3.5 XLR minijack input, two microphone inputs, a USB-C and micro USB input, and an HDMI output.
All the changes in the FX3A compared to the FX3
- Upgraded LCD screen from 1.44 million dots to 2.36 million dots
- Removal of the infrared remote control receiver
- Removal of the NFC module
- Replacement of the charger with the new BC-ZD1 power solution. A power cable or USB-C cable is no longer included
- With a full battery you get 570 shots compared to 580 shots previously, due to slightly higher power consumption
SmallRig Handheld Cage Kit for Sony FX30 / FX3 4184
The SmallRig Handheld Cage Kit for Sony FX30 / FX3 4184 is a comprehensive cage for your Sony video camera, with two different sizes of NATO rails and accessories to create a comfortable handheld rig that suits your needs.
Using the XLR extension component, you can expand the cage with the separately available Sony Audio Handle, letting you add various audio sources to your setup. Because the cage has multiple 1/4"-20 and ARRI anti-twist 3/8"-16 threads, you can choose to extend it with articulating arms. You can also mount your camera in a vertical orientation, all while retaining full access to the camera's buttons and ports.
The cage also has a cold shoe mount that lets you attach an external monitor or shotgun microphone. You can attach the included hand strap in the dedicated slots on the cage for an ergonomic grip. You can secure your camera in seconds thanks to the three 1/4"-20 screws. Using the built-in Arca-type plate, the entire cage, including the camera, can be mounted on a compatible tripod or stabiliser.
