This story really highlights just how powerful Sony Alpha cameras are—far beyond what you might expect. The autofocus system offers an incredible level of customization, and it’s clear that Sony’s engineers have put a great deal of thought and expertise into every detail.
Sony A1II at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
The Sony FX3 and Sony FX30 have now been on the market for years, and recently they got a price hike in the USA because of the new tariffs. Zach Mayfield revisits both to evaluate whether they remain solid choices in 2025 despite the price increase.
Initially, the FX3 was met with confusion by some creators, especially users of the Sony A7S III . It lacked expected cinema features like waveforms or false color. Over time, however, firmware updates and community use have transformed its reputation into that of a dependable workhorse camera in the cinema line.
The Sony FX30 is essentially the APS-C version of the FX3, bringing most of the same specs to a more affordable price point. Zach explains that it became his go-to camera for real estate, gimbal work, and long-form shooting. Despite its crop sensor, the FX30 delivers impressive DCI 4K 24p and UHD 4K up to 120fps (albeit with crop and noise). It also features USB-C live streaming, dual card slots, excellent battery life, and compatibility with the FX3’s top handle.
In terms of competition, Zach highlights the Lumix S5II and S5IIX as impressive alternatives in the same price range, offering full-frame sensors, ProRes options, and solid video features. He also mentions the Canon R6 Mark II , Nikon Z6 III , and Fujifilm X-H2S as other strong contenders, but he still prefers the FX30 for its usability and focused video design.
When discussing the FX3 , Zach admits that he came around to liking it after using it recently. Compared to the FX30, the FX3 offers a full-frame sensor and better low-light performance, though at a significantly higher cost. Alternatives like the Nikon Z8 and Canon R5 Mark II were mentioned but didn’t offer the same seamless video-first experience in his opinion.
Zach is also intrigued by the idea of building a kit with the FX30 , FX3 , and FX6 as A/B/C cameras depending on the shoot. He appreciates the simplicity, reliability, and strong image quality of Sony’s cinema line. If you don’t need open gate or deep anamorphic features, these cameras remain a compelling option.
Overall, his 2025 verdict: the Sony FX30 and Sony FX3 are still worth your money. The FX30 especially stands out as one of the best value cinema cameras available today.
About those rumors: I have no idea who sent them and 90% of the times they turn out to be wrong. But, it happened in the past that a couple of those were right. So I will post them today, and we all together can eventually keep track of this. If one of the sources turns out to be right than we will know we can trust it a bit more!
Source 1:
FX8 is confirmed. I’ve heard many rental houses talking about it.
Source 2:
Canon is debuting a new 400mm f/2.8 with built in 1.4x TC in Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics for all their Press Photographers to use during the Olympics to match what Nikon has done. When Canon released the R1, Sony instantly took the shine away with the debut of the α1ii last November. What do you think Sony is going to do at the 2026 Winter Olympics if Canon is giving the press access to a brand new 400mm f/2.8 with sharper optics and built in TC? I think you know the answer to that…
Source 3:
There are major problems with the delivery of Sony products in Europe due to problems with the warehouse in Germany. Retailers in several countries are having major problems with getting goods delivered. The problems are said to have started in April, and have still not been resolved
Source 4;
Nikon Z9/Z8 sensor exclusivity expires soon.
The Sony A7V uses the same (revised) fast sensor that can do oversampling 4k 60 from 8k 60 etc. but now with perfect Sony AI autofocus and open third party lenses and better battery.
So this is the sensor A7V will use and it will be cheaper than Z8.
Hope they use good cooling.
Brightin star announced the third version of this 50mm f/1.4 manual focusing APS-C E-mount lens you can get now for $119 on Amazon.
Just like told you yesterday a possible Sony A/V info spruce contacted me again tonight. I wanted to thank him again for the info and ask him one more question: Aside from the Sony A/V…did you get hint about what else is coming next from Sony when it comes to cameras and lenses? Possible outlook for 2026?
Thanks!
The new lens is now available for preorder at $299 from both Amazon and 7Artisans.
UPDATE: There is also a review from SonyAlphaBlog:
it is quite big and heavy with good build quality and a nice aperture ring. Sharpness is good in the centre reaching excellence at F4 and color rendition is very good. CA are low , distortion is reasonable
Sony just boosted the deal on the Sony A7 IV — now available for only $2,098 after rebates and a $100 cashback, exclusively at BHphoto, Amazon, and Adorama!
Keep in mind the cashback deal is running on other Sony cameras. Here is the total saving rebates+cashback:
Sony Lens rebates:
