20.1 MP1 Exmor R APS-C (Super 35mm format) image sensor with wide dynamic range

Sony’s acclaimed image sensor technology in a new back-illuminated 20.1 megapixels APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) achieves high sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic latitude. 6K oversampling compresses a vast amount of information into 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) output, delivering 4K movies with overwhelming resolution. Capture the scene in cinematic 4K resolution with the expressive depth of field, stunning bokeh, and cinematic freedom of an APS-C size sensor. The image sensor maximizes light collection efficiency so that clear, usable images can be captured in dim light. Standard ISO sensitivity is 100 to 32000, and latitude is an impressively wide 14+ stops.

S-Cinetone for a cinematic look straight out of the camera without grading

The FX30 includes S-Cinetone, the same color science that produces the highly regarded FX9 and FX6 color and skin tones. Based on technology acquired through development of digital cinema cameras such as Sony’s VENICE 2, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color, plus soft colors and gorgeous highlights. Because S-Cinetone produces all this directly within the camera, it's easy to achieve a beautiful cinematic look without the necessity of post-production grading.

Flexible ISO, Cine EI Quick and Cine EI Log shooting modes for optimized image quality

Three modes are provided for recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve (“Log Shooting Setting” in the menu) when post processing will be used to grade and finish the footage. Cine EI, inherited from Sony’s high-end Cinema Line models, offers wide latitude and the highest possible image quality. Cine EI Quick automatically switches the camera’s base ISO according to the selected Exposure Index (EI). And Flexible ISO provides the greatest flexibility for exposure settings.

User LUTs can be applied to the LCD display and HDMI output and embedded in clips

When recording with the S-Log3 gamma curve, the low-contrast image displayed on the monitor can make it difficult to judge how the final image will look. The FX30 allows custom LUTs to be applied to the LCD monitor and HDMI output, providing a more accurate preview of the final image. LUTs can also be embedded in clips to facilitate post-production processing4. The FX30 even includes a new s709 preset LUT that can provide a more cinematic look while monitoring. In addition to the preset LUTs, up to 16 user LUTs (.cube format)5 can be imported into the camera via memory card.

Dual Base ISO and a 14+ stop3 range for wide latitude and low-noise images

The Dual Base ISO provides two sensitivity settings - one at ISO 800 and one at ISO 2500. This allows you to select an appropriate noise floor, for clean images, as well as maximize the FX30’s dynamic range when shooting in both bright or low-light conditions. Furthermore, a wide 14+ stop latitude minimizes the risk of blown highlights or blocked shadows over a wide range of lighting conditions, making it easier to shoot top-quality images in just about any shooting situation.

Log recording for smooth cinematic image quality when color grading

For full-scale productions, the S-Log3 gamma curve provided in the FX30 has been designed for smooth gradations, and to make it easier to achieve cinematic image quality when color grading in post-production. Both S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine offers high-quality color reproduction over a wide latitude, and special care has been taken to adjust the camera's output to ensure that the highest image quality can be easily achieved during post-processing.