Sony a7 III vs Sony FX30
The bottom line
These sit in different sensor classes, and that decides most of it. The Sony a7 III is full-frame (650g (1.43 lb), $1,999) — larger sensor, shallower depth-of-field and cleaner high-ISO. The Sony FX30 is APS-C (561g (1.24 lb), $1,899), trading some of that for a lighter, cheaper body and extra effective reach from lenses. Pick the format that matches how you shoot before splitting hairs on features.
Choose the Sony a7 III if…
- ✓You prioritise shallow depth-of-field and clean high-ISO — its full-frame sensor is larger than the APS-C one, so backgrounds blur more and noise stays lower in dim light.
- ✓You shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
Choose the Sony FX30 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 30p and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -6 EV gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You need extra telephoto reach in a compact kit — the smaller APS-C sensor effectively extends your lenses and keeps the whole system lighter.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Sony FX30 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 120p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Sony FX30 launched at $1,899, $100 under the Sony a7 III — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony a7 III has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
- ›Weight: the Sony FX30 is 561g (1.24 lb) vs 650g (1.43 lb) — 89g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony a7 III or the Sony FX30 better?
These sit in different sensor classes, and that decides most of it. The Sony a7 III is full-frame (650g (1.43 lb), $1,999) — larger sensor, shallower depth-of-field and cleaner high-ISO. The Sony FX30 is APS-C (561g (1.24 lb), $1,899), trading some of that for a lighter, cheaper body and extra effective reach from lenses. Pick the format that matches how you shoot before splitting hairs on features.
Who should choose the Sony a7 III?
Choose the Sony a7 III if you prioritise shallow depth-of-field and clean high-ISO — its full-frame sensor is larger than the APS-C one, so backgrounds blur more and noise stays lower in dim light. Choose it if you shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
Who should choose the Sony FX30?
Choose the Sony FX30 if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 30p and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap). Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -6 EV gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you need extra telephoto reach in a compact kit — the smaller APS-C sensor effectively extends your lenses and keeps the whole system lighter.
What is the main difference between the Sony a7 III and the Sony FX30?
Video: the Sony FX30 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 120p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ XR |
| Effective Resolution | 24.2 MP | 26.1 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 800 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 400 – 102400 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | − |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 120p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 240p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | No limit |
| Log Profiles | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo (XLR via top handle) |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 693 | 759 |
| Contrast Detect Points | 425 | − |
| Low Light AF | -3 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | − |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | − |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 0.92M dots | 1.44M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v5 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) | 2x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $1,899 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×95.6×73.7 mm | 129.7×77.8×84.5 mm |
| Weight | 650g (1.43 lb) | 561g (1.24 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 610 shots | − |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 710 shots | 600 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
