Sony α7 vs Sony FX30
The bottom line
These sit in different sensor classes, and that decides most of it. The Sony α7 is full-frame (474g (1.04 lb), $1,699) — 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 α7 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 value portability — at 474g (1.04 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 561g (1.24 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FX30 if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage, no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap) and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓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 — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) and AF that focuses down to -6 EV give it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Sony FX30 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 120p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the Sony α7 launched at $1,699, $200 under the Sony FX30 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the Sony FX30 shoots 10fps to the Sony α7's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Card slots: the Sony FX30 has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the Sony α7 is 474g (1.04 lb) vs 561g (1.24 lb) — 87g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony α7 or the Sony FX30 better?
These sit in different sensor classes, and that decides most of it. The Sony α7 is full-frame (474g (1.04 lb), $1,699) — 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 α7?
Choose the Sony α7 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 value portability — at 474g (1.04 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 561g (1.24 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FX30?
Choose the Sony FX30 if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 10fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage, no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap) and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. 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 — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) and AF that focuses down to -6 EV give it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Sony α7 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 | CMOS | BSI Stacked CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ XR |
| Effective Resolution | 24.3 MP | 26.1 MP |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 25600 | 800 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 25600 | 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 | 5 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | − | Up to 120p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 240p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | No limit |
| Log Profiles | − | S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo (XLR via top handle) |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 117 | 759 |
| Contrast Detect Points | 25 | − |
| Low Light AF | -1 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | No | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | − |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | − |
| EVF Magnification | 0.71x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 0.92M dots | 1.44M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | − | v5 |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 2x CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,899 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 126.9×94.4×48.2 mm | 129.7×77.8×84.5 mm |
| Weight | 474g (1.04 lb) | 561g (1.24 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 270 shots | − |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 340 shots | 600 shots |
| Battery Type | NP-FW50 | NP-FZ100 |
