Rent the Sony FX3A in Canada — Sony’s compact full-frame Cinema Line camera, built for run-and-gun, solo and documentary shooters who want cinema image quality in a tiny, riggable body. It pairs the FX line’s celebrated low-light sensor with a cage-free design and pro audio via the XLR handle. Key points:
- 12.1MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R sensor (10.2MP effective in video); BIONZ XR processor
- UHD 4K up to 120p and Full HD up to 240p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal, 16-bit RAW output
- 15+ stops dynamic range with S-Log3 / S-Gamut3.Cine — outstanding in low light
- 5-axis in-body stabilisation, built-in active cooling for long takes, XLR handle for pro audio
Our thoughts
"The FX3A is our go-to for filmmakers who want full-frame cinema images without a big cinema body. The low-light performance is the headline — dual base ISO and 15+ stops of dynamic range mean it just keeps going as the light drops, which documentary and event shooters love. The built-in fan lets you roll long takes without overheating, and the cage-free body is a joy to rig or fly on a gimbal. Center Scan mode is a neat bonus if you’re working with Super 35 cine glass. Just remember it’s a video-first tool — at 12MP it’s not built for high-resolution stills — but for video, especially in tricky light, it’s superb."
— Will, Founder
Key specifications
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS (10.2MP effective in video) |
|---|---|
| Processor | BIONZ XR |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| ISO | Expandable 80–409,600; dual base ISO for clean low-light footage |
| Dynamic range | 15+ stops |
| Video | UHD 4K up to 120p; Full HD up to 240p; XAVC 10-bit 4:2:2 internal (up to 600 Mb/s); 16-bit 4K / 2K RAW output via HDMI |
| Picture profiles | S-Log3, S-Gamut3 / S-Gamut3.Cine, HLG (HDR) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body (SteadyShot), with Active mode |
| Crop modes | Center Scan (Super 35) for traditional S35 cine lenses |
| Card slots | 2 × slots, each taking CFexpress Type A or UHS-II SD |
| Screen / viewfinder | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 2.35M-dot (higher-res than the FX3); no electronic viewfinder |
| Audio | XLR handle unit (2 × XLR/TRS inputs), plus 3.5mm mic & headphone |
| Cooling | Built-in active fan for extended recording |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C; wireless streaming & Monitor & Control app |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Dimensions / weight | 129.7 × 84.5 × 77.8mm; 640g (body) |
| Body | Compact "cage-free" design, weather-sealed, multiple 1/4"-20 mounting points |
Compatibility & what you might add
- Pairs with any Sony E-mount lens. Shooting Super 35 cine glass? Center Scan mode crops to S35 to avoid vignetting.
- To record 16-bit RAW, add a compatible external recorder/monitor and an HDMI cable.
- Bring fast media — CFexpress Type A or UHS-II SD cards — for 4K 120p and high-bitrate recording.
- Shooting all day? Add spare NP-FZ100 batteries.
- Comparing bodies? Browse our other cinema cameras.
Q&A
The FX3A is a minor update: it has a higher-resolution rear screen (2.35M dots, up from 1.44M), and NFC and the infrared remote receiver have been removed. The sensor, processor and core cinema recording are otherwise the same as the FX3.
The FX3A outputs 16-bit RAW (4K and 2K) over HDMI, so you’ll need a compatible external recorder (such as an Atomos Ninja) and an HDMI cable. Internally it records up to 10-bit 4:2:2. You can add a recorder to your rental.
Yes — the FX3A has a built-in active cooling fan designed for extended recording, which is one of the reasons it’s popular for events, interviews and documentary work.
Yes. As well as full-frame Sony E-mount lenses, the FX3A’s Center Scan mode crops to a Super 35 area, so traditional S35 cine lenses work without vignetting (and you gain a little extra reach).
Each slot takes either a CFexpress Type A card or a UHS-II SD card. For 4K 120p and the highest-bitrate codecs, use CFexpress Type A. We can add suitable cards to your order.
★★★★★ Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
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Check live availability and reserve your dates — with guaranteed overnight delivery, or collect from our base in Canmore, AB.
| Description | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sony NP-FZ100 | 1 |
| Sony BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger | 1 |
| Sony XLR-H1 XLR Handle Unit | 1 |
| Sony Body cap | 1 |
| Handle Shoe Cap | 1 |
| Accessory Cold Shoe Kit | 1 |
| M1 Accessory Shoe Cap | 1 |
| USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable | 1 |
| Lexar Professional 160GB CFexpress Type A Gold Series Memory Card | 1 |