Sony quietly updates FX3 cinema camera with a minor hardware tweak

Pictured: Sony's FX3 camera in action. Due to the subtle updates, the FX3a should look and function essentially the same as the original. Image: Sony Sony has quietly introduced the FX3a, a revised version of its FX3 full-frame Cinema Line camera. Rather than offer up a next-generation upgrade, the FX3a replaces its predecessor with a small hardware change. The very minor upgrade aims to maintain compatibility with current manufacturing standards. The only apparent update is a new rear LCD screen, which increases resolution from 1.44 million dots to approximately 2.36 million. The new screen enhances display clarity for monitoring and menu use. While it is a nice update, the swap is necessity-based since the screen found on the original FX3 is no longer manufactured. The update mirrors Sony's recent strategy with other models, including the A6400a and A6100a, which received similar minor revisions. While the FX3a isn't the leap some users anticipated with a potential FX3 II, it retains the camera's compact but dependable allure and S-Cinetone color science. Sony has not yet announced pricing or an official release date for the FX3a, and it's not listed for sale on Sony's website. However, it is listed at B&H as a new item available for pre-order and is priced at $3898. At launch, the original FX3 was priced at $3900. It's worth noting that, like other recent revisions, it may see a limited release dependent on regional regulations.

May 7, 2025 - 17:58

Sony quietly updates FX3 cinema camera with a minor hardware tweak

Pictured: Sony's FX3 camera in action. Due to the subtle updates, the FX3a should look and function essentially the same as the original.

Image: Sony

Sony has quietly introduced the FX3a, a revised version of its FX3 full-frame Cinema Line camera. Rather than offer up a next-generation upgrade, the FX3a replaces its predecessor with a small hardware change. The very minor upgrade aims to maintain compatibility with current manufacturing standards.

The only apparent update is a new rear LCD screen, which increases resolution from 1.44 million dots to approximately 2.36 million. The new screen enhances display clarity for monitoring and menu use. While it is a nice update, the swap is necessity-based since the screen found on the original FX3 is no longer manufactured.

The update mirrors Sony's recent strategy with other models, including the A6400a and A6100a, which received similar minor revisions. While the FX3a isn't the leap some users anticipated with a potential FX3 II, it retains the camera's compact but dependable allure and S-Cinetone color science.

Sony has not yet announced pricing or an official release date for the FX3a, and it's not listed for sale on Sony's website. However, it is listed at B&H as a new item available for pre-order and is priced at $3898. At launch, the original FX3 was priced at $3900. It's worth noting that, like other recent revisions, it may see a limited release dependent on regional regulations.