SONY A7sIII, FX3, FX6-A quick summary on the advantages and disadvantages of each plus BTS on CHER shoot.

This is truly an impressive lineup from Sony. What their user base has been asking for has been answered. High frame rates at 4k, 10Bit, ProRes
422, AUTO ND ! So the big question is which one is right for you. As always having the right tool for the job is the most important issue. So let's dive in for a quick summary on each.

For the Pro, all 3 camera models fit the bill with the FX6 leading the way because of what we feel is an AMAZING feature... AUTO ND! This gives the ability to maintain bokeh as a scene progresses moving from a lowlight surrounding to a well lit surrounding during a single take. Contrast and focus on key subject of shot remain sharp throughout. This feature is NOT available on the A7sIII or the FX 3. The latter two are basically the same feature set cameras with the FX3 being touted as a more PRO bullet proof enclosure with plenty of 1/4-20 mount points.

Now the A7sIII has it's own advantage over the FX6 in it's ability to auto focus and track the subject simultaneously. The same is true of the FX3. To have a similar ability with the FX6 requires manual movement of the cursor on the EVF touchscreen. All cameras have the cool feature to vary the rate of focus when pointing the cursor to move to another area or subject on the EVF. 

Another cool feature is face detection. It works great with humans as the subject of interest but it failed with animals? Very curious as Sony did advertise it with both Human and animal recognition for following and focus. We hope that Sony gets some new firmware out there soon to correct this.

In our use of these cameras in the field we found the A7sIII to be the most impressive as it's form factor made it quite simple to use with both our drone and gimbal hardware. So if you can afford the A7sIII we recommend it over the 3 cameras.

If you are looking for a great overall cinematic camera in a small brick type form factor and that can match up to your main cinematic A camera then the FX6 is the choice. We just used the FX6 with a Sony F55 to shoot Cher and the loneliest Elephant for the Smithsonian channel. The footage from the FX6 was applauded by all for its beautiful tones and contrasts and Cher as well as her troop were very pleased with how beautiful the footage looked! We if course were very pleased as well!

That's it for now, we will have a more in depth review soon to follow.

Cheers,