X-A7vs Sony A9 IIIvs Sony FX30
Which should you buy?
Beginner Fujifilm — X-A7 (2019): The most affordable X-mount entry — Fujifilm colour and film simulations with a large flip screen for beginners.
Sports & Action Professionals — Sony A9 III (2023): A paradigm-shifting camera — the global shutter eliminates every rolling shutter limitation that has constrained action photography for years.
Video Creators & Filmmakers — Sony FX30 (2022): The Cinema Line entry point — S-Cinetone colour science, 4K/120p, and XLR audio in a compact, affordable body that punches far above its price.
Who should buy what
X-A7 (2019)
- You want an affordable first mirrorless with decent video capabilities
- You shoot a lot of selfie-style content or vlog on a budget
- Note: no viewfinder and limited lens support — the X-T30 II is a better long-term investment
Sony A9 III (2023)
- You shoot professional sport, motorsport, or action and need zero rolling shutter distortion
- You need reliable high-speed flash sync for studio or on-location action work
- You want the absolute pinnacle of Sony's action and sports camera technology
Sony FX30 (2022)
- You're a filmmaker or video producer who wants Sony cinema colour in a compact, affordable body
- You want 4K/120fps slow motion without the cost of an FX3 or FX6
- You shoot documentary, corporate video, or YouTube content at a professional standard
Quick take: The sony fx30 has the highest resolution at 26mp; the x-a7 is the most affordable; only the sony a9 iii, sony fx30 are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-A7 (2019) | Sony A9 III (2023) | Sony FX30 (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £5,999 | £1,799 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Bayer, not X-Trans) | 24.6MP full-frame Exmor RS CMOS (global shutter) | 26.1MP APS-C BSI Exmor R CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 24.6MP | 26.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/120p, 4K/60p, 1080p/240p | 4K/120p, 4K/60p S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast, 425 points | AI subject recognition AF, 759-point phase-detect | Real-time tracking AF, 759-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 8-stop IBIS | 5-axis Active IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 120fps blackout-free electronic | 20fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | 530 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 320g body only | 703g body only | 579g body only |
| Dimensions | 118.0 × 80.6 × 55.2mm | 136.1 × 96.9 × 82.9mm | 129.7 × 77.8 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | 0.64" Quad-XGA OLED EVF, 9.44M dots | None (EVF optional via XLR handle) |
| Screen | 3.5" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Sony FE (E-mount) | Sony FE (E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | USB-C 3.2, HDMI A, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C 3.2, HDMI A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Compare pairs from this group