Decision tools · Compare
A5000 vs FX3
Quick take: The A5000 has the highest resolution at 20MP; the A5000 is the most affordable; only the FX3 is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Sony
FX3 2021
Best for Professional video, documentary & cinematic filmmaking
£2999
new today at Wex Photo Video
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
FX3 — Professional Video, Documentary & Cinematic Filmmaking: The definitive run-and-gun cinema camera — A7S III sensor quality in a body built specifically for video professionals.
Who should buy what
FX3 (2021)
is the right camera for you if…
- Professional videographers and filmmakers who need cinema-quality colour science in a compact body
- Documentary and run-and-gun shooters who need 4K/120p and built-in XLR audio
- Sony A7S III owners who want a purpose-built video body alongside their stills camera
- Gimbal and drone operators who need a compact full-frame cinema camera
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | A5000Sony · 2014 | FX3Sony · 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £78 usedBest | £2,999 |
| Sensor | 20.1MP APS-C CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) |
| Resolution | 20.1MPBest | 12.1MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080 (60i / 25p AVCHD), 1440×1080/30p MP4 | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone |
| Autofocus | 25-point contrast AF with face detection | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 3.5fps | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~420 shots (CIPA) | ~640 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 269g (with battery)Best | 715g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm | 129.7 × 78.0 × 84.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | None (rear screen only) | None — monitor/external EVF use only |
| Screen | 3.0" 180° flip-up LCD, 460k dots | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | Micro USB (Multi Terminal), micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C (10Gbps), full-size HDMI, XLR via handle, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
A5000
FX3
Portrait
4.3/10
5.7/10
Street
6.5/10
4.3/10
Travel
6.1/10
5.5/10
Wedding & Events
2.6/10
6.0/10
Documentary
3.5/10
8.0/10
Sports & Action
3.1/10
5.5/10
Landscape
4.7/10
4.7/10
Wildlife
4.2/10
5.8/10
Casual
4.2/10
4.9/10
Food
5.2/10
6.7/10
Macro
4.7/10
5.5/10
Architecture
4.8/10
5.2/10
Astrophotography
4.8/10
6.7/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.1/10
Filmmaking
—
9.1/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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