FX3vs ZV-1 II
Sony
FX3 (2021)
Starting from £3799 new
Best for Professional video, documentary & cinematic filmmaking
View FX3
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GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Professional Video, Documentary & Cinematic Filmmaking — FX3 (2021): The definitive run-and-gun cinema camera — A7S III sensor quality in a body built specifically for video professionals.
Pocket Vlogging — ZV-1 II (2023): The best pocket vlogging camera — 1-inch sensor, ultrawide zoom, flip screen, and real-time Eye AF in a shirt pocket.
Who should buy what
FX3 (2021)
- 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
ZV-1 II (2023)
- Vloggers and content creators who want a pocketable fixed-lens camera
- Travellers who want 4K video and a flip screen in a jacket-pocket size
- ZV-1 owners who want a wider lens and improved subject tracking
- Beginners who want a simple, capable vlogging camera without changing lenses
Quick take: The zv-1 ii has the highest resolution at 20mp; the zv-1 ii is the most affordable; only the fx3 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | FX3 (2021) | ZV-1 II (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,799 | £649 |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) | 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.1MP | 20.1MP |
| Video | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) | Phase-detect + contrast, 315 points, Real-time Eye AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops | Optical SteadyShot (OIS) |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic | 15fps |
| Battery Life | ~640 shots (CIPA) | ~260 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 715g body only (with XLR handle) | 292g |
| Dimensions | 129.7 × 78.0 × 84.5mm | 105.5 × 60.0 × 43.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | None — monitor/external EVF use only | None |
| Screen | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating | 3.0" fully tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) | Fixed zoom — 18–50mm f/1.8–4.0 equiv |
| Memory Cards | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C (10Gbps), full-size HDMI, XLR via handle, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic input |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | FX3 | ZV-1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Low Light | — | |
| Street | ||
| Wedding | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Landscape | — |
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Camera family history