FX3vs ZV-E1
Sony
FX3 (2021)
Starting from £3799 new
Best for Professional video, documentary & cinematic filmmaking
View FX3
VS
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.
Video Creators, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
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-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
Quick take: The zv-e1 is the most affordable; only the fx3 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | FX3 (2021) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,799 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 12.1MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~640 shots (CIPA) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 715g body only (with XLR handle) | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 129.7 × 78.0 × 84.5mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | None — monitor/external EVF use only | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C (10Gbps), full-size HDMI, XLR via handle, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | FX3 | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Low Light | ||
| Street | ||
| Wedding | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | — |
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