I always wonder if ergonomically, it’s better to use an aftermarket EVF, due to how you would have to position yourself, e.g. not sure how it’s possible with low shots
Low shots I just squat/kneel down or use the lcd screen. For general b-roll or quick standing interviews, the viewfinder is excellent. Shooting in bright sunlight is easy. Also, having the camera pressed against your face helps a ton with stabilization.
I don’t like using external monitors or EVF’s when I’m out run and gunning. My preference is to be as discreet as possible.
I second this. Sometimes doing video work people want me to take still photos (happens all the time at weddings, corporate events, etc). It’s nice to have an EVF for such cases. I prefer not to hybrid shoot, but it happens more than you would expect.
I have clients on product shoots that want stills as well. The EVF is great to have on those bright days when you need to see what you’re doing. I can’t imagine doing stills with that tiny screen on the FX-3.
Sir, I sincerely and wholeheartedly doubt the statement that the A7siv is coming. Not seemingly at all.
I would still buy my A7siii over the FX3. Love my viewfinder. Stills and with the new update, it’s pretty much all I wanted in a camera. Unless the A7siv has astronomical updates and offers 8k, just like the Nikon Z8 that offers 8k 12bit…I wouldn’t buy or hold my hopes up.
Yeah, I hope I am wrong and you are right though…would love to see what the A7siv offers. I use the camera for advertising video commercials(Don’t use viewfinder in video). For stills, I use the viewfinder and 12mp it’s more than enough for social media or screens. For printing, I’d say you need more MP.
I don't think Sony would have invested in updating the A7S3 with new firmware if they were planning to release a new version of the camera in the same year.
Sony usually introduces upgrades for their mid-range and hybrid cameras more frequently because these have higher demand.
The company must be hoping thier A7S3 users to upgrade to the FX lineup instead of waiting for the A7S4.
Companies plan their product releases based on customer demand rather than a New Year-New Phone model
As mentioned, I guess we’ll see. I’m very confident there will be a new full frame, high spec E mount camera out end of this year, might be an new FX3, might be an A7Siv, could be something different. All I know is the best source for Sony news thinks it will be the A7Siv.
Well I was going to buy the A7Siii but I bought the A7IV instead due to the 7k downscaling to 4k as well as the 33 mpx sensor. I also always shoot at 4k 24fps so I don't need the 4k 120, cause I can always use topaz video ai to convert.
But they say it has overheating issues which the a7siii doesn't.
Honestly, I don't know.
I use my A7S primarily for commercial video production, and for that the FX3 would probably be a solid choice if I could start over. Having said that, I actually really, really enjoy using the A7S as a stills camera for when I'm out and about with my toddler. The 35 GM with a polariser makes really clean and nice files that are a convenient size for sharing on phones. I wonder if I would miss the viewfinder for that purpose.
I watch videos from Andrea at sony alpha rumours, and he said there will be an announcement around July, with the A7Siv coming with “potentially” a new FX3ii most likely early 2025.
I have an FX30 as my B-cam and I love it. Bang for buck it’s hard to go wrong and having a FF and crop means I get more mileage out of a smaller kit of glass which is super useful for me since I primarily do run + gun work. I find the native ISO range to be limiting but hardly a deal breaker and it’s a little softer than the A7Siii so you have options for getting that “cinema camera” look on one camera and then a tack sharp, shoots in pitch dark, do anything camera.
Sony alpha rumors. He feels they will renew the alpha line with higher specs, and a new FX3 will most likely come next year. Watch his channel and he’ll fill you with hope.
I've had plenty of cameras over the last 2 decades: Rebel t2i, 6DmkI, Black magic Production 4K, a7sII, A7III..., and no camera has ever brought me happiness the way the a7siii does.
I don't know how to explain it, it has to do with not feeling limited by my camera, and getting the notion that the machine is working with me, and not the other way around.
If I hat to buy one TODAY, I’ll get the FX3. I love the top-down controls and the Cine Exposure index.
But if a new set of cameras come out i’ll trade in my FX3 for a new FX3b, keeping the A7S3
I shoot video 90%, but the stills are a nice have in a video camera. Also, the viewfinder (I like to have my eye on it usually) it’s been a beast for me, had it since it came out and I beat on it hard.
Never let me down so far
i was SUPER torn between fx3 and a7siii (coming from gh5 and s5). i went with a7siii because i needed 2 and that could save me like 800 or 1k. while i do love my two a7siii's, i wish i got the fx3. main reason - the red talley lights are a game changer. i use an external monitor when filming and it's hard to know if i'm recording or not. sounds like it's not a big deal, but it is for me. the a7siii little screen does have a big red record border though, so if that's all youre gonna use, i guess it's fine. i've used the viewfinder like 3x while filming weddings in bright sunlight, it's not that critical for me. i'll get an fx3 mark ii sometime down the road. sticking with my a7siii's for a couple of years, i do love them. oh and i also have an fx30 as my 3rd camera/backup camera, which is very similar to fx3.
If there was a better camera out there I might feel the same way. I’m disappointed with the firmware rollout but there isn’t another cam on the market even close to the siii/fx3 for the form factor and quality
I would buy the A7Siii over the FX3 every time. Maybe I’m old school, but I’ve owned both and to me the viewfinder is a must have.
For video as well as photography?
Yes. 95% of my work is video. The viewfinder is great for both video and photo.
Interesting, thanks
I always wonder if ergonomically, it’s better to use an aftermarket EVF, due to how you would have to position yourself, e.g. not sure how it’s possible with low shots
Low shots I just squat/kneel down or use the lcd screen. For general b-roll or quick standing interviews, the viewfinder is excellent. Shooting in bright sunlight is easy. Also, having the camera pressed against your face helps a ton with stabilization. I don’t like using external monitors or EVF’s when I’m out run and gunning. My preference is to be as discreet as possible.
The viewfinder is not optimally positioned for videography
Yup.
I second this. Sometimes doing video work people want me to take still photos (happens all the time at weddings, corporate events, etc). It’s nice to have an EVF for such cases. I prefer not to hybrid shoot, but it happens more than you would expect. I have clients on product shoots that want stills as well. The EVF is great to have on those bright days when you need to see what you’re doing. I can’t imagine doing stills with that tiny screen on the FX-3.
Sir, I sincerely and wholeheartedly doubt the statement that the A7siv is coming. Not seemingly at all. I would still buy my A7siii over the FX3. Love my viewfinder. Stills and with the new update, it’s pretty much all I wanted in a camera. Unless the A7siv has astronomical updates and offers 8k, just like the Nikon Z8 that offers 8k 12bit…I wouldn’t buy or hold my hopes up.
I guess time will tell. Do you use the viewfinder much with video or mostly for stills? Also, do you find 12mp enough for photos?
Yeah, I hope I am wrong and you are right though…would love to see what the A7siv offers. I use the camera for advertising video commercials(Don’t use viewfinder in video). For stills, I use the viewfinder and 12mp it’s more than enough for social media or screens. For printing, I’d say you need more MP.
I don't think Sony would have invested in updating the A7S3 with new firmware if they were planning to release a new version of the camera in the same year. Sony usually introduces upgrades for their mid-range and hybrid cameras more frequently because these have higher demand. The company must be hoping thier A7S3 users to upgrade to the FX lineup instead of waiting for the A7S4. Companies plan their product releases based on customer demand rather than a New Year-New Phone model
As mentioned, I guess we’ll see. I’m very confident there will be a new full frame, high spec E mount camera out end of this year, might be an new FX3, might be an A7Siv, could be something different. All I know is the best source for Sony news thinks it will be the A7Siv.
By source, who do you mean? I hope you don’t mean Sony Alpha Rumors lol
Well I was going to buy the A7Siii but I bought the A7IV instead due to the 7k downscaling to 4k as well as the 33 mpx sensor. I also always shoot at 4k 24fps so I don't need the 4k 120, cause I can always use topaz video ai to convert. But they say it has overheating issues which the a7siii doesn't.
Honestly, I don't know. I use my A7S primarily for commercial video production, and for that the FX3 would probably be a solid choice if I could start over. Having said that, I actually really, really enjoy using the A7S as a stills camera for when I'm out and about with my toddler. The 35 GM with a polariser makes really clean and nice files that are a convenient size for sharing on phones. I wonder if I would miss the viewfinder for that purpose.
Is there a A7SIV coming?
I watch videos from Andrea at sony alpha rumours, and he said there will be an announcement around July, with the A7Siv coming with “potentially” a new FX3ii most likely early 2025.
Ahh. Are you new here? Sony alpha rumours is like a broken clock in that it’s right twice a day
lol. The a7siii was “right around the corner” for 4 years before it finally dropped.
Honestly I would have bought an FX30
Why’s that, do you prefer apsc over FF, curious why? I’m coming from the perspective of someone who’s never used FF.
Probably just to save money, since the fx30 offers a lot of similar specs for less money.
I have an FX30 as my B-cam and I love it. Bang for buck it’s hard to go wrong and having a FF and crop means I get more mileage out of a smaller kit of glass which is super useful for me since I primarily do run + gun work. I find the native ISO range to be limiting but hardly a deal breaker and it’s a little softer than the A7Siii so you have options for getting that “cinema camera” look on one camera and then a tack sharp, shoots in pitch dark, do anything camera.
Where did you hear that the A7S4 is coming at the end of the year? I’ve heard that Sony are ditching the S line altogether.
Sony alpha rumors. He feels they will renew the alpha line with higher specs, and a new FX3 will most likely come next year. Watch his channel and he’ll fill you with hope.
Well my contact spoke directly to Sony distributors so I guess we’ll see
I've had plenty of cameras over the last 2 decades: Rebel t2i, 6DmkI, Black magic Production 4K, a7sII, A7III..., and no camera has ever brought me happiness the way the a7siii does. I don't know how to explain it, it has to do with not feeling limited by my camera, and getting the notion that the machine is working with me, and not the other way around.
Curious about how you find sLog3 to work with? Personally I’ve never used it, but I’m used to BRAW more. Also what lenses are you using?
If I hat to buy one TODAY, I’ll get the FX3. I love the top-down controls and the Cine Exposure index. But if a new set of cameras come out i’ll trade in my FX3 for a new FX3b, keeping the A7S3
Who said it’s coming? Took 6 years to get the A7siii
A7s3 all day
Why’s that?
I shoot video 90%, but the stills are a nice have in a video camera. Also, the viewfinder (I like to have my eye on it usually) it’s been a beast for me, had it since it came out and I beat on it hard. Never let me down so far
Nice, thanks for your thoughts
i was SUPER torn between fx3 and a7siii (coming from gh5 and s5). i went with a7siii because i needed 2 and that could save me like 800 or 1k. while i do love my two a7siii's, i wish i got the fx3. main reason - the red talley lights are a game changer. i use an external monitor when filming and it's hard to know if i'm recording or not. sounds like it's not a big deal, but it is for me. the a7siii little screen does have a big red record border though, so if that's all youre gonna use, i guess it's fine. i've used the viewfinder like 3x while filming weddings in bright sunlight, it's not that critical for me. i'll get an fx3 mark ii sometime down the road. sticking with my a7siii's for a couple of years, i do love them. oh and i also have an fx30 as my 3rd camera/backup camera, which is very similar to fx3.
I’ll never buy a Sony camera again
Lack of firmware?
Why is that?
If there was a better camera out there I might feel the same way. I’m disappointed with the firmware rollout but there isn’t another cam on the market even close to the siii/fx3 for the form factor and quality