Sony FX3: How to get THE BEST Video SETTINGS!

Summary

In this video, the creator shares a comprehensive guide to achieving cinematic results with the Sony FX3 camera. Covering essential settings such as manual exposure, image quality, and frame rate, the video also delves into crucial aspects like SD card requirements, bitrate settings, and dynamic range optimization. The creator walks viewers through the process of white balancing using a lens cap, customizing camera buttons for improved workflow, and saving preferred settings for quick access. Bonus tips are provided to further enhance the filmmaking experience, making this guide invaluable for both beginners and seasoned filmmakers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure you're shooting in manual exposure mode for full control over aperture, shutter speed, and other settings.
• 😀 Use CF Express cards or V90 SD cards for optimal read and write speed, essential for high-quality video recording.
• 😀 Select DCI 4K (Cinema 4K) for better resolution, especially if you need extra vertical pixels.
• 😀 Choose XAVC HS 4K for a balance between quality and file size, but opt for XAVC S 4K if you're working with a lower-end PC.
• 😀 Always shoot at 23.98 fps (24 fps) for the most natural look unless you need to slow down the footage.
• 😀 Set your shutter speed to double the frame rate (1/48 or 1/50 for 24 fps) to achieve realistic motion blur.
• 😀 Lock your shooting settings to ensure your camera stays at native ISOs (800 and 12,800) for the best dynamic range and clean image.
• 😀 Use the S-Gamut3.Cine color space to preserve dynamic range while editing, and apply S709 in post-production for accurate color representation.
• 😀 Use your lens cap for quick and accurate white balancing, as Sony's lens caps are designed to be 18% gray for this purpose.
• 😀 Save your custom settings in the camera memory (e.g., MR1) to quickly access your preferred configurations for future shoots.
• 😀 Customize buttons for easier access to functions you frequently use, such as toggling log assist or switching between autofocus and manual focus.

Q & A

What is the first step in setting up the Sony FX3 for cinematic videos?

The first step is to turn on the camera, press the mode button, and select movie mode. This will take you to the exposure mode options where you can select manual exposure for full control of your settings.

Why is selecting the right SD card important for filming with the Sony FX3?

Choosing the right SD card is crucial because the camera requires a fast read and write speed for high-quality recording. If you're using CF Express cards, you're set, but if you're using SD cards, they must be V90 cards to ensure the best performance.

What file format does the Sony FX3 use for the highest video quality?

For the highest video quality, you should choose the XAVC Si 4K option, as it provides the best quality with no compression. However, the file size will be larger.

How does the Sony FX3 handle different frame rates and which is the most natural frame rate for video?

The camera allows you to select the frame rate, and the most natural look is achieved by selecting 23.98p, which is essentially 24 FPS.

What bitrate and color information setting is recommended for the best video quality on the Sony FX3?

For optimal color information, set the bitrate to 100M 4:2:2 10-bit in the record settings menu. This setting will allow for more color detail and better post-production flexibility.

How should you adjust the shutter speed for cinematic motion blur?

To achieve natural motion blur, set the shutter speed to double the frame rate. For example, if you're shooting at 24 FPS, the shutter speed should be set to 1/48 or 1/50.

What is the significance of selecting 'Lock Shooting CineI' mode on the Sony FX3?

The 'Lock Shooting CineI' mode locks the camera to two native ISOs, 800 and 12,800, ensuring the best dynamic range and a cleaner image in varied lighting conditions.

Why should you shoot in log mode instead of using standard color profiles?

Shooting in log mode preserves more dynamic range and information in your footage, which allows for more flexibility during color grading without breaking the image quality.

How can you white balance the Sony FX3 using the lens cap?

You can easily white balance by taking a custom white balance reading with your lens cap, as Sony's lens caps are made of 18% gray, which works like a gray card for proper white balancing.

What is the purpose of customizing the buttons on the Sony FX3?

Customizing the buttons on the Sony FX3 allows you to quickly access frequently used functions. For example, you can assign one button to toggle log assist or switch between autofocus and manual focus, streamlining your workflow.