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Sony FX3 Cinematic Settings

Jul 9, 2025

Overview

The speaker provides a step-by-step guide for optimal Sony FX3 camera settings to achieve cinematic video results, including advice on SD cards and customization tips.

Camera Setup Instructions

  • Turn on the camera, press the mode button, and select movie mode.
  • Choose manual exposure for full control over video settings such as aperture and shutter speed.
  • Use a V90 SD card for best read/write speed; CF Express card users are already covered.
  • Refer to the provided SD card manual for further details on SD card specifications.

Image Quality & File Formats

  • Go to image quality settings and ignore HD and DCI 4K unless extra height pixels are needed.
  • Choose among xavc s, HS, or Si 4K; HS offers a balance between quality and file size but uses the h265 codec.
  • Use xavc HS if you have a high-performance PC; otherwise, use xavc s4k for better compatibility with lower-end PCs.

Movie and Record Settings

  • Set frame rate to 23.98P (nearest to 24 FPS) for a natural cinematic look.
  • In record settings, select 100 m422 10bit for optimal color information.
  • Set shutter speed to double the frame rate (1/48 or 1/50 sec) for natural motion blur.

Log Shooting and Exposure Settings

  • In image quality, enable lock shooting cinei to use native ISO 800/12,800 for best dynamic range and clean images.
  • To adjust ISO, use flexible ISO mode and select s gamut 3 color gamut for a flat image profile.
  • Enable gamma display assist (auto) for easier exposure monitoring; it affects only the display, not the footage.

White Balance Technique

  • Access custom white balance and use your lens cap (18% gray) for accurate white balancing without a gray card.

Saving and Recalling Settings

  • Save the setup using camera set memory to quickly reload settings by choosing the mode and selecting MR1.

Button Customization Tips

  • Customize frequently used buttons, e.g., assign log assist or focus mode switching for faster workflow.

Recommendations / Advice

  • Shoot in log format for maximum editing flexibility and dynamic range, converting to Rec. 709 only during editing.
  • Optimize button assignments for more efficient operation based on personal shooting habits.