Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| XLR input | true | false |
| Sensor size | Full Frame | APS-C |
Between the FX3 and FX30, the FX3 comes out ahead in xlr input / sensor size, while the FX30 wins on several specs. Overall, the FX3 scores 63.1 and the FX30 scores 63.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (63.1 vs 63.8). The decision is not about overall quality — both clear the bar — it is about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the FX3 if you care most about xlr input / sensor size. The biggest gaps in its favor are xlr input, sensor size. The single most decisive one: Has XLR input.
The FX30 similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable max video, optical zoom, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Which should you buy: Sony - FX3 or Sony - FX30?
Sony - FX30 leads the current Mars Score by 0.7 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare sensor size against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Sony - FX3 if…
Sony - FX3 has the measurable edge on has xlr input, sensor size.
Choose Sony - FX30 if…
Sony - FX30 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Sony - FX3 wins
- ▲Has XLR input.
- ▲Sensor size: Full Frame (vs APS-C).
Why Sony - FX30 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 4K120 | 4K120 |
| Optical zoom | 0 | 0 |
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Framelead | APS-C |
Audio
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| XLR input | truelead | false |
| Headphone jack | true | true |
Design
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - FX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 715 g | 646 glead |
| Articulating screen | true | true |