Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - PXW-Z200 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 4K120 | 4K60 |
| Sensor size | Full Frame | 1" |
| Optical zoom | 0 | 20 |
Between the FX3 and PXW-Z200, the FX3 comes out ahead in max video / sensor size, while the PXW-Z200 wins on optical zoom. Overall, the FX3 scores 63.1 and the PXW-Z200 scores 62.9 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (63.1 vs 62.9). 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 max video / sensor size. The biggest gaps in its favor are max video, sensor size. The single most decisive one: Max video: 4K120 (vs 4K60).
Pick the PXW-Z200 if you care most about optical zoom. Its strongest claims are optical zoom. The single most decisive one: Optical zoom: 20 vs 0.
Both ship with comparable xlr input, 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 - PXW-Z200?
Sony - FX3 leads the current Mars Score by 0.2 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare max video, optical zoom, sensor size against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Sony - FX3 if…
Sony - FX3 has the measurable edge on max video, sensor size.
Choose Sony - PXW-Z200 if…
Sony - PXW-Z200 has the measurable edge on optical zoom.
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
- ▲Max video: 4K120 (vs 4K60).
- ▲Sensor size: Full Frame (vs 1").
Why Sony - PXW-Z200 wins
- ▲Optical zoom: 20 vs 0.
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - PXW-Z200 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 4K120lead | 4K60 |
| Optical zoom | 0 | 20lead |
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Framelead | 1" |
Audio
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - PXW-Z200 |
|---|---|---|
| XLR input | true | true |
| Headphone jack | true | true |
Design
| Spec | Sony - FX3 | Sony - PXW-Z200 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 715 glead | 1810 g |
| Articulating screen | true | true |