Sony A6700 vs FX30 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Sony FX30 & Sony A6700 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony FX30 rather than the Sony A6700.

Why Do I Recommend The Sony FX30?

  • The Sony FX30 comes with an active cooling fan for maintaining unlimited recording times during long-form video shoots and high ambient temperatures, while the Sony A6700 uses passive cooling that can impose recording limits in extended sessions.
  • Sony FX30 supports a full-size HDMI Type-A port for secure, professional external monitor and recorder connections on set, whereas the Sony A6700 uses a micro HDMI port that is more fragile and less reliable for rigged workflows.
  • It includes dual card slots with CFexpress Type A support for redundant recording and sustained high-bitrate video capture, while the Sony A6700 uses a single SD card slot that limits backup and data security options.
  • The Sony FX30 features shutter angle control for maintaining consistent motion blur across changing frame rates in cinematic production, whereas the Sony A6700 uses shutter speed only that requires manual recalculation when adjusting frame rates.
  • Sony FX30 supports 16-bit RAW video output over HDMI for maximum dynamic range and flexibility in professional color grading workflows, while the Sony A6700 does not support RAW video output.
  • It comes with built-in tally lamps to clearly indicate active recording status for operators and on-camera talent, whereas the Sony A6700 has no tally lamps for visual recording confirmation.
  • The Sony FX30 supports Cine EI and Flexible ISO video modes for precise exposure control in controlled lighting environments, while the Sony A6700 uses standard exposure modes designed primarily for hybrid shooting.
  • Sony FX30 includes multiple 1/4-20 mounting points on the body for direct cage-free rigging of accessories and stabilization gear, while the Sony A6700 relies on a single tripod socket.

Maybe the Sony A6700 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony FX30. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureSony FX30Sony A6700
Product lineCinema LineAlpha
Card slotsDualSingle
Media supportCFexpress Type A / SDSD
CoolingActive fanPassive
HDMI portFull-size Type AMicro Type D
TimecodeTimecode via adapterNo timecode
Tally lampsYesNo
Mounting points1/4″-20 mounting threadsNone
Top handle supportXLR handle compatibleNo XLR handle system support
XLR audioVia XLR handleNo
Dedicated video controlsMultiple REC buttons / cine controlsStandard photo-style controls
Cine exposure modesCine EI / Flexible ISOStandard exposure modes
LUT monitoringUser LUT previewNo LUT preview
Shutter angleYesNo
Video RAW output16-bit RAW over HDMINo RAW over HDMI
LCD resolution3.0″ vari-angle, 1.44M dots3.0″ vari-angle, 1.04M dots
Body designBox-style cine bodyDSLR-style grip body
PriceCheck Sony FX30 PriceCheck Sony A6700 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Sensor type: Both cameras use an APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor, which delivers a balance of resolution, low-light performance, and manageable file sizes. This shared sensor format also allows similar depth-of-field control and lens behavior across both models.
  • Sensor resolution: Each camera uses a 26.0-megapixel sensor, ensuring comparable detail for video and still frames. This matters for users who want consistent image sharpness when mixing footage from both cameras.
  • Image processor: Both models rely on Sony’s BIONZ XR processor, enabling fast readout speeds and advanced image processing. This processor is critical for high-bitrate video, reliable autofocus, and responsive menus.
  • Lens mount: Sony E-mount compatibility means both cameras can use the same native Sony lenses and third-party E-mount glass. This is important for system flexibility and long-term lens investment.
  • Autofocus system: Each camera uses a hybrid autofocus system combining phase-detect and contrast-detect AF. This allows fast subject acquisition along with precise focus accuracy.
  • AF points: With 759 phase-detect points on both models, subject coverage across the frame is nearly identical. This ensures consistent focus reliability even with off-center subjects.
  • Real-time Eye AF: Both cameras support Eye AF for humans and animals, maintaining sharp focus on eyes during movement. This is especially valuable for interviews, portraits, and documentary shooting.
  • Real-time Tracking: Sony’s Real-time Tracking works on both models to follow moving subjects automatically. This reduces missed shots and minimizes the need for manual focus adjustments.
  • ISO range: The shared ISO range of 100–32,000 allows both cameras to perform similarly in low-light conditions. This consistency is helpful when matching footage shot in varying lighting environments.
  • In-body stabilization: Both include 5-axis in-body image stabilization, reducing camera shake for handheld shooting. This improves usability for run-and-gun video and handheld stills.
  • Max video resolution: Each camera records up to 4K UHD, ensuring modern high-resolution output. This makes both suitable for professional delivery standards and future-proof workflows.
  • Max video frame rate: Support for up to 4K 120p on both models enables smooth slow-motion footage. This is important for cinematic effects and action capture.
  • Log profiles: S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 are available on both, providing wide dynamic range for color grading. This allows footage from either camera to integrate seamlessly into professional post-production pipelines.
  • Picture profiles: Both cameras include customizable picture profiles, letting users fine-tune color and contrast. This helps maintain consistent looks across different shooting setups.
  • LCD type: The 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen on both models supports flexible framing. This is useful for vlogging, low-angle shots, and self-recording.
  • Touch control: Touch AF and menu navigation are supported on both cameras, improving usability. This speeds up operation during fast-paced shoots.
  • Battery type: Both use the NP-FZ100 battery, offering strong endurance and cross-compatibility. Sharing batteries simplifies power management for multi-camera users.
  • USB charging / power: USB-C Power Delivery support allows continuous power and charging during use. This is important for long recording sessions and studio setups.
  • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built into both cameras for remote control and file transfer. This enhances workflow efficiency, especially for solo creators.
  • Body material: Magnesium alloy construction on both models improves durability and heat management. This ensures reliability during extended shooting sessions.

Common Features

FeatureSony FX30Sony A6700
Sensor typeAPS-C Exmor R CMOSAPS-C Exmor R CMOS
Sensor resolution26.0 MP26.0 MP
Image processorBIONZ XRBIONZ XR
Lens mountSony E-mountSony E-mount
Autofocus systemHybrid phase/contrast AFHybrid phase/contrast AF
AF points759 phase-detect759 phase-detect
Real-time Eye AFYesYes
Real-time TrackingYesYes
ISO range (base)100–32,000100–32,000
In-body stabilization5-axis IBIS5-axis IBIS
Max video resolution4K4K
Max video frame rate4K up to 120p4K up to 120p
Log profilesS-Log3 / S-Gamut3S-Log3 / S-Gamut3
Picture profilesYesYes
LCD type3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen
Touch controlYesYes
Battery typeNP-FZ100NP-FZ100
USB charging / powerUSB-C Power DeliveryUSB-C Power Delivery
Wireless connectivityWi-Fi / BluetoothWi-Fi / Bluetooth
Body materialMagnesium alloy chassisMagnesium alloy chassis
Price Check Sony FX30 Price
Check Sony A6700 Price

FAQ

Is the Sony FX30 better than the Sony A6700 for professional video work?
The Sony FX30 is more suitable for professional video work because it is designed as a Cinema Line camera with features such as active cooling, shutter angle control, LUT monitoring, timecode support, and compatibility with Sony’s XLR handle system, which are important for long-form and production-level video shooting.

Can both the Sony FX30 and Sony A6700 record 4K video at high frame rates?
Yes, both cameras can record 4K video at frame rates up to 120p, making them capable of smooth slow-motion footage and suitable for action, cinematic, and creative video applications.

Do the Sony FX30 and Sony A6700 use the same image sensor?
Both cameras use a 26MP APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor, which means they deliver very similar image quality in terms of resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

Is the Sony A6700 better for photography than the Sony FX30?
The Sony A6700 is better suited for photography because it includes a mechanical shutter, a built-in electronic viewfinder, and higher continuous shooting performance, all of which are important for still photography.

Does either camera have a built-in electronic viewfinder?
Only the Sony A6700 has a built-in electronic viewfinder, while the Sony FX30 does not include an EVF and relies on the rear LCD or external monitors for framing.

Can both cameras use the same Sony E-mount lenses?
Yes, both cameras use the Sony E-mount, allowing full compatibility with Sony and third-party APS-C and full-frame E-mount lenses.

Are the autofocus systems similar on the Sony FX30 and Sony A6700?
Both cameras share the same 759-point phase-detect autofocus system with Real-time Tracking and Eye AF, resulting in very similar autofocus speed, accuracy, and subject detection performance.

Do both cameras support Log recording for color grading?
Yes, both the Sony FX30 and Sony A6700 support S-Log3 and S-Gamut3, enabling wide dynamic range capture and flexible color grading in post-production.

Is overheating a concern with either camera during long video recording?
The Sony FX30 is less prone to overheating because it includes an internal cooling fan, while the Sony A6700 relies on passive cooling, which can impose limits in extremely long or demanding recording sessions.

Do both cameras use the same battery?
Yes, both models use the NP-FZ100 battery, which provides good battery life and makes power management easier for users who own both cameras.

Is external audio easier to manage on the Sony FX30?
The Sony FX30 offers better external audio options because it supports Sony’s XLR handle with multi-channel digital audio, while the Sony A6700 relies on standard microphones or MI-shoe digital audio without XLR expansion.

Can both cameras be powered via USB for long shoots?
Yes, both cameras support USB-C Power Delivery, allowing them to be powered or charged during use, which is useful for extended recording sessions or studio setups.

Are the LCD screens similar on both cameras?
Both cameras feature a 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, but the Sony FX30 has a higher-resolution LCD, which helps with focus checking and monitoring during video recording.

Is the Sony FX30 suitable for casual or travel photography?
The Sony FX30 can take photos, but it is less ideal for casual or travel photography due to the lack of an EVF and mechanical shutter, making the Sony A6700 a more practical choice for everyday still shooting.

Can footage from the Sony FX30 and Sony A6700 be easily matched in post-production?
Yes, because both cameras share the same sensor, processor, color science, and Log profiles, footage from the Sony FX30 and Sony A6700 can be matched very closely during editing and color grading.