Netflix has just approved the Sony FX3 to be used as the primary camera to shoot its 4K Originals. The reason for this approval is the latest Firmware 2.0 that constitutes a major upgrade to the FX3 capabilities regarding cinematography and workflow. Explore the FX3 production guide below.

Sony FX3

The FX3 was announced in February 2021 and titled “Alpha on Steroids”. The FX3 is the ‘low-end’ camera in the “Cinema Line” which includes the FX6, FX9, and the mighty VENICE. Sony wanted to offer a small and affordable camera that could complement that line. The FX3 was designed for solo shooters. However, it lacked TC which prevented it from getting approved by Netflix. Nevertheless, this was fixed in the latest firmware update. Hence, after Firmware 2.0, it was only a matter of time till the FX3 gets Netflix’s stamp.

Approved by Netflix

As stated by Sony in the press release: “Sony’s FX3 full-frame Cinema Line camera has been added to the Netflix Approved Camera List. The FX3’s 4K full-frame sensor offers 15 stops of dynamic range with high sensitivity. Last month, the FX3 got a software update that added even more advanced functionality which helped the FX3 to get approved by Netflix. These features include new Log shooting modes, user LUT importing, and timecode sync”. Here’s a look at Sony FX3 Version 2.0 firmware:

The FX3 Netflix Production Guide

Here are the general settings and best practices for the Sony FX3 to shoot Netflix 4k Originals:

• Video format: XAVC S-I 4K (3840 x 2160)
• Recording format: 240Mbps 4:2:2 10bit (24p), 300Mbps 4:2:2 10bit (30p), and 600Mbps 4:2:2 10bit (60p).
• Color mode: S-Gamut3.Cine / S-log3.
• Base ISO: Base ISO 800 / 12800

Explore the slides below for more technical information and settings:

No.12

The FX3 joins eleven other Sony cameras approved for use as a primary camera for Netflix productions. The cameras are: VENICE 2, VENICE, FX9, FX6, Z750, F55, F5, F65, FS7 / FS7ii, HDC-F5500, and Z450. As stated by Sony: “In addition to being preferred by solo shooters, the FX3 has become a favorite by high-end cinematographers thanks to its compact and lightweight form”. As for the approval process, Netflix claims that it collaborates extensively with the creative community, camera manufacturers, and globally recognized experts to approve cameras that support reliable and flexible production workflows. “Approved cameras have been evaluated by Netflix technologists to ensure they meet image capture benchmarks for dynamic range, color accuracy, detail rendition, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and key workflow requirements. These evaluations help our partners know they’re using the best and most appropriate capture technology when telling their stories” as Netflix stated. Make sure to read our article that sheds more light on the approval process.

To sum it up, it’s nice seeing an affordable camera gear get approved by Netflix. Let’s hope that Canon R5 C will be the next (after or before the ALEXA 35).

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• BUY the Y.M.CINEMA 65 – A Gift for Filmmakers