Why You Should Buy the Sony FX6 Instead of the a7S III

Sony’s a7S III packs a remarkable number of features into a ludicrously compact body, but would you be better off with the new Sony FX6?

You’ll be hard pushed to track down an FX6 at the moment as they’re only just starting to creep onto shelves but at $5,998, it’s a serious proposition, especially when compared to the $3,498 that you will pay for the a7S III. In many respects, these two cameras are worlds apart, but there are features on the diminutive hybrid that haven’t made it onto its big brother — in-body stabilization being one of them.

The FX6 is still surprisingly compact, weighing less than 2 lb (890 g) making it less than a third heavier than the a7S III. Its 10.2-megapixel full frame sensor shoots 4K60p, 4K120, and 1080p240, and of course records 10-bit 4:2:2. In theory, it offers a fraction more dynamic range than the a7S III and you’ll have a hard time making it overheat. You’ll get waveforms rather than just a histogram and zebras, though you wonder if this is something that Sony should add to the a7S III via a firmware update. 

The small form factor of FX6 makes it ideal for lone filmmakers but it won’t feel out of place on set, either. Which would be your choice?