NEW CAMERA

We are comparing the Sony FX30 versus the Panasonic S5 IIx. In this comparison, we will mainly focus on the videography aspects of both cameras. Let’s start.

First of all, the major difference we see between both cameras is the sensor size. Both the Panasonic S5 IIx and the Sony FX30 use BSI CMOS sensors, which is why we are expecting better low-light performance as well as dynamic range from the Panasonic S5 IIx camera.

Moreover, if we compare the ISO range for photography, the ISO range of the Panasonic S5 IIx camera goes up from 100 to 51,200 (Extended: 50 to 204,800). In contrast, the Sony FX30 goes up to 100 to 32,000 (Extended: 50 to 102,400). As you can see, the Panasonic S5 IIx can provide a better range.

Let’s also compare the Dual Native ISO range of both cameras available for video purposes. The Dual Native ISO range of the Sony FX30 camera is from 800 – 2500, whereas the Panasonic S5 IIx camera range is from 640 – 4000. Having a broader range means the sensor will give you more latitude in your file, and even at ISO 4000, the noise level of the Panasonic S5 IIx camera will be minimal.

Video Auto-Focus

GYRO-BASED IMAGE STABILIZATION in SONY FX30

Gyro-based image stabilization is limited to the Sony FX30 only. When you switch off the sensor-based image stabilization mode of the Sony FX30, the gyro mode gets activated automatically. You don’t have to do anything, you just have to switch off the image stabilization mode.

We don’t have such a mode in the Panasonic S5 IIx camera. The image stabilization is limited to sensor-shift IBS only although you get IBIS up to 6.5 Stops.

Such a lethal combination requires gyro stabilization for sure. You have to get a camera that has fast autofocus performance even at higher frame rates. For example, if you’re recording dance videos or capturing something really cool in a cinematic way while holding the camera, then for sure both are required – autofocus at higher frame rates and gyro-based image stabilization.

LIVE LUT  DISPLAY IN BOTH CAMERA 

Both the Panasonic S5 IIx and the Sony FX30 allow you to upload Look-Up Tables (LUTs) to the camera. The Panasonic S5 IIx is limited to 10 LUTs, but the Sony FX30 can upload up to 16 or even more. The most important part is that both cameras are able to display the live LUT function. This means you can visualize the type of LUT that is being implemented in the footage while recording the video. This is a really helpful feature in both cameras

Easy EI Mode for Beginners in SONY FX30

An ‘Easy EI’ mode does the same thing but automatically switches between the lower and upper gain state if you reduce exposure too far from what the base state can handle.

Focus Breathing compensation in Sony FX30

The Sony FX30 camera also allows for breathing compensation. If you use any third-party lenses with the camera, you won’t have any focus breathing issues. It’s worth mentioning that you also won’t notice any focus-hunting issues. As we have already mentioned, it’s more or less a foolproof camera in terms of autofocus performance.

Internal Fan Both Camera

Both cameras feature a built-in fan, so you won’t have any issues in the long run. Whether you’re recording 4K at 120 frames per second with your Sony FX30, or you’re recording 4K at 60 FPS with your Panasonic S5 IIx camera, the built-in fan will always keep your camera cool, even in adverse weather conditions

Writing Videos Directly to SSD Drives from Panasonic S5 IIX

The best thing about the Panasonic S5 IIx camera is that you can record your videos directly to an SSD drive. Although Blackmagic Pocket Cinema videos are not available to be recorded directly to SSD, for that you will need Black Magic video assistance. But, for the rest of the formats like V-Log and Apple ProRes, you can record your videos directly to an SSD drive.

Shooting Anamorphic with Panasonic S5 IIX and Sony FX30

One thing that professionals may like about the Panasonic as well as Sony camera is that you are able to shoot 3.3k anamorphic videos.

Anamorphic lenses come in different compression ratios, such as 1.33x, 1.5x, and 2x. The higher the compression ratio, the more “squeezed” the image will be

At the time of the announcement, Sony FX30 was missing the anamorphic mode, In addition to true 24p, FX3 Version 3.00 and FX30 Version 2.00 will offer anamorphic lens de-squeeze options of 1.3x and 2.0x, while FX3 Version 3.00 now features focus breathing compensation. So if you love to shoot with anamorphic lenses you can pic either of them.