9 thoughts on “Sony FDR-X3000 4K Action Cam – built in gimbal.”

1. Thank you for this Alistair. what are your thoughts on video quality, HD vs 4K on the FDR X3000?

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   1. The 4K from the X3000 in good light is stunning and noticeably better than the HD. In low light the images get a little grainy and then it’s hard to tell the difference.

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2. Hi Alister,
   Based on you recommendation and video I purchased a X3000. Mainly because I do run and gun work and need something small and stabilized without a gimbal.

   two questions:
   1 – 4K is good but limited to 25p. I now prefer to record in 1080p100 (100mbs) because all my output is HD and I want to have the ability to slow thing down. But moreover: For fast moving shots (like yours in the sled) footage will get blurry and lose resolution. I can nog find any info on shutter speed settings and all that. So what do you recommend. Did you do any tests.
   (PS I also have the camera on -0.7db so a little under exposed for grading later – see 2) .
   2- how do you grade the clips? Any tips to get the maximum?
   stefan

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3. To answer some of my own questions I did some tests. I made several clips and checked the recorded settings using a SONY program called Catalyst Browse. This program reads the metadata of the clips recorded. Unfortunately it only records the settings of the first frame. So I recorded a clip with a certain setting with the cap on (black) and without pointing at a reference scene.

   Basically the frame rate setting is controlling the minimum shutter speed. So a setting at 25p will have 1/25 shutterspeed with the cap on. and 100p 1/100 etc. Without the cap the shutterspeed is what controles the amount of light on the sensor.

   I guess only when the minimm shutterspeed is reached the electronic gain kicks in, boosting the recording. This can be controlled a little bit by lowering the db setting, p.e. -0.7. Tried several settings, -2.0 +2.0 to see the effect on the first frame settings in normal light and this results in a little bit lower shutterspeed. But shutterspeed under normal conditions tend to be high like 2000 or 4000, I guess under full light this could be 10.000 easily.

   Basically I will use two base settings: 1080p100 @ 100mBit and 4K25 100mbit. Both use the wide angle. If I don’t want wide I will go to 1080p25 50mbit.

   what is your experience?

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   1. That all sounds about right and is what I would expect from a camera with no iris function. The only additional way to control the exposure is by adding ND filters.

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4. Alister can you do multi-day still image timelapses powering via AC? I’m trying to shoot a lock down shot for 8hrs. each day, 5 consecutive days. I will power off overnight and change cards. Not finding a clear answer anywhere on powering, and I’ve also read various overheating concerns. Is this the right tool for the job would you think? Thanks for the great reviews!

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5. Excellent, no nonsense, professional review!

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6. what kind of feiyutek gumbal is this? gs4?

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   1. G5GS

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