Sony FX3 Storage Calculator
The Sony ILME-FX3 is Sony's compact full-frame cinema body. It records XAVC HS, XAVC S, and XAVC S-I internally. This page covers the storage math for every supported codec, with bitrates verified against Sony's Help Guide.
Sony FX3 Recording Bitrates
All values from the Sony ILME-FX3 Help Guide. The FX3 shares its sensor and bitrate tables with the a7S III but adds DCI 4K (4096×2160) output that the a7S III does not record.
| Codec | Resolution | Frame rate | Bitrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| XAVC S-I 4K | 3840×2160 | 60p | 600 Mbps |
| XAVC S-I 4K | 3840×2160 | 30p | 300 Mbps |
| XAVC HS 4K | 3840×2160 | 120p | 280 Mbps |
| XAVC HS 4K | 3840×2160 | 60p | 200 Mbps |
| XAVC S 4K | 3840×2160 | 60p | 200 Mbps |
| XAVC S 4K | 3840×2160 | 30p | 140 Mbps |
| XAVC S HD | 1920×1080 | 120p | 100 Mbps |
Memory Cards for the Sony FX3
The FX3 has two slots that accept CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II. CFexpress is required for high-bitrate XAVC S-I 4K and XAVC HS 4K 120p; SD UHS-II V90 works for many other modes.
- Sony Tough 320 GB / 640 GB CFexpress Type A — Sony's own VPG-400 cards.
- Lexar Professional GOLD 320 GB Type A — 900/800 MB/s, value pick.
- ProGrade Iridium 480 GB Type A — CFexpress 4.0, sustained VPG-800 writes.
- Sony TOUGH SF-G 128 GB SD UHS-II V90 — V90 SD for XAVC HS and lower-bitrate modes.
Sony FX3 Storage — Quick Examples
| Setting | 1 minute | 1 hour | 320 GB card holds |
|---|---|---|---|
| UHD 4K 60p XAVC S-I | 4.5 GB | 270 GB | ~71 min |
| UHD 4K 24p XAVC S-I | 1.8 GB | 108 GB | ~2 hr 57 min |
| XAVC HS 4K 60p | 1.5 GB | 90 GB | ~3 hr 33 min |
| XAVC HS 4K 120p | 2.1 GB | 126 GB | ~2 hr 32 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest bitrate the Sony FX3 records at?
The Sony FX3 records XAVC S-I 4K (3840×2160) at up to 600 Mbps at 60p and 50p, XAVC HS 4K at 280 Mbps at 120p, and XAVC S 4K at 200 Mbps at 60p. The FX3 also outputs DCI 4K (4096×2160) which the a7S III does not record.
Does the Sony FX3 record RAW internally?
No. The FX3 outputs 16-bit RAW over HDMI to an external recorder (Atomos Ninja V/V+ supports ProRes RAW capture). Internal recording is XAVC HS, XAVC S, or XAVC S-I only.
What memory cards does the Sony FX3 require?
The FX3 has two slots that accept CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II. CFexpress Type A is required for high-bitrate XAVC S-I 4K and XAVC HS 4K 120p; SD UHS-II V60 works for lower-bitrate modes. SD V90 is recommended for any 4K 60p+ work.
FX3 vs a7S III for storage — any difference?
No, for the codecs they share. The FX3 and a7S III have identical XAVC S-I, XAVC HS, and XAVC S bitrate tables. The FX3 adds DCI 4K (4096×2160) output that the a7S III doesn't record. Compare FX3 vs FX6 →