Sony FX3 vs FX6 — Storage & Bitrate Comparison
For storage planning, the FX3 and FX6 are nearly identical: same peak bitrate, same card requirements, same per-hour file sizes at matching settings. The differences are in form factor, audio I/O, and Long GOP options — not storage capacity.
Storage at a Glance
| Sony FX3 | Sony FX6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak bitrate (UHD 4K) | 600 Mbps (XAVC S-I 60p) | 600 Mbps (XAVC-I 60p) |
| DCI 4K (4096×2160) | Yes, internal | Yes, internal at 240 Mbps |
| Card slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Long GOP option | XAVC S / XAVC HS | XAVC-L (Long GOP) + XAVC HS |
| 4K 120p slow-mo | XAVC HS at 280 Mbps | S&Q (XAVC-L 4K 120p) |
| Internal RAW | No (HDMI RAW out only) | No (SDI RAW out only) |
| Storage per hour at UHD 4K 60p All-Intra | 270 GB | 270 GB |
| Storage per hour at UHD 4K 30p | 135 GB | 135 GB |
| HD 120p | 100 Mbps | 222 Mbps All-Intra |
Bitrate-by-Bitrate Comparison
Same recording sensor (10.3 MP back-illuminated full-frame) means the codecs and bitrates align almost exactly across both bodies. The FX6's XAVC-L Long GOP modes are the main capacity advantage — half the storage of the All-Intra equivalents for similar visual quality at lower frame rates.
| Setting | FX3 (XAVC S-I) | FX6 (XAVC-I) |
|---|---|---|
| UHD 4K 60p | 600 Mbps | 600 Mbps |
| UHD 4K 30p | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps |
| UHD 4K 24p | 240 Mbps | 240 Mbps |
| DCI 4K 24p | 240 Mbps | 240 Mbps |
| HD 120p All-Intra | 100 Mbps | 222 Mbps |
Which Should You Pick?
FX3 — pick if you need compact form, gimbal-friendly weight, mirrorless body for run-and-gun. Same internal recording capability as FX6.
FX6 — pick if you need built-in NDs, XLR audio, top handle, EVF, and long-form ergonomics. XAVC-L Long GOP modes give you halved storage for the same visual class at lower frame rates.
For pure storage planning, they're interchangeable. Plan your card needs the same way for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Sony FX3 and FX6 use the same memory cards?
Yes. Both cameras have dual slots that accept CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II. CFexpress Type A is required for the highest-bitrate XAVC-I or XAVC S-I modes on each. SD UHS-II V90 works for most other modes on both bodies.
Which records higher bitrates: Sony FX3 or FX6?
They share the same peak bitrate of 600 Mbps for All-Intra UHD 4K at 60p. The FX6 uses XAVC-I (4:2:2 10-bit Intra); the FX3 uses XAVC S-I (also 4:2:2 10-bit Intra). For DCI 4K, the FX6 records natively while the FX3 also outputs it. The FX6 adds XAVC-L Long GOP options the FX3 doesn't have.
Which needs more cards for the same shoot?
Neither — they consume identical storage at matching codec/resolution/fps settings. The hardware difference is form factor (top handle, built-in NDs, XLR audio on FX6) — not storage.
What's the FX3's advantage over FX6 for storage workflows?
Compact body, lighter rigs, easier gimbal mounting. Same internal recording capability, no functional storage difference. The FX6 wins on long-form ergonomics; the FX3 wins on portability.