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In this guide
TL;DR, Which Camera Should You Rent?
If your shoot moves a lot (gimbal, handheld, solo, hybrid stills + video), the Sony FX3 at $230/day is the smarter rental. If you are shooting documentary, corporate, broadcast, or anything outdoors where built-in Variable ND saves you a 30-minute lens swap, the Sony FX6 at $300/day earns the extra $70/day on the first afternoon. Both share the same Sony full-frame sensor platform and E-mount, so the image is sibling-close. The choice comes down to form factor, ND, and how the body fits the day.
Side-by-Side Spec Comparison
- Sensor12.1MP FF Exmor R
- Max resolutionUHD 4K 120p, 1080p 240p
- Dynamic range15+ stops S-Log3
- Bit depth10-bit 4:2:2 / 16-bit RAW out
- ISO80 to 409,600 expanded
- Form factorCage-free, 1.65 lb (715g)
- Built-in NDNo
- Sensor10.2MP FF Exmor R
- Max resolutionDCI 4K 60p, UHD 4K 120p, 1080p 240p
- Dynamic range15+ stops S-Log3 EI
- Bit depth10-bit 4:2:2 / 16-bit RAW out
- ISODual base 800/12,800, 320 to 409,600
- Form factorBoxy cinema, top handle
- Built-in NDYes, Variable 1/4 to 1/128
Full Spec Comparison Table
| Spec | Sony FX3 | Sony FX6 |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate | $230 | $300 |
| Sensor | 12.1MP Full-Frame Exmor R | 10.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R |
| Max resolution | UHD 4K up to 120p | DCI 4K 60p, UHD 4K 120p |
| Slow-mo (1080p) | 240p | 240p |
| Dynamic range | 15+ stops (S-Log3) | 15+ stops (S-Log3 EI mode) |
| Internal codecs | 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC S-I | 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC-I |
| RAW output | 16-bit over HDMI | 16-bit over HDMI |
| ISO range | 80 to 409,600 (expanded) | 320 to 409,600 (expanded), dual base 800/12,800 |
| Built-in ND filters | None | Variable electronic ND, 1/4 to 1/128 |
| Anamorphic de-squeeze | External monitor required | Native 1.3x and 2.0x in-camera |
| Card slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SDXC | Dual CFexpress Type A / SDXC |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Form factor | Compact, cage-free, detachable XLR handle | Cinema boxy, built-in top handle, side grip |
| Weight (body only) | 1.65 lb (715g) | 2.18 lb (990g) with handle |
| Best for | Indie, gimbal, run-and-gun, hybrid | Documentary, corporate, broadcast, ENG |
When to Choose the Sony FX3
The FX3 is the right rental when the shoot needs to move. Solo operator, gimbal-heavy day, run-and-gun documentary, hybrid photo + video, narrative second-unit, social-first content, anything where a smaller body lets you shoot for ten hours without wrist fatigue. It pairs beautifully with the Sony FE 24-70mm GM II for a one-bag kit, or sits on a DJI RS 4 Pro with most Sony G Master glass without rebalancing on every focal-length swap.
- Solo shoots, gimbal work, or run-and-gun where a smaller body matters
- Hybrid photo + video assignments (the FX3 shoots stills natively)
- Indie narrative and short film, especially when budget is tight
- Social-first content where 4K 60p is plenty and ND is rarely needed
- Multi-cam B-camera that matches an FX6 A-camera color profile
- Crews that already own a cage and accessories for cage-free Sony bodies
The FX3 is the camera you grab when the shoot needs to MOVE.
When to Choose the Sony FX6
The FX6 wins the day when the shoot stays in one place for a while or moves in and out of mixed-light environments. The built-in Variable ND alone justifies the rental difference outdoors, and the dual-base ISO at 800 and 12,800 means you do not lose a stop of dynamic range when a scene goes from window-lit to overhead practical. Cinema-style ergonomics, top handle, side grip, and an XLR audio panel that is part of the body, not a clip-on, make it the right rental for anything documentary, corporate, or broadcast.
- Documentary, corporate brand video, and ENG-style shoots
- Outdoor work where Variable ND saves real time on lens swaps
- Broadcast and live-event coverage with built-in genlock and timecode
- Mixed-light interview days where dual base ISO 800/12,800 matters
- Anamorphic shoots that need on-camera 1.3x or 2.0x de-squeeze
- Crews that want a cinema-style body without jumping to a Venice or Burano price tier
The FX6 is the camera you grab when the day starts at 6am and ends after sunset.
Real-World Toronto Shoot Scenarios
Here is how the choice plays out on a few common Toronto rentals:
What to Pair with Each
Both bodies share Sony E-mount, so the lens choice flexes both ways. Here are the most-rented pairings out of our shelf at 777 The Queensway:
$50/day
$250/day
$250/day
$145/day
The Sony FE 24-70 GM II is the most-booked lens for both bodies, light, sharp, and fast enough for indoor work. The DZOFilm Catta Ace 35-80mm T2.9 is the cine-zoom upgrade for FX6 narrative shoots (PL adapter on the body). The Aputure Storm 1200x is the daylight key that cuts through any window. The DJI RS 4 Pro is the gimbal both bodies balance on without rebalancing every focal-length swap.
Common Questions
Can I shoot anamorphic on the Sony FX3 or FX6?
Do the FX3 and FX6 share the same lens mount?
Which one shoots higher frame rates?
Does the FX6 record RAW internally?
Is the FX3 a good run-and-gun camera?
Do I need a separate operator for the FX6?
Ready to book?
Both bodies are bookable in real time at vivacamera.ca. Click below to check availability and reserve.
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