A comprehensive guide to the best accessories for the Sony FX3 and Sony FX30 cameras for those just getting started with this system.
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Also, check out the complete list of Sony E Mount Lenses.
The Sony FX30 and the Sony FX3 are identical in shape and size, so they use the same accessories. You can swap the accessories between the two cameras if you own both.
Regardless of which you have, this list will get you started on some of the best Sony FX3 accessories for travel filmmaking or even beginner filmmakers – I don’t really get into rails and matte boxes like you would need if you were using this as more of a studio or big production camera.
Most of these high-end Sony cameras offer 16-bit HDMI RAW. The movie “The Creator” utilized this exact camera going out into a Ninja recorder to get a 16-bit RAW video. But, let’s look at all the basics first.
1. Screen Protectors Sony FX3 & FX30
ULBTER FX3 Screen Protector
3 Screen Protectors + 2 Hot Shoe covers
The ULBTER LCD Screen Protector includes a Hot Shoe cover that is specially designed for the Sony FX3 Camera. They are easy to install without any bubbles. and the screen protector has a 9H hardness rating, which means it can resist scratches from sharp objects and protect the camera screen from drops and impacts.
- 9H Hardness, .3mm thickness
- 99.99% Clarity.
2. Batteries For Sony FX3 & FX30
Official Batteries from Sony
The official NP FZ100 batteries are the way to go for Sony cameras, especially if you’re using the camera mostly for video. I’ve never seen a third-party battery last as long as the official batteries so they are a worthy investment if you’re a serious filmmaker.
Official Battery Sony NP FZ100
The Sony NPFZ100 batteries have a high capacity of 2280mAh and a voltage of 7.2V, which makes them powerful and dependable. These batteries have a smart feature called iNFOlithium, which shows the remaining battery life on the camera screen.
- Capacity: 2280 mAh / 16.4 Wh
- Output: 7.2 VDC
Best Third-Party Batteries For Sony FX3 or FX30
While Official batteries are the way to go, I have used many different brands of third-party batteries in my various Sony cameras, and they work fine, especially if you already have you’re main batteries set up and are just looking to keep around emergency backups.
I’ve had it happen in the past where Sony upgrades the firmware disabling third-party batteries, so again, I wouldn’t recommend investing too heavily into third-party batteries as your main power supply.
Breaking In The Batteries: When buying third-party batteries, they always need to be broken in before they will function normally. You should fully cycle them at least 5 times before expecting them to perform close to their rated performance.
Wasabi Third-Party Batteries For Sony NP FZ100
2 NP-FZ100 Compatible Batteries + 1 Charger
Wasabi Power is a battery brand from California that offers a cheaper alternative to the official Sony NP FZ100 batteries. Their batteries have a capacity of 2000mAh and a voltage of 7.2V, which means they have about 10% less power than the official ones. They also have a smart feature that displays the remaining battery life on the camera. They have a 3-year warranty and are manufactured in China.
- Capacity: 2000 mAh / 14.4 Wh
- Output: 7 VDC
A new style of battery many third-party companies are making now has built-in USB-C charging. A few brands are doing this now and it’s actually quite convenient when traveling since you don’t need to carry an extra charger. You can keep your official battery in your camera charging it that way, then carry a few extra third-party USB-C batteries and cables and charge them on the side.
SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery with USB-C charging
1 USB-C Battery
This SmallRig NP-FZ100 battery is also a great third-party battery option for the Sony FX3. It has a fast charging feature with USB-C: You can use a USB Type-C cable to charge it up to 40% faster than other USB-C camera batteries and up to 65% faster than normal charging. It only takes 2.5 hours to fully charge it with a high-current charger (5V/2.2A). It also has a light that tells you when it is charging or fully charged. When it is red, it means it is still charging. When it is green, it means it is ready to use.
- Capacity: 2400mAh / 17.28Wh
- Output: 7.2 VDC
Serious filmmakers looking to expand on the power capabilities of the Sony FX3 might want to consider an external power source or charger like this one.
This Multi Battery Adapter Kit seems pricey at first, but it also includes 2 Sony NP-FZ100 batteries, which are a bit expensive on their own. So, if you were planning to buy two extra batteries anyway, this kit is a good deal.
Sony NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adapter Kit
The kit also has a fast charger that can charge 4 batteries in 480 minutes, giving you a total of 9120mAh of power. This can extend the shooting time of your Sony FX3, which has a battery life of about 90 minutes. The kit also has 2 USB ports that you can use to power your camera or other devices.
It’s a very nice accessory for serious filmmakers.
3. Memory Cards Sony FX3/FX30
I couldn’t benchmark the Sony FX3 with all the different memory cards because we can’t shoot continuous bursts of RAW images, but I have tested the Sony A7SIII Memory Cards which gives us an idea of how cards run in the FX3 since they have nearly identical hardware. These Sony camera’s firmware was very picky with various brands of cards so be sure to check out this guide.
As a quick note, I would recommend seriously considering CFexpress Type-A cards as their prices have come down to a place where they are now competitive with V90 UHS-II cards. Especially the Lexar Silver CFeA cards.
Memory Card Guide For Sony FX3/FX30 – Guide
Both the Sony FX3 and FX30 can take UHS-II or CFexpress Type-A memory cards. Finding the right memory cards for the Sony FX3 can be a little tricky and they can be expensive.
If you’re not using all the features of the camera and are just shooting more traditional 24p with more advanced compression, you might be able to save some money by just going with UHS-II memory cards.
See the complete guide with in-camera benchmark
4. Body Accessories – Best Camera Cage
I started using a SmallRig cage a while ago and I’m pretty much never going back. I leave it on every when shooting stills. They are so nice at protecting the camera and I have so much more peace of mind knowing that my camera won’t get slowly destroyed by every little bump.
For video, I’m also now the Rotating NATO Left-Side Handle for handheld shooting and love it. This allows you to rotate the handle for a better grip at different angles.
The only downside is the camera cages do add quite a bit of bulk and weight, however, the Sony FX3 and the Sony FX30 are such small cameras it’s not that much of an issue.
SmallRig Body Cage Sony FX3/FX30
A body cage for the Sony FX3 is a must-have accessory. One of the best brands is SmallRig. They make a few different cage styles for the FX3, and the system is modular, so you can add grips, handles, rails, or other extensions as needed. You’ll want to get started with the 3277 or the 3278.
5. Best Mics For Sony FX3/FX30
Sony cameras are configured to work best with only some mics. Other mics not listed here could cause a minor hiss. Some people think it has to do with mics that have high impedance. Stick with the lower-impedance mics, and you should be fine, or pick up the XLR adapter if you don’t want to buy new mics. Sony FX cameras can also have a digital input with their supported ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone, which is probably your best option for an on-camera mic.
Wireless Microphones
Some of the best vlogging accessories for Sony FX3 & FX30 are, hands down, the wireless mics.
Right now, there are two great mics with slightly different feature sets. I can’t tell you which is better with sound, as so much of that comes down to personal preference.
Both brands are popular, but the new DJI 2 has some new features that may or may not be useful, depending on what you plan on using the mics for.
You’ll probably want to get some black camera tape along with these to cover up the logo spam.
RODE Wireless GO II 2-Person Compact Digital Wireless Microphone
The Wireless GO II is a simple and reliable wireless microphone system that lets you easily record quality audio. It uses a secure Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission reaching up to 656 feet. It has built-in mics that you can use with or without lavalier mics (sold separately). It has a user-friendly design with no menus or dials, just a power button and an LCD screen that shows you the essential information. You can also use the Rode app to access more features and customize your settings.
DJI Mic 2 2-Person Compact Digital Wireless Microphone System/Recorder
The Mic 2 has transmitter units that use 2.4 GHz digital wireless and Bluetooth technology. The DJI Mimo app allows you to connect the transmitters to your iOS or Android device and change different settings, such as intelligent noise cancellation, which reduces background noise and improves voice quality, or 32-bit float audio recording, which captures more dynamic range.
On-Camera Microphones For FX3/FX30
One of the best reasons to own and invest in the Sony camera system is their mics and audio support. No other brand of camera can really match what Sony is doing here. Sony’s pedigree is Sound after all.
The basic workhorse audio system for any of the new Sony cameras with the digital hotshoe is the XLR-K3M.
Sony XLR-K3M Dual-Channel Digital XLR Audio Adapter Kit
ECM-XM1 Shotgun Microphone + Sony XLR-K3M Dual-Channel Digital XLR Audio Adapter Kit with Shotgun Microphone
If you want to connect microphones or other audio devices to your camera, consider looking at the Sony XLR-K3M. This is a digital XLR audio adapter with two channels that work with cameras that have a Multi Interface Shoe. The adapter can deliver high-quality sound to the camera through the Multi Interface Shoe, a digital audio interface. You can also use the adapter with other Sony cameras with the standard MI Shoe, but you must choose between digital or analog output.
The Sony ECM mics use the digital hotshoe but are much smaller and compact than the XLR-K3M. These are great, very capable mics with great features like Super/Uni/Omni pickup patterns.
Sony ECM-B1M Camera Digital Shotgun
The Sony FX3 has a digital hot shoe that can connect to digital audio devices, such as the Sony ECM-B1M microphone. Sony specially designed this microphone to work with the digital audio interface of these cameras. This allows you to record high-quality sound directly to the video files and control the audio settings on the camera’s screen.
Sony ECM-B10 Compact Digital Shotgun mic
The Sony ECM-B10 is a smaller version of the Sony ECM-B1M digital microphone. It has the same digital audio interface and options for Super/Uni/Omni pickup patterns. It also uses advanced beamforming technology to capture clear sound. The Sony ECM-B10 is ideal for a compact and versatile digital mic.
I use the Rode Mic Go and Diety V-Mic systems for their simplicity and low price. Since I have so many different cameras and devices, the 3.5mm jack makes it really easy to adapt these mics to anything. Also, the new NTG and Video Mic Go II have USB connections, which is great when you want to plug them into your computer for some quick voice-over quickly.
Rode NTG Hybrid Mic
The Rode NTG Hybrid mic is a professional on-camera mic that has a low impedance of 10 Ohms and is compatible with Sony cameras. It has more features than the Rode VideoMic GO II, such as a high-pass filter, a high-frequency boost, and a variable gain control. The VideoMic GO II is a simpler and lighter mic that is good for casual shooting.
Rode Video Mic Go II
The Rode Video Mic Go, version I or II, is the Rode on-camera mic I like the most. It has a warm sound quality, unlike the Video Mic Pro+, which sounds tinny and empty. The new version (version II) has USB ports that let you connect it to mobile devices and computers. The old version is more affordable if you don’t need USB ports.
Extras – Cleaning Accessories & Utility
I have a whole article on cleaning accessories and there are a few that you absolutely should have no matter what that I will list here. If you want to see more accessories for wet cleaning, check out this guide to cleaning accessories here.
You’ll want to get some sensor swabs with the cleaning kit as well as some eWipes.
Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths 6-Pack
6 individually wrapped Micro Fiber Cloths
Micro-fiber cleaning cloths are essential for keeping your camera and lenses clean. They can remove dust, dirt, fingerprints, and smudges from your lens or UV filter without scratching or leaving any residue.
This pack of six micro-fiber cloths is convenient because they are small enough to fit in any pocket or compartment of your bag. I like to keep them in different places in different bags, so I always have one handy.
Dust Patrol – Sensor Cleaning Brush
1 Full Frame Sensor Brush + 3 Chamber Swabs + Storage Tube
A sensor brush is a good way to remove stubborn dust particles from your sensor that an air blower can’t dislodge. I usually use these before resorting to any wet or soft cleaning methods. However, you have to ensure these brushes are very clean, or they won’t work. I find them handy when I need a quick fix for my sensor. They are especially useful for the Sony FX3, as the camera does not have a built-in sensor cleaning function. Keeping the sensor clean can prevent dust spots from appearing on your images and videos.
UES Sensor Swabs Full Frame 14 Piece
14 Swabs + Cleaning Solution
The UES Sensor Swabs are a convenient and effective way to clean your sensor. They come with a cleaning solution that does not contain alcohol, which can damage your sensor. Each swab is individually packaged for single use, so you don’t have to worry about contamination or storage. These swabs are reasonably priced and offer great performance.
Keeping the sensor clean can prevent dust spots from appearing on your images and is especially important for video.
- 14 vacuum-sealed packs
- 15ml Alcohol-free sensor cleaner
Nitecore BB2 Electric Blower
The Nitecore BB2 Electric Blower is a handy tool for keeping your camera gear and lenses clean. It can blow away dust and dirt from your equipment with a strong and gentle air stream. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to bring on your shoots. It has a battery you can recharge and use for a long time. It is suitable for professionals and amateurs, as it can help them maintain their cameras and lenses optimally.
It is especially useful for the Sony FX3, as the camera has many vents and openings that can attract dust and debris. Using the blower can prevent dust from entering the camera body, the sensor, the lens, and the digital hot shoe.
It also has a built-in LED light, which I’ve found very useful.
ProTape Gaffers Tape 2″ x 55yd
Gaffers tape is a must-have item for any film-related project. You should have at least one or two rolls of black gaffer tape, a cloth-based tape that is sticky but easy to tear. It is similar to duct tape but softer and less adhesive.
When I worked in production, I usually liked to have multiple colors and sizes. But around the house, just for fun projects, I usually just use 1″ tape. I’ve linked you to the 2″ tape because that’s a little more useful on sets.
You can also use this to cover the logos on your wireless mics.
Best Accessories Sony FX3/FX30 Conclusions
This list covers all the basic accessories for beginners. There are so many more accessories out there, but I think these are the essentials for setting up the Sony FX3 or FX30 as a cool and complete system for travel photography, vlogging, or just for beginners looking to get started making some great videos.
