Sony FX30 vs Nikon ZR 2025

The Sony FX30 and the Nikon ZR are two cameras everyone’s talking about in 2025. Both are aimed at filmmakers who want “cinema-style” features without breaking the bank, but they couldn’t be more different. The FX30 is Sony’s entry-level Cinema Line body — basically a baby FX3 — while the Nikon ZR is Nikon’s bold attempt to crash the party with specs that sound like they belong on a RED.

So, which one is worth your money? Let’s break it down.

Price and Positioning

• Sony FX30: ~$1,800 body only. The cheapest way into Sony’s Cinema Line. APS-C, designed for creators stepping up from mirrorless but not ready for the FX3.

• Nikon ZR: $2,199. Full-frame, aggressively priced compared to the FX3 ($4,100). Positioned as the disruptor — promising high-end specs at a mid-tier price.

Bottom line: the FX30 is the budget-friendly, safe bet. The ZR is swinging for the fences.

Sensor and Image Quality

• Sony FX30: APS-C (Super 35) 26MP sensor, dual base ISO 800/2500. Delivers solid 4K detail, decent dynamic range (~13 stops), but doesn’t match full-frame low-light performance.

• Nikon ZR: Full-frame, 24MP partially stacked sensor, dual base ISO 800/6400. Delivers ~11 stops dynamic range in 4K, natural colors, and film-like noise — especially in RAW.

Translation: the ZR has the edge in detail and full-frame depth, but the FX30 holds its own thanks to a cleaner workflow and surprisingly strong image quality for APS-C.

Recording Options

Here’s where Nikon flexes.

• Nikon ZR: Internal 6K/60p RAW (R3D, Nikon RAW, ProRes RAW). Also offers 4K/120p, but with a 1.5x crop. RAW files are massive — great for feature films, less great for client edits.

• Sony FX30: 4K up to 120p with only a minor crop, no RAW internally, but you can record RAW externally over HDMI. Files are smaller, faster, and friendlier in post.

Unless you really need RAW, the FX30’s workflow is much more practical.

Cooling and Reliability

• Sony FX30: Built-in fan, can record for hours without worry.

• Nikon ZR: No fan, relies on passive cooling. So far reviews say it’s fine, but it’s still a question mark for long shoots in warm environments.

For professional video production, reliability trumps everything — point goes to the FX30.

Ergonomics and Handling

• Sony FX30: Familiar Cinema Line body with a proper grip, mounting points, full-size HDMI, and dual card slots. Feels ready for rigging out of the box.

• Nikon ZR: Small, compact, but lacks a real grip. Uses micro HDMI (fragile) and only has a single card slot. Honestly? Feels a bit like holding a disposable camera unless you rig it.

For handheld shooters, the FX30 feels way more secure.

LCD Monitor

• Sony FX30: 3-inch flip screen — fine, but nothing special.

• Nikon ZR: 4-inch, 1,000-nit screen — a full inch bigger, bright, and genuinely useful. Honestly, it might save you from needing an external monitor for certain shoots.

Point goes to the Nikon here — this screen is a legit upgrade.

Autofocus and Stabilization

• Sony FX30: Sony’s Real-time Tracking autofocus is best in class. IBIS delivers ~5 stops of stabilization.

• Nikon ZR: Hybrid AF (eye/animal/object detection) is strong and reliable. IBIS is rated at ~7.5 stops, making it slightly better for handheld work.

In practice? Both are excellent. You won’t be disappointed either way.

Audio

• Sony FX30: 24-bit audio with XLR handle option. Enough for professional jobs when paired with good mics.

• Nikon ZR: 32-bit float audio internally. Sounds impressive but… unnecessary. Preamp quality matters more, and no mirrorless has pro-level preamps. For serious work, you’ll still use an external recorder.

Another flashy spec from Nikon that most of us won’t use.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon ZR looks like a spec monster at $2,199. Internal 6K RAW, a huge monitor, and impressive stabilization are big selling points — especially for indie filmmakers who want maximum value.

But the Sony FX30 is smarter for most working videographers. Its fan-cooled body, reliable autofocus, cleaner workflow, and connection to Sony’s Cinema Line make it a safer choice for day-to-day client work.

So which one’s right for you? If you’re experimenting, just starting out, or want to play with RAW, the Nikon ZR is exciting. But if you’re building a career in Boston video production and need a dependable camera you can trust every shoot, the FX30 is the better long-term partner.

• FX30 vs Nikon ZR — what’s the biggest difference?

  The Sony FX30 is an APS-C (Super 35) camera designed as the entry point to Sony’s Cinema Line. It’s about reliability, active cooling, and ease of use. The Nikon ZR is a full-frame disruptor with internal 6K RAW and a bigger screen. In short: FX30 = safer workhorse, ZR = flashy specs for indie shooters.

• Which camera is better in low light, the FX30 or Nikon ZR?

  The FX30 has dual base ISOs of 800/2500, while the Nikon ZR has 800/6400. In practice, the ZR handles higher ISOs a little better, but the FX30’s image pipeline feels cleaner and more consistent. If low-light is your priority, the ZR edges ahead.

• Does the Nikon ZR’s internal 6K RAW really matter?

  Only if you’re shooting feature films or heavy VFX projects. RAW files are massive and slow down post-production. For 99% of jobs — corporate video, testimonials, event coverage — the FX30’s 10-bit files are more than enough and way easier to handle.

• Which is more reliable for long shoots?

  The FX30 has an active cooling fan, so you can roll for hours without worry. The ZR has no fan and relies on passive cooling. It’s held up fine in reviews, but if you’re filming events or interviews all day, the FX30 is safer.

• Which one should a new filmmaker buy?

  If you’re just starting out and want full-frame with lots of headline features for the price, the Nikon ZR is tempting. But if you want something you can trust on every shoot, that plays well with Sony’s ecosystem, and won’t give you workflow headaches, the FX30 is the smarter buy.