Why the Sony FX3 is the Perfect Camera for Branded Video Production Teams
At Bunker Hill Media, our mission is to deliver visually stunning and emotionally resonant content for our clients. Achieving this requires tools that combine reliability, flexibility, and cutting-edge performance. The camera we rely on for everything from ad campaigns to documentary-style storytelling is the Sony FX3.
The FX3 is a cinematic powerhouse that perfectly balances professional-grade features with a compact, portable design, making it a go-to for production companies like ours. From handling the vibrant energy of a brand activation to capturing the subtlety of an intimate interview, this camera does it all.
Compact Design Meets Maximum Creativity
The FX3 is designed with mobility in mind, weighing just over 700 grams. This lightweight body allows for seamless transitions between setups, whether it’s handheld shooting, gimbal-mounted tracking, or crane-operated overheads.
For instance, during our Little Leaf Farms "Tastemonial" campaign, the FX3’s compact design was crucial. To capture the perfect top-down shot of a salad being prepared, we mounted the FX3 on a crane. Its size and weight made setup quick and efficient, allowing us to experiment with intricate movements like a zoom-in fork shot or the spinning product intro, which required delicate adjustments to get just right. While we love using our camera when it’s totally built out with a cinerig base, you have to know when to use it and when not to. If you’re trying to be nimble and lean - the way to go is with the smaller frame.
Low-Light Mastery with an ISO Range of Up to 12,800
Low-light environments can be a challenge for any production, but the FX3 thrives in these conditions thanks to its impressive ISO range of up to 12,800, with expandable settings for even darker scenes.
This capability was invaluable during our work for Parsons Kellogg, where we captured naturally occurring, unstaged moments in their warehouse. The bright and sometimes shadowed lighting of the facility was no match for the FX3, which rendered every detail of their operations in sharp clarity, preserving the authenticity of the space.
Similarly, when filming the Rice Krispies Treats Re-Treat Suite, the FX3 captured the suite’s cozy, ambient lighting beautifully. From the warm glow of decorative lights to the soft textures of the bedding, the FX3 ensured every detail came through without noise or grain, adding to the suite's inviting charm.
Audio Capabilities That Elevate Every Production
High-quality audio is just as important as stunning visuals, and the FX3 delivers with its dedicated XLR audio handle. This attachment allows for direct connection to professional-grade microphones, eliminating the need for external recorders and streamlining our production workflow.
During our shoot for Bear Mountain Inn + Barn, we needed crisp, natural sound to complement the visual storytelling of their scenic property. The FX3’s audio handle made it easy to capture clear dialogue and environmental sounds, like the rustling of leaves or the crackle of a firepit, directly on set.
Versatility That Shines Across Projects
The FX3’s versatility makes it a standout for a wide range of productions:
Dynamic Range: Its 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling captures stunning color depth, ensuring vibrant greens in Little Leaf Farms’ salads and warm, inviting tones in the Rice Krispies Treats Re-Treat Suite.
High Frame Rates: With 4K at up to 120 fps, the FX3 is perfect for slow-motion shots, like the dramatic fork lifts in our Tastemonial ads or playful, slow-motion moments in the Re-Treat Suite.
Fast Workflow: Dual CFexpress/SD card slots allow for extended recording and quick data transfers, crucial for shoots like Parsons Kellogg, where we needed to capture hours of warehouse activity without interruption.
How the Sony FX3 Helped Us Elevate Projects for Our Clients
Achieving a high level of quality means relying on top-tier equipment that supports creativity and flexibility. Below, we’ll explore how the FX3 became an essential part of our workflow and how it played a pivotal role in projects for Rice Krispies Treats, Little Leaf Farms, Boston Magazine, The TaylorCut, and Somerville Youth Soccer.
Rice Krispies Treats: Bringing Playfulness to Life
When we partnered with All Terrain to capture the Rice Krispies Treats Re-Treat Suite, the goal was to showcase a whimsical, cozy brand activation designed to delight families. The suite was filled with playful elements, from oversized Rice Krispies Treats pillows to interactive design features that evoked a sense of wonder.
The FX3’s capabilities made it the ideal choice for this project:
Low-Light Performance: The suite featured cool, natural lighting to create a fun, natural and playful atmosphere. The FX3’s ISO range, which extends up to 12,800, ensured that we could capture crisp, noise-free footage even in dim conditions. This was particularly important for highlighting the soft glow of decorative lighting and capturing content in parts of the room casted in shadows.
Compact Design: Filming in the suite’s confined spaces required a camera that could adapt to tight angles without compromising quality. The FX3’s lightweight, portable body allowed us to maneuver effortlessly, capturing both wide shots of the entire suite and close-ups of its intricate details.
High Frame Rates: To emphasize the playful, magical vibe, we used the FX3’s 4K 120fps capability for slow-motion shots. Moments like a child tossing a Rice Krispies Treat pillow or a family interacting with the suite’s features were brought to life with cinematic fluidity.
Little Leaf Farms: Crisp Greens, Crisp Footage
For Little Leaf Farms’ “Tastemonial” campaign, we needed to make lettuce—not typically the star of customer reviews—look irresistible. This campaign focused on vibrant visuals paired with playful, text-message-style graphics showcasing customer love for the brand.
The FX3 played a critical role in achieving the campaign’s aesthetic:
Dynamic Range: The FX3’s 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling brought out the vivid greens of the lettuce, making every leaf pop on screen. Whether it was a perfectly tossed salad or a single, dew-kissed leaf, the FX3 captured the freshness and appeal that define Little Leaf Farms.
Precision Movements: One of the campaign’s standout shots involved a fork diving into a salad and emerging with a perfect bite. Using the FX3 mounted on a crane, we captured this top-down shot with stunning clarity and smooth motion. The camera’s compact design made it easy to execute these intricate movements.
Boston Magazine: Footage Almost Good Enough To Eat
Collaborating with Boston Magazine meant creating content that exuded sophistication and style. Whether highlighting a feature story or promoting a high-profile event, the FX3’s versatility made it an invaluable asset.
Low-Light Mastery: Many Boston Magazine shoots involved elegant evening events or dimly lit interiors. The FX3’s ability to perform exceptionally in low-light settings ensured that we could capture the ambiance without sacrificing detail or introducing noise.
High-Quality Audio: The FX3’s XLR audio handle allowed us to record clear, professional-grade sound for interviews and event coverage. This feature was particularly useful during red-carpet interviews and panel discussions, where capturing crisp dialogue was crucial.
Creative Flexibility: From handheld shots of bustling events to stabilized footage on a gimbal, the FX3’s lightweight design and adaptability allowed us to switch setups quickly and efficiently. This ensured we didn’t miss any critical moments.
The TaylorCut: Capturing Precision and Style
The TaylorCut, a high-end barber shop, approached us to create a video that showcased their artistry and attention to detail. This project required us to highlight the craftsmanship of the barbers while also conveying the luxurious, welcoming atmosphere of the shop.
Sharp Detail: The FX3’s 4K resolution captured every precise movement of the barbers—from the glide of scissors to the careful shaping of a beard. The resulting footage showcased the skill and artistry that set The TaylorCut apart.
Low-Light Adaptability: The shop’s ambient lighting, designed to create a relaxing environment, presented a challenge for many cameras. The FX3’s low-light performance ensured that we could maintain the mood while still delivering bright, detailed visuals.
Sleek Motion: Using the FX3 on a gimbal, we captured smooth, dynamic shots of the barbers at work, giving the video a polished, cinematic feel that aligned with The TaylorCut’s brand identity.
Somerville Youth Soccer: Action-Packed Storytelling
When working with Somerville Youth Soccer, our goal was to create an energetic, inspiring video that celebrated the players and the community spirit of the league. The FX3’s robust feature set allowed us to capture the excitement of the game and the joy of the players.
High Frame Rates for Action Shots: Soccer is a fast-paced sport, and the FX3’s ability to shoot in 4K at 120fps allowed us to capture every thrilling moment in stunning slow motion. From a player’s determined sprint to the triumphant kick of a goal, the FX3 brought the action to life.
Compact and Mobile: Filming on the field required a camera that could keep up with the players. The FX3’s lightweight design made it easy to move quickly and adapt to the dynamic environment, ensuring we didn’t miss any key moments.
Natural Audio Capture: The FX3’s audio handle allowed us to record the authentic sounds of the game—the cheers of the crowd, the coach’s instructions, and the players’ interactions—adding depth and realism to the final video.
The Bottom Line
The Sony FX3 has become an indispensable tool for Bunker Hill Media, enabling us to deliver exceptional results across a diverse range of projects. From the playful whimsy of the Rice Krispies Treats Re-Treat Suite to the vibrant energy of Somerville Youth Soccer, the FX3’s features—including its low-light performance, high frame rates, and professional audio capabilities—have consistently elevated our work. Whether we’re highlighting the crisp freshness of Little Leaf Farms, capturing the sophistication of Boston Magazine events, or showcasing the precision of The TaylorCut, the FX3 ensures that every story we tell is as visually compelling as it is impactful.
Why the FX3 is a Game-Changer for Bunker Hill Media
The Sony FX3 isn’t just a camera—it’s a creative partner. Its combination of portability, cinema-grade visuals, and professional audio capabilities make it an indispensable tool for our team. Whether we’re crafting cinematic ads, capturing the spirit of a brand, or documenting real-life moments, the FX3 consistently delivers results that exceed expectations.
Ready to see the FX3 in action? Let’s collaborate and create something extraordinary.
