Want to see something cool? Check out my colour and practical light flicker detection app: ColourTemp (the name "flickr" had too much baggage!) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/colourtemp/id6776435214

Field tested and genuinely super-useful... if I do say so myself.

I didn't expect A7RVI to be this perfect at everything tbh.

That question about the FX3 II and FX6 II is confirmation that those will be the two primary video cameras for Sony going forward. There is no point in having an FX9 II when the FX6 II can just be the same thing but in a smaller body, and there is no reason to have an A7sIV when the FX3 II is just the same but in a better body

That FX wish list seem to have materialized in the FX 5  👀

BTW something that REALLY improved the wireless connectivity between my iPhone and the ZVE1 is the smallrig 5566, I just power it with a powerbank from my backpack and I can monitor and control the camera from WAAAAY further distances. Sharing in case it helps anyone. Pretty much seamless to use and it unlocks a new level of usability and monitoring, especially when shooting solo

Glad to hear you now have Sony’s attention Jack. If they are listening to you then we can rest assured that the FX3 II will be a nice upgrade. Can’t wait until you get invited to that event!

Thank you for mentioning false color internally. I think that’s something that really annoys me because it’s not a huge ask. It’s something that could be updated in a firmware update. False color is way better for skin tones than other exposure tools because you get to see so many variations of exposure on the skin

Please God tell me you asked him for GPS in the camera body.... I'm shocked that in 2026, it's not even an option. (No I don't want to have to remember to use an app)

Great video, Jack! Thanks for getting these first impressions out so quickly.

I'm really curious about the video potential of the A7R VI, but even with Dual Gain, I’m still a bit skeptical that a 67-megapixel sensor can actually match the real-world dynamic range of a 12-megapixel sensor like the one in the ZV-E1 or FX3.

From a purely technical standpoint, those larger photosites on the 12 MP sensor have a much higher Full Well Capacity, which physically gives better highlight retention and overall latitude (around 14.5+ usable stops). Dual Gain on the A7R VI seems like a clever way to clean up shadow noise, but I wonder if it can really overcome the physical limitations of tiny pixels when it comes to high-contrast scenes. Plus, having to read that massive sensor twice seems to bring trade-offs in rolling shutter and framerates.

Since you have access to both the ZV-E1 and the A7R VI demo unit, it would be amazing to hear your updated thoughts if you've had the chance to run some deeper side-by-side tests! A direct dynamic range and shadow recovery comparison between the two would be incredibly helpful for a lot of us trying to decide if high-res oversampling is worth the trade-offs for a video-first workflow.

Thanks again for the great content, looking forward to your follow-up!

I am an R user (+zve1) and have had all the R versions except R3. The upgrade to R5 was also because of the improved video specs and the R6 has increased the processing power and thereby gives a better 8k and 4k 120.  I do think that the R line is becoming more hybrid and brings in another kind of visualization and composition as well as attention to fine movements.. I do a lot of architecture - light composition - design where having a 10k image means I can do extensive animation - giving me control of the lighting. Some of the older architectures (1000+ years old) work with contrasting light and shadow - very difficult to get this nuance when there is camera movement - with still frames this becomes possible as well as with controlled camera  movement. Better stabilization means the possibility of creative small hand movements as well as thinking about kinds of camera movement and an understanding of what fl lenses one uses. In terms of still photography there appears to be little difference between the R5 and R6, The difference is much more in speed - useful in fast movements but not for compositional work. There are more updates actually on the video side with dual gain and more high res modes of video recording. Will be interesting to see your review.

I use my A7RV all the time as a B cam to my fx6 (or for filming everyday life) so this is super interesting. Excited to see whether some of the more exciting video features here find their way in to the FX line.

Definitely agree with you about exposure tools though, my biggest gripe with the 5 is having to rely on a tiny histogram with no option of waveforms.

Oh new dx camera must have opengate 🤞

Can you speak to the low light iso performance vs the A9iii

That interior footage was really nice. I'm a Sony stills shooter (R4) and Blackmagic for video, but I am curious in reverse of you, what would I compelled to shoot if my A7R was providing nice video? Hmm....

Few things have frustrated me more than dealing with app connectivity on Sony cameras

It's shocking that it has faster rolling shutter in video than my A7Siii. Just got it 3 days ago to add to the collection despite already owning A7Rv as well and an FX30. More like a personal camera.

Thanks for the review! Considering the FX5 and A7R6 has the same sensor, do you think the X-OCN is worth it? And what stands out to me the most is that the A7R6 has Dual Gain in the ISO 200–3200 range, while the FX5 only has Dual Gain at its base ISO of 800.

It think I will let the a7VI displace the FX3 in my video kit. It should work fine as a B or C camera on an interview shoot, while also becoming the most well rounded stills camera I’ve had to date. I’ve been getting by with the S1II for stills and occasional anamorphic projects. As stills cameras, the Lumix doesn’t thrill me and if it weren’t for the anamorphic support I would get rid of them along with the FX3. But one step at a time. Sony has supposedly registered an FX camera we could see over the summer. If we can finally get open gate support there, then maybe I will be a Sony-only operator by the end of the year. We will see.

The fact they are anyone, at this stage, is being asked for ideas on an FX3 ii doesn't suggest it is ready to go out the door. I don't think Nikon are going to stop with the ZR, without dual card slots (  I don't count the micro SD ) it won't complete with the FX3 for paid work imo. But if the ZR Pro has them , a fan etc then the enthusiasm generated by the ZR will probably lead to a real competitor for the FX3. I own lots of cameras so have no interest in one brand over another. I have the excellent ZVE1, have ordered this A7RVI and bought the ZR which lead to me buying the Z6III and for fun ZF. The ZR was a great tactical move, so cheap people could buy "just to see" and seeing they liked. A 5" screen , menus like black magic and Sony's sensor tech would be another purchase for me.

hey...curious question.....even though its not the FX line....please tell me how it did on heating for video? I have a a7iv but am seriously considering a fx2.....I do BOTH video and photo and may use it for both....however am on the border....I may just get a fx6....I do event stuff