u/fu-78

Just wanted to share some appreciation for the FX3 for doc work.

I started filmmaking during the DSLR era - my first documentary was shot on a Canon Kiss X4. Over time I moved more into documentary editing and spent less time behind the camera.

I always missed that “run-and-gun” documentary feeling though - and nothing I used quite replaced it.

I tried the FX6 at one point and absolutely loved the image and flexibility (dual native ISO, built-in ND, etc.), but it was a bit too conspicuous and rig-heavy for the kind of observational work I like to do.

When I eventually picked up the FX3, it felt like the balance I’d been looking for - compact, unobtrusive, and still extremely capable in real documentary conditions. No internal Variable ND, but I get past that by essentially leaving VND's on my lenses the whole time, covering with a rubber hood instead of lens cap when i pack them up

I’ve been using it for a new documentary series in rural Japan, and it’s been incredibly reliable for long-form, natural-light shooting- dare I say the perfect documentary camera?

Trailer from the project here if anyone’s interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9FmQQNcqV0

Curious how others here are finding the FX3 for documentary / verité work and what their setup might be.

Hi All,

I’ve been working on a documentary project with an American friend about his life in Japan, living more sustainably in the countryside.

It started as something we were going to release on YouTube as a series on his channel, but during filming he decided not to go down that route, and it eventually evolved into a four-part mini series.

Since then I’ve been stuck between two options: reworking it into a single feature (which would require reshoots and additional funding), or simply releasing it as a short episodic series online as it is.

A few people I’ve shown it to have suggested a feature (and going the festival route) would be more advantageous, but a recent test screening actually got positive feedback specifically about the episodic structure.

At this point I’m leaning toward just putting it out on YouTube and seeing how it lands, with the option to rework it later if it gains traction.

Has anyone here dealt with a similar decision between feature/festival route vs episodic release on Youtube? Would be interested to hear how you approached it.

Here’s a short excerpt if helpful for context:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEEVxRtL-HI