OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Action cameras Methodology v1.0
Action cameras Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Action cameras Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Action cameras Methodology v1.0

Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 Review | 96 Data compared

Avg. price:~£580Video resolution:4KBattery life:135 minWaterproof depth:0 mElectronic image stabilization:yesMaximum 4K frame rate:30 fps

Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 Review: Compare 96 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Action cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the action camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best action cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

80%

6.2

Technical score

20%

7.8

User score

â–²Better than 67% of action-cameras
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

30%

6.3

Video

22%

6.8

Photo

14%

3.9

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

5.5

Battery

11%

7.8

Connectivity & Audio

10%

7.4

Display & Design

â–²Better than 69% of action-cameras
7.8

User score

User score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on 481 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 59% of action-cameras
  • sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
  • sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
  • sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
  • sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
  • sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
  • sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
  • sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000
sony-action-cam-fdr-x3000

Best prices

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of action camera Sony Action Cam FDR X3000

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components:

30%

6.3

Video

22%

6.8

Photo

14%

3.9

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

5.5

Battery

11%

7.8

Connectivity & Audio

10%

7.4

Display & Design

6.2
User score
User score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on 481 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.8
Popularity
Popularity
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which action cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Popularity:
Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 has a popularity score of 6.5 points, which is lower than 53% of action cameras.
6.5
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the action camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components:

60%

6.5

Overall score

40%

7.5

Price

6.8
Video resolution
4K
Video resolution
4K
â–² Better than 36% of models
This action camera records video at 4K, which is higher than that of 36.1% of action cameras.
Maximum 4K frame rate
30 fps
Maximum 4K frame rate
30 fps
â–² Better than 42% of models
Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
This action camera has a maximum 4K frame rate of 30 fps, which is higher than that of 41.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 24.1% of action cameras.
Maximum 1080p frame rate
120 fps
Maximum 1080p frame rate
120 fps
â–² Better than 60% of models
Market range: <30 fps – >240 fps
This action camera has a maximum 1080p frame rate of 120 fps, which is higher than that of 60.3% of action cameras and equal to that of 20.5% of action cameras.
Video bitrate
100 Mbps
Video bitrate
100 Mbps
â–² Better than 60% of models
Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
This action camera has a video bitrate of 100 Mbps, which is higher than that of 60.3% of action cameras and equal to that of 16.7% of action cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Video codecs
H.264
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This action camera supports the following video codecs: H.264. Its codec support is more advanced than that of 2.4% of action cameras.
Show more
Main camera megapixels
?
Sensor size
1/2.5"
Sensor size
1/2.5"
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
This action camera has a sensor size of 1/2.5", which is smaller than that of 84.6% of action cameras.
Main camera aperture
f/2.8 f
Main camera aperture
f/2.8
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
This action camera has a main camera aperture of f/2.8, which is wider than that of 7.3% of action cameras and equal to that of 43.8% of action cameras.
Photo resolution
?
Field of view
170 °
Field of view
170 °
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
This action camera has a field of view of 170 °, which is wider than that of 44.9% of action cameras.
Show more
Built-in display
yes
Built-in display
yes
â–² Better than 28% of models
This action camera has a display. This feature is present on 71.9% of action cameras.
Screen size
?
Touchscreen
?
Secondary screen
?
Secondary screen resolution
?
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This action camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature is present on 92.5% of action cameras.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth version
4.1
Bluetooth version
4.1
â–² Better than 65% of models
This action camera supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is newer than that supported by 65.4% of action cameras and equal to that of 5.7% of action cameras.
Bluetooth Low Energy support.
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 87% of models
This action camera supports GPS. This feature is present on 13.3% of action cameras.
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
This action camera does not include USB Type-C. 42.2% of action cameras use USB-C.
Show more
Battery life
135 min
Battery life
135 min
â–² Better than 76% of models
Market range: <60 min – >162 min
This action camera runs for 135 min per charge, which is longer than the battery life of 76.2% of action cameras and equal to the battery life of 2.4% of action cameras.
Battery power
1,240 mAh
Battery power
1,240 mAh
â–² Better than 58% of models
Market range: <700 mAh – >1.9k mAh
This action camera has a battery capacity of 1,240 mAh, which is higher than that of 58.1% of action cameras and equal to that of 3.8% of action cameras.
Charging time
4 h
Charging time
4 h
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
This action camera charges in 4 h, which is longer than the charging time of 92.1% of action cameras and equal to the charging time of 4.6% of action cameras.
Fast charging
no
Fast charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 19% of models
This action camera does not support fast charging. 18.8% of action cameras support fast charging.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 1% of models
This action camera does not support wireless charging. 0.6% of action cameras support wireless charging.
Show more
Waterproof depth
Not waterproof m
Waterproof depth
Not waterproof m
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This action camera is not rated for underwater use. 51.8% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
With included housing; camera body is splashproof only
IP rating
IPX4
IP rating
IPX4
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
This action camera has an IP rating of IPX4, which is lower than that of 88.2% of action cameras and equal to that of 10.3% of action cameras.
Maximum operating temperature
40 °C
Maximum operating temperature
40 °C
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
Market range: <35 °C – >45 °C
This action camera has a maximum operating temperature of 40 °C, which is higher than that of 23.4% of action cameras and equal to that of 50.4% of action cameras.
Minimum operating temperature
-10 °C
Minimum operating temperature
-10 °C
â–² Better than 32% of models
Market range: <-20 °C – >0 °C
This action camera has a minimum operating temperature of -10 °C, which is lower than that of 31.9% of action cameras and equal to that of 44.7% of action cameras.
External memory slot
yes
External memory slot
yes
â–² Better than 5% of models
This action camera includes an external memory slot. This feature is present on 95.2% of action cameras.
Show more

Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 vs the average action camera

246810TotalVideoPhotoDisplay & DesignConnectivity & AudioBatteryRuggedness & Storage
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This action camera has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average action camera does not. 1.8% of action cameras include OIS.
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This action camera has microphone input, the average action camera does not. 26.8% of action cameras offer this feature.
  • Has GPS
    GPS
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports GPS, the average action camera does not. 13.8% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
  • 45 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    135 min
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (135 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    135 min vs 90 min
  • Built-in live streaming
    First-party live streaming
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This action camera supports built-in live streaming, the average action camera does not. 28.7% of action cameras support built-in live streaming.
  • 2 fps higher slow-motion frame rate
    Slow-motion video
    240 fps
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >240 fps
    This action camera has a higher slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (240 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
    240 fps vs 120 fps
  • 66.7% higher video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    100 Mbps
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
    This action camera has a higher video bitrate than the average action camera (100 Mbps vs 60 Mbps). The average action camera has a video bitrate of 60 Mbps.
    100 Mbps vs 60 Mbps
  • Has 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This action camera includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average action camera does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack. 8.4% of action cameras include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • Built-in live streaming
    First-party live streaming
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This action camera supports built-in live streaming, the average action camera does not. 28.7% of action cameras support built-in live streaming.
  • 2 fps higher slow-motion frame rate
    Slow-motion video
    240 fps
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >240 fps
    This action camera has a higher slow-motion frame rate than the average action camera (240 fps vs 120 fps). The average action camera reaches 120 fps for slow motion.
    240 fps vs 120 fps
  • 66.7% higher video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    100 Mbps
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
    This action camera has a higher video bitrate than the average action camera (100 Mbps vs 60 Mbps). The average action camera has a video bitrate of 60 Mbps.
    100 Mbps vs 60 Mbps
  • 60 fps higher 1080p frame rate
    Maximum 1080p frame rate
    120 fps
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <30 fps – >240 fps
    This action camera has a higher 1080p frame rate than the average action camera (120 fps vs 60 fps). The average action camera reaches 60 fps at 1080p.
    120 fps vs 60 fps
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This action camera has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average action camera does not. 1.8% of action cameras include OIS.
  • 29.6 mm narrower
    Width
    29.4 mm
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <26.5 mm – >71.8 mm
    This action camera is narrower than the average action camera (29.4 mm vs 59 mm). The average action camera has a width of 59 mm.
    29.4 mm vs 59 mm
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This action camera has microphone input, the average action camera does not. 26.8% of action cameras offer this feature.
  • Has GPS
    GPS
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports GPS, the average action camera does not. 13.8% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
  • Has 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This action camera includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average action camera does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack. 8.4% of action cameras include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • Has HDMI output
    HDMI output
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This action camera supports HDMI output, the average action camera does not. 43.1% of action cameras support video-out features.
    Built-in Micro HDMI port.
  • Has NFC
    NFC
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This action camera supports NFC, the average action camera does not. 3% of action cameras support NFC.
  • 45 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    135 min
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (135 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    135 min vs 90 min
  • 40 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery life
    1,240 mAh min
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has a higher battery capacity than the average action camera (1240 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.
    1,240 mAh vs 1,200 mAh
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K
    â–² Better than 36% of models
    This action camera records at 4K, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    4K vs 5.3K
  • 2 h longer charging time
    Charging time
    4 h
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
    This action camera has a higher charging time than the average action camera (4 h vs 2 h). The average action camera takes 2 h to charge.
    4 h vs 2 h
  • Lower sensor size
    Sensor size
    1/2.5"
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This action camera has sensor size of 1/2.5", lower than the average action camera (1/2.3").
    1/2.5" vs 1/2.3"
  • 1 m shallower waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    0 m
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >11 m
    This action camera has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (0 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    With included housing; camera body is splashproof only
    0 m vs 1 m
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This action camera uses an older Bluetooth version than the average action camera (4.1 vs 5.2). The average action camera uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    Bluetooth Low Energy support.
    4.1 vs 5.2
  • 2.32x more expensive
    Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 is more expensive than the average action camera (£580 vs £250).
    £580 vs £250
  • No manual ISO control
    Manual ISO
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This action camera does not allow manual ISO control, the average action camera does. 84% of action cameras include this feature.
  • 2.32x more expensive
    Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 is more expensive than the average action camera (£580 vs £250).
    £580 vs £250
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    4K
    â–² Better than 36% of models
    This action camera records at 4K, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    4K vs 5.3K
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • Lower sensor size
    Sensor size
    1/2.5"
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This action camera has sensor size of 1/2.5", lower than the average action camera (1/2.3").
    1/2.5" vs 1/2.3"
  • No manual ISO control
    Manual ISO
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This action camera does not allow manual ISO control, the average action camera does. 84% of action cameras include this feature.
  • 2 older release date
    Release date
    2016
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This action camera is older than the average action camera (2016 vs 2018). The average action camera was released in 2018.
    Released in September 2016.
    2016 vs 2018
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This action camera uses an older Bluetooth version than the average action camera (4.1 vs 5.2). The average action camera uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    Bluetooth Low Energy support.
    4.1 vs 5.2
  • 2 h longer charging time
    Charging time
    4 h
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <0.95 h – >3.5 h
    This action camera has a higher charging time than the average action camera (4 h vs 2 h). The average action camera takes 2 h to charge.
    4 h vs 2 h
  • 1 m shallower waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    0 m
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >11 m
    This action camera has a lower waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (0 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    With included housing; camera body is splashproof only
    0 m vs 1 m

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
25/07/2017
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000 Review - PCMag
T
techradar.com
25/07/2017
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000RGo to product viewer dialog for this item. review
G
gadgetguy.com.au
09/05/2017
Summary of the review
Review: Sony FDR-X3000R 4K Action Camera with Live Remote Kit
S
sonyalphalab.com
14/03/2018
Summary of the review
My Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera Review - SonyAlphaLab
M
medium.com
12/03/2018
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000 Might Well be One of the Best Action Camera
Z
zitseng.com
29/11/2017
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000 Review
K
kiwifamilies.co.nz
10/05/2017
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000R Action Cam Review - Kiwi Families Would you like more technical specifications or a comparison against modern action cameras?
D
danamic.org
15/10/2018
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000 Review: Giving the GoPro A Run For Their Money
V
videomaker.com
01/10/2016
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000R Review - Videomaker
F
feardaooz.com
28/11/2017
Summary of the review
Entry 236 : Review - Sony FDR-X3000
C
cnet.com
09/09/2016
Summary of the review
Sony X3000R, AS300R brings optical stabilization to Action Cam Are you looking for specific technical performance data (like battery life tests or sta...
T
trustedreviews.com
03/09/2016
Summary of the review
Video quality, battery life and verdict - Trusted Reviews
P
paradoxetemporel.fr
22/01/2017
Summary of the review
Test de l’action cam Sony FDR-X3000R
(Translated)Show original
V
vimeo.com
03/02/2017
Summary of the review
Test Sony FDR-X3000 en 4K
(Translated)Show original
B
bikecanine.com
29/12/2017
Summary of the review
¡SONY FDR X3000, la mejor cámara deportiva! - bikecanine
(Translated)Show original
F
fotocamerapro.it
07/01/2017
Summary of the review
Sony FDR X3000 Recensione: Costosa ma Indubbiamente la Migliore
(Translated)Show original
Q
qualescegliere.it
29/05/2019
Summary of the review
Sony FDR-X3000R: Opinioni e Recensione
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 481 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Sony Action Cam FDR X3000

  • Excellent Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B.O.S.S.) hardware image stabilization
  • High-quality 4K and 1080p video clarity with natural color reproduction
  • Compact, lightweight, and slim camcorder-style form factor
  • High-quality built-in stereo microphone with wind noise reduction
  • Includes a dedicated 3.5mm external microphone input jack
  • Standard integrated tripod mount thread without requiring a cage
  • Splash-proof body design supplemented by an included 60m waterproof housing

What we don't like about Sony Action Cam FDR X3000

  • Short battery life, especially when shooting in 4K or using Wi-Fi
  • Lacks an integrated rear LCD or viewfinder screen for shot framing
  • The camera menu system can be confusing and cumbersome to navigate
  • Poor still photo quality compared to its strong video capabilities
  • Fisheye lens distortion and lack of a linear field-of-view mode in 4K
  • Unprotected protruding front lens element that is prone to scratching
  • Original Sony proprietary mounts and accessories are expensive

Verdict

The Sony FDR-X3000 is a high-performance 4K action camera distinguished by its Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B.O.S.S.) technology, which provides superior mechanical image stabilization even in 4K or high-speed recording modes. It features a 1/2.5-type Exmor R CMOS sensor and a ZEISS Tessar F2.8 lens capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps and 100Mbps, as well as 1080p slow-motion at 120fps. Main characteristics include a splashproof body (IPX4), a built-in stereo microphone with a 3.5mm mic jack, and a standard tripod mount for versatile rigging. Pros include its class-leading optical stabilization, excellent audio quality, and a user-friendly Live-View Remote for external monitoring. However, notable cons include its limited battery life, a larger camcorder-style form factor that lacks a built-in touch screen, and the requirement of an external housing for full waterproofing up to 60 meters.

Compare Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 with other products in the Action cameras category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Sony Action Cam FDR X3000 and other products in the Action cameras category

No results found