When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Top Sony FDR X3000 Accessories You Should Own
If you’re looking for an action camera that isn’t a GoPro, the Sony FDR-X3000 is a solid pick. It shoots 4K video using a Bionz X image processor, Exmor CMOS optical sensor, and Zeiss Tessar lens. Together, these deliver really impressive video quality.
What really makes the FDR-X3000 stand out is its optical image stabilization in 4K. Most competitors rely on digital stabilization, which just isn’t as effective. Sony’s BOSS (Balanced Optical Steady Shot) system does a great job of smoothing out shaky footage.
If you already own the FDR-X3000, you know all about the specs. But you might not know that Sony and several third-party manufacturers make accessories that are worth picking up.
From tripod stands to finger grips, remote controls, and underwater housings, here’s a look at the best ones.
Accessories for the Sony FDR X3000
1. Sony Underwater Housing for Action Cam
With Sony’s Underwater Housing, you can take your FDR-X3000 down to 60 meters deep. The casing is dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof, so you can focus on filming without worrying about your gear.
The flat surface design is intentional. Shooting through a curved casing underwater can distort your images. This flat port gives you clear, crisp shots every time. The buttons are secure and easy to press even while submerged.
2. Sony Live View Remote Control
Sony’s Live-View Remote is a wrist-worn controller for the FDR-X3000. It lets you wirelessly control power on/off and start/stop recording. The built-in LCD screen shows a live preview of what the camera sees.
It connects to the camera via NFC or Wi-Fi and works at distances up to 16 feet. One thing to note: NFC and Wi-Fi signals won’t work if either the remote or camera is underwater.
The remote itself is waterproof and can handle being submerged up to 10 feet for 30 minutes.
3. Sony Wireless Microphone
The Sony ECM-AW4 is a battery-powered wireless microphone system. It works with most Sony video cameras, DSLRs, and recording devices that have a 3.5mm mini-jack input.
The receiver has a built-in mic of its own, or you can plug in another external mic with a 3.5mm output. There’s also a talk-back feature that lets the camera operator communicate with the subject. The mic has a range of about 150 feet.
4. Sony Hand Grip
The Sony Hand Grip mounts to the back of your FDR-X3000 so you can hold both the camera and the live view remote in one hand. This means you can frame and monitor your footage at the same time.
A finger slot keeps your grip secure, and the remote tilts up to 120 degrees so you can always keep an eye on the display. It’s a simple, practical accessory that’s great for travel and casual shooting.
5. Sony Grip and Tripod
Sony’s GP-VPT1 combines a shooting grip and mini tripod in one device. It gives you one-handed control of the FDR-X3000 and folds out into a small tripod when you want hands-free use.
The panhandle has wired remote control with start/stop, zoom, and photo buttons. A cable clamper, hand strap, and carrying pouch are included in the box.
The cable uses Sony’s multi-terminal connector, plugging into the matching port on your FDR-X3000. From there, you can start/stop recording, take photos, and control zoom right from the grip’s buttons.
6. Lexar Professional UHS-II Card
You’ll need a fast SD card to record 4K footage on the FDR-X3000, and the Lexar Professional UHS-II Card fits the bill. A 32 or 64 GB card is the sweet spot since swapping cards occasionally helps protect against losing all your footage at once.
You can try other SD cards, but anything too slow will cause your 4K footage to black out. If you’re shooting at maximum resolution, don’t skimp on the memory card.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of accessories available for the Sony FDR-X3000, and Sony’s own accessories tend to work best since they made the camera. That said, third-party options can work perfectly fine too.
The accessories listed above will help you get more out of your FDR-X3000, whether you’re filming underwater, need better audio, or just want a more comfortable way to hold the camera.
See Also