Sony's premium action camera with balanced optical stabilisation and 4K recording in a compact body.
The Sony FDR-X3000 was released in 2016 as a 4K action camera featuring Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B-OSS) — a physical lens-element stabilisation system. 4K/30fps via XAVC S. The body is IPX4 splash-resistant only; the 60m waterproof rating requires the supplied MPK-UWH1 underwater housing. At approximately 114g.
1/2.5-inch back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS, approximately 8.6MP effective. 4K (3840×2160) at 30/25/24fps (XAVC S); 1080/60fps; 720/120fps. Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B-OSS — physical lens element shift) + electronic Active mode. Body only: IPX4 splash resistance. 60m waterproof rating: requires supplied MPK-UWH1 housing. Approximately 114g. Fixed wide-angle lens.
Balanced Optical SteadyShot is Sony's multi-axis physical stabilisation for camcorders and action cameras: unlike electronic stabilisation which crops the image, B-OSS shifts a lens element to compensate for camera movement, preserving the full sensor field. The IPX4 body-only rating is often misquoted as the 60m depth rating — the housing is required for any submersion.
On the used market the Sony FDR-X3000 is affordable as a compact 4K action camera with optical stabilisation. Condition checks: B-OSS stabilisation function, 4K recording, battery health, MPK-UWH1 housing condition (if included). Body alone is splash-resistant only (IPX4). Fixed lens.