Sony has introduced the FX5, its latest compact cinema camera aimed at filmmakers and professional video creators. The new model joins the company’s FX lineup with several major upgrades. The FX5 could have been seen as a direct successor to the Sony FX3, which launched in 2021. However, Sony will continue selling the FX3 alongside the new camera. The FX5 also comes with a higher price, placing it in a different part of Sony’s cinema camera range.
Still, the new camera brings several features that could attract existing FX3 users. It also offers upgrades that may appeal to filmmakers looking for more advanced recording options. The Sony FX5 uses a 16.6MP full-frame, fully stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor. It also features the new BIONZ XR2 processor with built-in AI processing.
At launch, the camera can record 5K video at 60fps and 4K video at 120fps. Sony plans to add more recording options through a future firmware update. After the update, the FX5 will support 5K at 120fps and 4K at 240fps.
One of the biggest additions is open-gate recording. This feature uses the full width and height of the camera’s sensor to capture video in a 3:2 format. As a result, filmmakers can use more of the sensor’s available pixels. This is particularly useful when creating vertical video crops. The extra vertical space gives creators more flexibility when reframing footage for different platforms.
The FX5 also supports 16-bit linear RAW recording directly inside the camera. This removes the need for an external recorder when capturing RAW footage. Using the full 3:2 sensor output, the camera can record 5K 60fps RAW footage at launch. Sony will later enable 5K 120fps RAW recording through a firmware update.
For RAW video, the FX5 uses Sony’s professional X-OCN format. It supports LT, C1, and C2 codec options, with each offering different levels of compression. This gives filmmakers more control over file sizes and recording efficiency.
The FX5 is also the first camera in Sony’s FX series to feature Dual Gain Shooting. The system combines output from low and high gain values to improve dynamic range. It also helps reduce noise in challenging lighting conditions. The camera offers three base ISO settings at ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800. These options should help improve performance when shooting in low light.
Sony says the FX5 can deliver more than 15 stops of dynamic range. This gives filmmakers greater flexibility when working with bright highlights and darker areas. The camera also includes AI-based human pose estimation for autofocus. In addition, its auto-tracing white balance system uses visible and infrared sensor data to improve color accuracy.
Filmmakers can also turn off the camera’s in-camera noise reduction. This option may be useful for users who prefer to handle noise reduction during post-production. The FX5 supports a de-squeeze function for anamorphic lenses as well. However, using this feature disables autofocus.
Sony has also upgraded the camera’s display compared with the FX3. The FX5 features a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen with 2.76 million dots. The display also offers full articulation for easier shooting from different angles.
Other hardware upgrades include a built-in cooling fan and a larger NP-SA100 battery. The camera also features dual USB ports for power and data. A wired LAN port is included as well. Sony has also introduced a new menu system based on the interface used by its CineAlta cameras.
However, the FX5 does not have a built-in electronic viewfinder. Sony has instead announced the new DVF-EL1 detachable viewfinder for the camera. The company is also offering the XLR-H2 handle as an additional accessory. This gives users another option for expanding the camera’s professional shooting setup.
The Sony FX5 starts at $4,900 for the body-only version. A package that includes the XLR-H2 handle costs $5,500. Sony plans to start selling the FX5 in mid-August. The camera will sit alongside the FX3, giving filmmakers another compact option with more advanced video features.
