Sony has introduced the FX5, the newest addition to its compact cinema camera lineup. Positioned above the FX3, the new model delivers significant upgrades for filmmakers and content creators.
The FX5 features a new full-frame sensor, an upgraded processor, internal RAW recording, and open gate video capture. It also includes several workflow improvements designed to simplify professional video production.
Open Gate Recording Offers More Creative Flexibility
One of the FX5’s standout features is open gate recording, which captures video using the sensor’s full 3:2 area.
This allows creators to crop footage into multiple formats during editing. As a result, users can produce both standard landscape videos and vertical social media content from a single recording.
The feature reduces the need for separate shoots and provides greater flexibility during post-production.
New Sensor and Processor Improve Performance
The Sony FX5 is equipped with a new 16.6-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor.
Powering the camera is Sony’s latest BIONZ XR2 image processor with built-in AI capabilities.
The camera currently supports recording in 5K at up to 60 frames per second and 4K at up to 120 frames per second.
Sony has also confirmed that a future firmware update will add support for 5K recording at 120fps and 4K recording at 240fps.
Internal RAW Recording Enhances Workflow
The FX5 supports internal 16-bit linear RAW recording, allowing filmmakers to capture the full 3:2 sensor output without using an external recorder.
Users can record 5K RAW footage at 60fps directly inside the camera.
Sony’s professional X-OCN recording format is available with LT, C1, and C2 compression options, giving creators greater flexibility when balancing image quality and file size.
Support for 120fps RAW recording will also arrive through a future firmware update.
Improved Dynamic Range and AI Autofocus
The FX5 is the first Sony FX-series camera to feature Dual Gain Shooting technology.
This system combines low and high gain outputs to improve dynamic range while reducing image noise.
The camera includes three native ISO settings: 800, 4000, and 12800. According to Sony, the FX5 delivers more than 15 stops of dynamic range.
AI-powered autofocus also enhances shooting performance through human pose estimation.
Additionally, Auto Tracing White Balance uses both visible and infrared sensor data to produce more accurate colours in different lighting conditions.
Users can also disable in-camera noise reduction for greater control during editing.
The camera includes a de-squeeze mode for anamorphic lenses, although autofocus becomes unavailable when using this feature.
Larger Display and Professional Connectivity
Sony has equipped the FX5 with a fully articulating 3.5-inch touchscreen featuring a resolution of 2.76 million dots.
The camera also includes a built-in cooling fan, a larger NP-SA100 battery, dual USB ports for charging and data transfer, a wired LAN port, and a redesigned menu system inspired by Sony’s CineAlta cinema cameras.
Unlike some models, the FX5 does not feature a built-in electronic viewfinder. Instead, Sony offers the detachable DVF-EL1 viewfinder as an optional accessory.
For professional audio recording, users can also purchase the optional XLR-H2 handle.
Sony FX5 Price and Availability
Sony has priced the FX5 body-only version at $4,900.
A bundle that includes the XLR-H2 audio handle will cost $5,500.
The new cinema camera is scheduled to go on sale in mid-August.
