Sony just dropped a massive update to their Cinema Line with the highly anticipated Sony FX5 (ILME-FX5). Sitting comfortably between the wildly popular FX3 and the workhorse FX6, the FX5 bridges the gap by delivering highly requested features like Open Gate recording and internal RAW in a compact, travel-friendly body.
Here is everything you need to know about Sony’s newest full-frame powerhouse.
Under the Hood: A Brand-New Sensor
At the core of the FX5 is a completely new 16.6-megapixel fully-stacked full-frame Exmor RS CMOS sensor. This is a noticeable bump from the 12MP sensor found in the FX3 and FX6, giving the FX5 the perfect balance of resolution and readout speed.
Powered by the latest BIONZ XR2 image processor (with a dedicated AI processing unit), the camera delivers exceptional autofocus, advanced subject tracking (Human, Animal, and Bird modes), and lightning-fast internal processing.
The Features We’ve Been Waiting For
Sony has clearly been listening to filmmakers. The FX5 introduces several “firsts” for the compact FX series:
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Open Gate (3:2) Recording: You can now utilize the entire sensor, making it incredibly easy to crop for different aspect ratios (like vertical video for social media) or to use anamorphic lenses with in-camera desqueeze options (1.3x to 2.0x).
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Internal X-OCN RAW: No more external recorders required for RAW. The FX5 shoots Sony’s 16-bit linear RAW codec (X-OCN) internally, giving you massive post-production flexibility and over 280 trillion colors while keeping file sizes manageable.
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Triple Base ISO & Dual Gain: Shooting in low light? The FX5 features three base ISOs (800, 4000, and 12,800) alongside a new Dual Gain mode that stretches the dynamic range to a staggering 16+ stops.
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High Frame Rates: It shoots 5K up to 60p, 4.5K at 120p, and FHD at a blistering 240p.
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Body Design and Ergonomics
Despite packing all this new tech, the FX5 retains the run-and-gun ethos of the FX3. The body weighs just 750 grams, making it incredibly easy to balance on a gimbal.
However, Sony made some excellent physical upgrades:
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Detachable OLED EVF: A brand-new 3.68 million dot, 2500 nit removable electronic viewfinder is available, perfect for operating in bright daylight.
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Advanced Monitoring Tools: The UI has been updated to include False Color, Waveform, Vector Scope, Focus Mapping, joining the standard zebras and peaking.
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Professional Connectivity: It features Dual CFexpress Type A / SD card slots, a full size HDMI port, an Ethernet port, two USB-C ports, and Tri-band Wi-Fi (2.4, 5, and 6GHz) for ultra-stable wireless monitoring via the Sony Monitor & Control app.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony FX5 is slated to hit the market in mid-August. The body only retail price is set at $4,899 / £4,699, while a kit including the new 32-bit float capable XLR Handle Unit will run for $5,499 / £5,199.
If you’re looking for a highly capable A-camera for indie filmmaking, or a perfect B-camera to match with a Sony VENICE or BURANO, the FX5 might just be the most exciting release of the year.