Sony introduces the previously rumored FX5, the newest addition to the Cinema Line family. Designed to bridge the gap between the FX3 and FX6, the FX5 combines the portability of a compact body with advanced imaging technologies inspired by Sony’s flagship cinema cameras. Additional information on the FX5 is available here and here.
Pre-orders are now open at B&H Photo, WEX Photo, and Foto Erhardt.
The Sony FX5 features a newly developed full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and Sony’s latest BIONZ XR2 image processor, delivering more than 15 stops of dynamic range, three Base ISO settings, and introducing Open Gate recording and internal X-OCN RAW recording to the FX series for the very first time. The video recording options are up to 5K 60p, 4K 120p, and Full HD 240p,
Additional features include AI-powered Real-time Recognition Autofocus, enhanced in-body image stabilization, a larger multi-angle LCD with the CineAlta-inspired BIG6 interface, expanded professional connectivity, and new optional OLED viewfinder and XLR handle accessories with 32-bit float audio recording.
Check out the new FX5 accessories from Kondor Blue, Bright Tangerine, and Mid49:
Additional information:
A newly developed image sensor and the latest high-speed image processing engine
- Uses a full-frame, fully-stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor and the latest BIONZ XR2™ high-speed image processing engine with a dedicated AI processing unit.
- In S-Log3, captures 15+ stops of dynamic range.
- Three base ISOs of ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800[2] keep noise low across a wide range of conditions. The Dual Gain Shooting function,[3] a first for the FX series, draws more from the sensor for smoother gradation and wider latitude while reducing noise and preserving shadow detail.
- Also a first for the FX series, the camera supports 3:2 full-pixel readout across the entire sensor, or Open Gate shooting[5], plus 17:9, 16:9, and Super 35mm scan modes. In-camera recording in X-OCN, Sony’s proprietary 16-bit scene-linear RAW format, captures high quality without an external recorder. Alongside X-OCN LT, the new X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2 codecs cut data size to speed transfer and streamline post-production.
High-precision AF powered by AI and detailed settings that support intentional shooting
- AI-based human pose estimation recognizes a subject’s eyes, head, and body, holding strong AF performance even in dark scenes. Real-time Tracking follows subjects automatically.
- Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW) combines visible-light and IR (infrared) sensor data with deep-learning light-source estimation to read scenes accurately, giving more stable[5] and natural white balance in shade, indoors, and other conditions.
- Noise suppression settings (on/off) give flexibility to match shooting intent and post-production workflows.
- A de-squeeze function supports anamorphic lenses at 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2.0x.
Excellent operability and high mobility in a compact, lightweight body
- 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization anchors the image, and the latest stabilization unit roughly doubles the roll correction range of the previous system[6] to suppress rotational blur. Active Mode and the new Dynamic Active Mode[7] keep handheld footage steady.
- A 3.5-type, approximately 2.76-million-dot 16:9 touch-panel LCD monitor, larger than the FX3’s, mounts on a 4-axis multi-angle arm. It tilts ~98 degrees up, 40 degrees down, and opens ~180 degrees to the side, with a high-brightness adjustable panel. Shooting information sits around the edges of the screen so it never overlaps the image. The “BIG6” home screen, carried over from CineAlta cameras, gathers key settings such as frame rate, exposure, and LUTs so creators can focus on the shot.
- A new menu system gives operability consistent with CineAlta cameras and the FX6 on a shared production.
High reliability and expandability to support professional production environments
- A high-efficiency cooling fan and optimized heat dissipation keep the camera stable through long recording sessions.
- The lightweight, rigid body carries screw holes in multiple locations to attach accessories directly, so you can build rigs without a cage.
- Integration with the Monitor & Control application brings video monitoring and remote operation to smartphones, tablets, and Mac.
- Uses the recently released high-capacity NP-SA100 battery (2670 mAh), which holds approximately 1.3 times the capacity of the Z-series NP-FZ100 for longer shooting.
- Two USB Type-C™ ports accept timecode input through an optional timecode adapter cable and external power through USB Power Delivery (PD),[9] for stable long-duration shooting.
- A wired LAN terminal enables remote operation and a stable network connection, with the expandability professional production networks require.
Planned Firmware Update ver. 2.0 (coming 2027)
A planned update will add higher resolution high frame rate shooting up to 240 fps in X-OCN, XAVC S-I recording in 3:2 (Open Gate shooting), an optimized interface for vertical shooting, and a frame grab function.
Accessibility and environmental considerations
- Accessibility features support visual recognition and operation, including a screen reader[11] that reads menus aloud and an enlarged menu display.
- Recycled plastic accounts for approximately 30% or more of the camera’s parts.[12] The Thailand and China sites that build the camera run on 100% renewable energy.[13] Product bags use plant-derived nonwoven fabric,[14]cutting packaging plastic and lowering environmental impact.
Optional Accessories
0.58-type OLED Viewfinder “DVF-EL1”
- This detachable viewfinder carries a 0.58-type, approximately 7.07-million-dot OLED panel.[8] It supports HDR display with a DCI-P3-equivalent color gamut and 10-bit gradation. The wide gamut confirms subject colors accurately, and HDR reveals fine detail when shooting and playing back high-contrast scenes.
- Approximately 0.9x magnification[15] and you can switch between display modes that prioritize resolution or eye point.
- A tilt mechanism moves from 0 to approximately 90 degrees upward for comfortable monitoring at low, high, and handheld angles.
XLR Handle Unit “XLR-H2”
The XLR-H2 carries two XLR/TRS combo terminals and supports up to 4-channel audio input. Dual AD converters digitize microphone signals with high precision across a wide dynamic range and record in-camera at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float. It connects directly to the body through the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe for stable digital transmission.
Timecode Adapter Cable “VMC-BNCU1”
The optional USB-C to BNC timecode adapter cable feeds timecode from external devices into the camera. It synchronizes multiple cameras and external audio devices for timecode-based workflows across multicamera shooting, broadcasting, and filmmaking.
Applications Supporting Production with the FX5
- Monitor & Control ver. 3.0
Scheduled for July 2026 or later, enables wired and wireless video monitoring and camera control - Catalyst Prepare ver. 3.0
Scheduled for August 2026 or later. Catalyst Prepare and Catalyst Browse, which provide high-precision video stabilization and color editing, merge into Catalyst Prepare ver. 3.0.
Sony FX5 videos:
