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Sony has unveiled its latest cinema camera, which may hint at the arrival of long-awaited features in the brand’s future consumer mirrorless models. The FX5 model occupies a middle ground between the FX3 and FX6 in the company’s professional Cinema Line and offers capabilities previously lacking in Sony devices, including RAW video recording and Open Gate shooting. Equipped with a 16.6-megapixel multi-layer sensor, a five-axis stabilization system, and three base ISO settings, this cinema camera promises impressive performance – albeit at a corresponding price.
The foundation for the FX5’s advanced functionality is an all-new 16.6-megapixel multi-layer full-frame sensor, which Sony claims provides the perfect balance between speed and resolution.
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For shooting in 5K RAW format, Sony has implemented its proprietary X-OCN compression technology (which stands for Extended tonal range original camera negative). This opens up new possibilities for content creators: recording 16-bit linear RAW with support for 280 trillion colors – a thousand times more color data than Apple’s 12-bit ProRes RAW or Canon’s 12-bit C-RAW codec. Video is recorded via dual CFexpress Type A memory card slots onto storage media certified by Sony itself. In addition, the FX5 is capable of shooting video in 4K at 240 frames per second, in 4.5K at 120 fps, and in 5K at 60 fps – a first for the FX series.
The Open Gate mode with a 3:2 aspect ratio utilizes the full width of the sensor, making it easier to frame shots and create vertical video during post-production. The newly introduced de-squeeze function significantly simplifies working with anamorphic lenses. Sony is looking to the future, promising to release an update by August 2027 that will add support for 4K 240p recording in RAW and 3:2 Open Gate XAVC-I formats, as well as an updated interface optimized for vertical framing.
Another innovation for Sony (and generally the first of its kind in cameras) is the inclusion of three base ISO levels: 800, 4000, and 12800. This allows for a wider dynamic range, cleaner shadows, and better clarity compared to standard models, which have a dual base ISO. When shooting at night, high-quality video at ISO 12,800 will be a real game-changer for independent filmmakers. To achieve an even wider dynamic range (up to an impressive 16 stops), you can use Dual Gain mode, although this will increase the rolling shutter effect.
Image stabilization is often missing from film cameras, but Sony has decided to fully integrate it into the FX5. The effectiveness of the stabilization depends on the lens selected, but the updated Dynamic Active electronic stabilization mode is designed to ensure a smooth image even while walking. Interestingly, Sony offers a special service for cinematographers who do not need IBIS stabilization: they can order a permanent mechanical lock for the sensor.
The FX5 has a relatively lightweight (about 735 g) and compact body, very similar to the FX3. Although it is equipped with quarter-inch threaded holes for mounting cinema accessories, the camera features a substantial grip similar to that of the A7 series models. The camera offers a rich set of manual controls, including numbered buttons similar to those used on Canon’s C50.
The detachable OLED viewfinder has a resolution of 3.68 million dots, a brightness of 2,500 nits, and a wider color gamut. The rear 3.5-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio is larger, brighter, and sharper (2.76 million dots) than most of its counterparts and is equipped with Sony’s proprietary four-axis tilt-and-swivel mechanism, which is extremely convenient for vloggers. As with Sony’s top-of-the-line mirrorless cameras, it features two CFexpress card slots and two SDXC UHS-II slots, as well as microphone and headphone jacks, a full-size HDMI port, Ethernet, and tri-band Wi-Fi. Power is supplied by the NPSA100 battery, borrowed from the A7R VI, which guarantees up to 130 minutes of continuous recording.
Pre-orders for the Sony FX5 are now open, starting at $4,898 for the body only, with sales scheduled to begin in mid-August. In addition, a kit with a top handle for XLR audio connections is available for $5,498, or the handle can be purchased separately for $798.
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