Handheld Hollywood
Sony FX5 Cinema Camera
Sony has unveiled the FX5 5K full-frame cinema camera, with 3:2 open gate, 16-bit X-OCN recording, three base ISO, expanded monitoring options, and more, all packed into a compact 750g body. The camera has a new 16.6 MP full-frame fully stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor alongside a BIONZ XR2 chip with an integrated AI processing unit. Check out our announcement for more information.
3:2 Open Gate- 16-Bit X-OCN Recording
- Three Base ISO
- AI Subject Recognition & Tracking
- Expanded Monitoring Options
- Compact 750g Body
- 32-Bit Float XLR Top Handle
- Removable Tilting EVF
The FX5 has three base ISO settings for wider image latitude and cleaner shadows in a variety of environments. High frame rate options include 5K 60p, 4.5K 120p, and FHD 240p, with 4K 240p coming in a firmware update. The camera also has a Dual Gain setting for increased shadow retention resulting in 16+ stops of dynamic range, vs the native 15+ stops. The XR2 chip assists in subject recognition, subject tracking, and Auto-Tracing White Balance (ATW).
The camera sports advanced AI-enhanced Subject Recognition and Tracking with Human, Animal, and Bird modes, as well as improved In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) with roll correction and a Dynamic Active mode. Clear Image Zoom (CIZ) has also gotten an upgrade, now working simultaneously with optical zoom throughout the zoom range for smoother pulls.
Image monitoring options include the classic histogram, zebra stripes, and customizable peaking, plus new false color, waveform, vector scope, and focus mapping functionality. Connectivity features are headlined by tri-band Wi-Fi spanning 2.4, 5, and 6GHz networks for more stable connections. Sony also promises enhanced low-light auto focus-performance with the XR2 chip.
One of the standout features is internal X-OCN (Extended Tonal Range Original Camera Negative) recording. This 16-bit linear raw codec produces smaller, easier to manage files compared to traditional Sony RAW and Apple ProRes, while still maintaining top level post-flexibility and over 280 trillion possible colors. The FX5 can record in the LT and custom varietals, as well as traditional XAVC codecs. XAVC options include HS-L422, HS-L420, S-I, S-L422, and S-L420 depending on the recording format.
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Sony FX5 |
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Sony FX3A |
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16.6 MP Full-Frame Exmor RS CMOS Sensor |
Sensor |
12.1MP Full-Frame CMOS Exmor R Sensor |
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BIONZ XR2 with Integrated AI Processing Unit |
Processor |
BIONZ XR |
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Open Gate 5K 60p, 4.5K 120p |
Max Internal Recording Rates |
UHD 4K 120p |
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X-OCN, XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I |
File Formats |
XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I |
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800, 4000, 12,800 |
S-Log3 Base ISOs |
800, 12,800 |
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3.5” 16:9 |
LCD Monitor |
3” 4:3 |
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750g |
Weight |
715g |
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96 kHz / 32-bit |
XLR Handle Recording Format |
48 kHz / 24-bit |
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Yes |
Optional EVF |
No |
Lighting the Way Forward
The FX5 is available by itself or bundled with a new 96 kHz / 32-bit float-capable XLR Handle Unit. Additional optional accessories are a tilting 3.68M OLED Removable EVF with wide color gamut compatibility and a peak brightness of 2500 cd/m², as well as a USB-C to BNC Timecode Adapter Cable.
