Sony has officially expanded its portable Cinema Line with the launch of the Sony FX5, a compact full-frame camera designed to sit directly between the FX3 and FX6.
Designed to bring high-end production workflows into a highly mobile form factor, the FX5 delivers flagship Venice-style capabilities to independent filmmakers and small crews. At the heart of the FX5 is a newly developed 16.6-megapixel full-frame stacked, fan cooled Exmor RS CMOS sensor paired with the BIONZ XR2 processing engine.
The camera features a Triple Base ISO system (ISO 800, 4,000, and 12,800) that delivers up to 15+ stops (S-Log3) of dynamic range with minimal noise across brightly lit, indoor, and extreme low-light environments.
However, because the camera lacks built-in internal ND filters and locks its primary base at ISO 800 for maximum latitude, shooting outdoors in full daylight – especially when maintaining a shallow depth of field or adhering to standard shutter angles – requires the use of strong external Neutral Density (ND) filters to control your exposure without sacrificing image quality. Otherwise, the lowest selectable ISO is 320 – though it doesn't mean you get better image quality than ISO 800.
The stacked design provides significantly faster readout speeds, effectively eliminating rolling shutter artefacts. The engine includes a dedicated AI processing unit, powering precision subject-recognition autofocus for humans, animals, and birds.
For the first time in an entry-level FX camera, Sony has added internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW recording and 5K Open Gate (3:2) capture up to 60p. Narrative shooters gain access to cinematic tools long requested on compact setups, including native False Colour displays, Waveforms, and custom LUT monitoring on a 3.5-inch 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen.
The body features 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) and an updated physical layout with an intuitive interface.
Sony has also introduced two modular accessories alongside the FX5: a detachable, tilting OLED electronic viewfinder and a new XLR handle unit supporting 4-channel, 32-bit float audio recording at 96 kHz.
By packing internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW codec, open gate flexibility, and flexible monitoring into a compact E-mount body, the FX5 sets a new standard for lightweight cinema production.
The camera is available for preorder at an RRP of $7,849.
You can find out more on the Sony website.
Specifications
Sensor Type: 35mm full-frame (35.9 × 24.0 mm) Exmor RS CMOS sensor
Total Pixels: Approx. 18.2 megapixels
Effective Pixels: Approx. 16.6 megapixels max.
Focus Points: Max. 759 points (phase-detection AF)
Latitude: 15+ stops (S-Log3)
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 320 – 409,600 equivalent (AUTO range: ISO 320 – 409,600, selectable upper limit)
Memory Card Slots:
Slot A: Dual-format slot for SDXC (UHS-I/II compliant) or CFexpress Type A cards
Slot B: Dual-format slot for SDXC (UHS-I/II compliant) or CFexpress Type A cards
Monitor Type: 8.8 cm (3.5-type) TFT LCD screen
Weight: 734g (battery + memory card)
Dimensions: 132.2 x 79.0 x 87.0 mm