Sony has officially expanded its Cinema Line lineup with the announcement of the Sony FX5 Camera. Bridging the gap between the compact portability of the FX3 and the high-end capabilities of the FX6 and Venice 2, the FX5 introduces major features filmmakers have long requested — including open gate recording, internal 16-bit RAW, and a newly developed stacked sensor.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Sensor | 16.6MP Full-Frame Exmor RS Stacked CMOS |
| Processor | Bionz XR2 with Dedicated AI Processing Unit |
| Dynamic Range | Up to 16 stops (Dual Gain mode) |
| Base ISO | Triple Base ISO (800 / 4000 / 12,800) |
| Internal RAW | 16-bit Linear X-OCN RAW |
| Aspect Ratios | Open Gate (3:2), Anamorphic De-squeeze support |
| Max Frame Rates | 5K @ 60fps, 4.5K @ 120fps |
| Display & EVF | 3.5-inch 4-axis articulating LCD (2.76M dots); Optional detachable OLED EVF (3.68M dots) |
| Weight & Body | 1.62 lbs (734g); 5.2 x 3.1 x 3.4 inches |
| Starting Price | $4,898 (Body only) |
Brand-New 16.6MP Stacked Sensor & Triple Base ISO
At the core of the FX5 is a newly designed 16.6-megapixel fully stacked full-frame Exmor RS sensor. This represents a noticeable step up in resolution from the 12-megapixel sensors found in the FX3 and FX6, allowing native 5K recording while preserving speed and rolling-shutter control.
Powered by Sony’s Bionz XR2 image processor and a dedicated AI unit, the camera brings enhanced AI subject-recognition autofocus and tracking to the cinema range.
For handling difficult lighting environments, Sony has equipped the FX5 with Triple Base ISO (ISO 800, 4000, and 12,800), delivering cleaner shadows and wider exposure latitude across varied shoot conditions. Additionally, a new Dual Gain mode allows shooters to unlock up to 16 stops of dynamic range.
Internal X-OCN RAW & Open Gate Recording
The most anticipated additions in the FX5 revolve around recording formats and workflow flexibility:
- 16-Bit Internal X-OCN RAW: Sony’s Extended Tonal Range Original Camera Negative codec makes its way directly into a compact FX body. Recording in 16-bit linear RAW captures over 280 trillion colors—providing roughly 1,000 times more color precision than standard 12-bit RAW files.
- Open Gate 3:2 Video: Filmmakers shooting with anamorphic lenses or creating multi-format content for social and theatrical releases can now capture the full 3:2 sensor area. The camera includes built-in anamorphic de-squeeze options.
- Pro Monitoring Tools: The FX5 adds native Waveform, VectorScope, and False Color to its existing zebra, peaking, and histogram monitoring options, paired with a redesigned cinema UI inspired by the flagship Venice 2.
Body Design, Ergonomics, and Audio
While maintaining a form factor nearly identical in size to the FX3 (weighing just 5% more at 734g), the FX5 introduces several refined physical controls:
- Detachable OLED EVF: A 3.68-million-dot, 2,500-nit removable viewfinder connects via a dedicated top port.
- Venice Multi-Function Dial: A contextual rotary click-dial allows fast navigation through production settings.
- 3.5-inch LCD Display: A larger 16:9 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen replaces the older 3-inch panel.
- Connectivity & Power: Dual CFexpress Type A / UHS-II SD slots, full-size HDMI Type A, dual USB-C, Ethernet, 6GHz Wi-Fi, and the newer NP-SA100 battery (providing up to 130 minutes of continuous recording).
Note on Audio & EVF Compatibility: Attaching the optional EVF occupies the Multi-Interface top shoe, which means the EVF cannot be used simultaneously with Sony’s top-mounted XLR audio handle.
Sony FX5 Camera Price, Availability, and Firmware Roadmap
The Sony FX5 will begin shipping in mid-August 2026:
- FX5 Body Only: $4,898
- FX5 + XLR Handle Kit: $5,498 (XLR handle standalone: $798)
- DVF-EL1 Electronic Viewfinder: $698
Sony has also committed to post-launch support with Firmware 2.0 scheduled for mid-2027, which will add 4K 240fps X-OCN RAW, vertical-shooting UI optimization, and frame-grab capabilities.