Sony FX5 Cinema Camera
The Sony FX5 Cinema Camera brings advanced Cinema Line performance to a compact, production-ready camera built for filmmakers who need exceptional image quality without sacrificing mobility. Its newly developed 5K full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR2 processor deliver fast readout, more than 15 stops of latitude, advanced AI-powered autofocus, and flexible high-frame-rate recording. Designed to support demanding cinematic workflows, the FX5 offers 5K 3:2 Open Gate capture, internal 16-bit X-OCN compressed RAW recording, three Base ISO settings, and Dual Gain Shooting. The lightweight flat-top body also incorporates 5-axis image stabilization, dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots, professional monitoring tools, extensive network connectivity, and an active cooling system for dependable operation during extended productions. Key Features 5K full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor BIONZ XR2 processor with integrated AI processing More than 15 stops of dynamic range Internal 16-bit X-OCN compressed RAW recording 5K 3:2 Open Gate capture at up to 60 fps 4K recording at up to 120 fps Three Base ISO settings: 800, 4000, and 12,800 Dual Gain Shooting for expanded shadow detail AI-powered autofocus with up to 759 phase-detection points Human, animal, and bird subject recognition 5-axis in-body image stabilization Built-in anamorphic de-squeeze S-Cinetone and three S-Log3 shooting modes Dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots 3.5" four-axis multi-angle monitor 96 kHz/32-bit float audio support with compatible XLR handle Wired LAN and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity Compact 1.62 lb body 5K Full-Frame Stacked Sensor At the heart of the FX5 is a 5K full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor designed for fast readout, detailed image reproduction, and excellent low-light performance. Its stacked architecture helps reduce readout time while supporting high-resolution and high-frame-rate capture. With more than 15 stops of latitude when recording in S-Log3, the FX5 retains nuanced detail throughout highlights and shadows. Low shadow noise and smooth tonal gradation give cinematographers greater flexibility when shaping the final image in post-production. Advanced BIONZ XR2 Processing The next-generation BIONZ XR2 image processor integrates dedicated AI processing directly into the camera. In addition to improving overall image, audio, communication, and operational performance, the processor enables advanced subject recognition and more reliable autofocus tracking. Deep learning-based illumination estimation also improves Auto Tracing White Balance accuracy, helping the camera maintain natural color under mixed or challenging lighting conditions. 5K Open Gate Recording Full-frame 5K 3:2 Open Gate recording allows the FX5 to use the sensor’s taller imaging area, providing additional flexibility for reframing, stabilization, and multi-format delivery. A single recording can be adapted more easily for widescreen, vertical, square, and other aspect ratios without requiring separate takes. Open Gate capture is available when recording in X-OCN, with support for 5K recording at up to 60 fps. Internal X-OCN RAW Recording The FX5 records 16-bit scene-linear X-OCN compressed RAW internally, eliminating the need for a separate external RAW recorder. X-OCN preserves the sensor’s tonal information and color precision while maintaining more manageable file sizes than many traditional RAW formats. X-OCN LT, C1, and C2 options allow productions to balance image quality, storage requirements, and post-production performance according to the needs of each project. Three Base ISO Settings Three Base ISO settings help the FX5 deliver clean, consistent images across a wide range of lighting environments: ISO 800 for controlled lighting and general production ISO 4000 for moderately challenging conditions ISO 12,800 for low-light environments Selecting the appropriate Base ISO helps preserve shadow detail, minimize visible noise, and maintain the camera’s available latitude. Manual Base ISO selection is supported in Cine EI and Flexible ISO modes, while Cine EI Quick automatically selects an appropriate base based on the chosen Exposure Index. Dual Gain Shooting Making its debut in Sony’s Cinema Line FX camera series, Dual Gain Shooting expands usable latitude while reducing noise in darker portions of the image. The system extracts additional shadow information from the sensor to deliver smoother gradients, more natural textures, and greater flexibility during color grading. Dual Gain Shooting supports frame rates up to 30 fps in full-frame 5K 3:2 and up to 60 fps in full-frame 5K 16:9 or 17:9 recording modes. High-Frame-Rate Capture The FX5 supports 5K recording at up to 60 fps and 4K recording at up to 120 fps, allowing filmmakers to create detailed slow-motion footage of fast-moving action. These recording options make the camera well suited to narrative filmmaking, commercial production, documentary work, sports, and other projects where flexible motion rendering is essential. Sony also plans to add 5K 3:2 X-OCN recording at up to 120 fps and 4K recording at up to 240 fps through a future firmware update scheduled for August 2027 or later. AI-Powered Autofocus and Tracking Fast Hybrid AF uses as many as 759 phase-detection points to provide fast, precise focus acquisition across the frame. Integrated AI processing supports Real-time Eye AF and subject recognition for humans, animals, and birds. The system is designed to maintain focus on moving subjects in challenging conditions, including dimly lit environments and scenes captured with a shallow depth of field. This dependable tracking allows solo operators and smaller crews to concentrate more fully on composition and movement. Anamorphic Monitoring Built-in de-squeeze enables correctly proportioned on-camera monitoring when shooting with anamorphic lenses. Selectable 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2.0x settings support a broad selection of anamorphic formats without requiring an external monitor solely for de-squeezing the image. Cinematic Color and Flexible Log Workflows S-Cinetone brings Sony’s cinema-inspired color science to the FX5, producing natural skin tones, soft highlight roll-off, and pleasing color directly from the camera. It provides a polished starting point for productions requiring a fast turnaround or minimal color correction. For more extensive post-production control, S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine capture a broad range of color information exceeding BT.2020 and DCI-P3. Cine EI, Cine EI Quick, and Flexible ISO modes provide three different approaches to S-Log3 acquisition, while support for up to 16 user LUTs makes it possible to preview a project’s intended look during production. 5-Axis Image Stabilization A precision stabilization unit and internal gyro sensors provide 5-axis optical image stabilization for smoother handheld operation. The enhanced stabilization mechanism offers up to twice the roll-direction compensation range of the FX3, helping reduce visible shake during handheld shooting. Dynamic Active Mode adds electronic correction when additional stabilization is required. The camera also records stabilization metadata that can be used with compatible Catalyst applications for further adjustment during post-production. Compact, Production-Ready Design Weighing approximately 1.62 lb, the FX5 combines full-frame cinema performance with a compact flat-top design. Its stable handgrip and lightweight construction make it comfortable for handheld work while allowing easier integration with gimbals, drones, vehicle rigs, and compact production setups. Five 1/4"-20 accessory mounting points are positioned around the body, with two additional mounting points on the bottom for tripod installation. This allows essential production accessories to be attached without always requiring a full camera cage. Flexible Four-Axis Monitor The 3.5" 16:9 monitor uses a four-axis multi-angle design that can tilt 98° upward, 40° downward, and 180° sideways. When opened, it can also rotate as much as 270°, supporting high-angle, low-angle, handheld, and self-facing configurations. The high-brightness display offers 15 brightness levels, configurable image inversion, and clearly organized shooting information for easier viewing under changing production conditions. Professional Monitoring Tools Integrated waveform, histogram, false color, and Focus Map displays help camera operators evaluate exposure and focus directly on set. These tools make it easier to judge highlight retention, shadow placement, skin tones, and critical focus without relying entirely on external monitoring equipment. An optional DVF-EL1 OLED viewfinder can also be added for more comfortable outdoor monitoring. It features an approximately 7.07-million-dot display, a DCI-P3-equivalent color gamut, HDR support, and a tilting design. Movie-First Operation The FX5’s menus and physical controls are organized specifically around motion-picture production. Frequently used functions are positioned near the grip and top panel for quick access during handheld or rigged operation. Inspired by Sony’s CineAlta cameras, the BIG6 home screen places six essential settings—frame rate, EI/ISO/Gain, shutter, iris, LUT, and white balance—on a single display. Touch control and the CineAlta-style multifunction dial allow settings to be adjusted quickly while keeping important production information visible. Dual CFexpress Type A and SD Card Slots Two combination media slots accept both CFexpress Type A and SDXC UHS-II/UHS-I cards. The camera supports relay, simultaneous, and separate recording configurations, providing flexibility for backups, overflow recording, proxy creation, and organized media management. Main and proxy files can also be recorded to different cards, allowing productions to streamline editing, transfer, and review workflows. Professional 32-Bit Float Audio When used with the compatible XLR-H2 handle, the FX5 supports up to four channels of professional audio capture through two XLR/TRS inputs and a 3.5mm stereo input. Recording at up to 96 kHz/32-bit float provides expanded headroom and greater flexibility when correcting audio levels in post-production. Independent 32-bit float WAV files can be recorded alongside the audio embedded in the video file, providing additional options for professional sound workflows. Extended Power and Active Cooling The supplied NP-SA100 rechargeable battery has a 2670mAh capacity and can provide up to approximately 170 minutes of continuous recording under Sony’s specified testing conditions. USB Power Delivery support enables external power during longer shooting sessions, while the camera’s battery-condition display helps operators monitor battery health. An internal fan and redesigned cooling system provide up to three times the airflow of the FX3 at maximum fan speed. Auto, Minimum, and Off in REC modes allow cooling performance and operational noise to be balanced according to the production environment. Networked and Remote Production Built-in Wi-Fi supports 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands with 802.11ax and 2x2 MIMO technology. Wired networking supports up to 2.5GBASE-T, helping the FX5 integrate into connected productions requiring fast file transfers or dependable remote operation. Sony’s Monitor & Control application enables compatible smartphones, tablets, and Mac computers to monitor and operate one or more cameras over wired or wireless connections. Exposure tools and simultaneous settings control make the system especially useful for reduced-crew and remotely operated productions. Comprehensive Connectivity A full-size HDMI Type A port supports external monitoring and video output. Operators can display shooting information on the camera and an external monitor simultaneously or send a clean image while retaining status information on the internal display. Dual USB-C ports support functions including power delivery, data transfer, and timecode input with an optional adapter cable, allowing the FX5 to accommodate a variety of professional production configurations. Catalyst Post-Production Support Sony Catalyst Prepare and the Catalyst Prepare Plugin support X-OCN LT, C1, and C2 footage while providing tools for stabilization, lens-breathing compensation, LUT management, color adjustment, and transcoded export. Metadata recorded by the camera can be used to make precise corrections and streamline the path from production through post.
