Features

The Sony FX5 is a compact full-frame Cinema Line camera that combines professional film quality with a portable design. The camera was developed for filmmakers, video producers, and content creators who require high-quality images, extensive shooting formats, and an efficient workflow without the bulk of a traditional cinema camera.

The FX5 is equipped with a newly developed 16.6-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and the powerful BIONZ XR2 image processor with integrated AI processing. As a result, the camera supports internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW recording, 5K Open Gate, three base ISOs, and advanced autofocus functions. Thanks to its compact body, the camera is suitable for handheld shooting, gimbals, drones, and multi-camera setups.

Key features

• 16.6MP full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor

• BIONZ XR2 processor with integrated AI Processing Unit

• Internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW recording

• 5K Open Gate recording (3:2)

• Recording up to 5K60 internally

• Triple Base ISO (800, 4000 and 12800)

• Up to 16 stops dynamic range (Sensor Overdrive Mode)

• 5-axis image stabilization

• AI autofocus with subject detection

• Dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots

• Full-size HDMI output

• Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB-C

• 3.5-inch tilting touchscreen

• Compatible with Sony Monitor & Control app

Operation

The Sony FX5 captures video using a fast full-frame stacked image sensor. Thanks to the high readout speed, rolling shutter effects are minimized, ensuring fast movements are captured faithfully.

Video footage can be recorded internally in professional codecs, including 16-bit X-OCN RAW. The camera also supports various resolutions and sensor modes, including full 5K Open Gate recording that utilizes the entire sensor.

Thanks to the combination of the new sensor, the BIONZ XR2 processor, and AI processing, the camera delivers accurate autofocus, natural color reproduction, and a wide dynamic range. This makes the FX5 suitable for both fast-paced productions and extensive color correction during post-processing.

Application

The Sony FX5 is designed for a wide range of professional video productions, including:

• Feature films

• Documentaries

• Advertising productions

• Corporate videos

• Music videos

• Broadcast

• Online content

• Livestreaming

• Weddings

• Event registrations

• Drone footage

• Gimbal setups

• Multicamera productions

Due to its compact dimensions, the camera can be used as both a main camera and a B-camera alongside models such as the Sony FX6, BURANO, or VENICE.

Key features

New stacked full-frame sensor

The FX5 features a completely newly developed 16.6-megapixel Exmor RS full-frame stacked CMOS sensor.

Thanks to the stacked architecture, the sensor can be read significantly faster than conventional CMOS sensors. As a result, rolling shutter effects are limited and fast movements are accurately preserved.

The relatively low resolution was deliberately chosen to enable optimal light sensitivity, high frame rates, and a wide dynamic range.

BIONZ XR2 with AI Processing Unit

The new BIONZ XR2 processor contains an integrated AI Processing Unit that accelerates various camera functions.

As a result, the camera benefits from:

• faster autofocus

• improved subject recognition

• more accurate automatic white balance

• more efficient image processing

• improved performance in low light

5K Open Gate recording

With Open Gate shooting, the entire sensor is utilized in a 3:2 aspect ratio.

This offers extra flexibility during assembly, including:

• vertical cutouts

• multiple aspect ratios

• digital stabilization

• VFX workflows

• anamorphic lenses

Because the entire sensor is used, as much image information as possible remains available.

Internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW

The FX5 supports internal recording in Sony's X-OCN RAW format.

As a result, an external recorder is no longer needed to take RAW photos.

Supported variants are:

• X-OCN LT

• X-OCN C1

• X-OCN C2

This allows you to choose between maximum image quality or smaller file sizes, depending on the production.

Professional recording formats

In addition to X-OCN, the camera also supports various professional workflows with 10-bit video output via HDMI.

The camera supports, among other things:

• Open Gate

• 5K

• DCI 4K

• UHD 4K

• Full HD

This allows the camera to be easily integrated into existing post-production workflows.

AI autofocus

Thanks to integrated AI processing, the FX5 supports advanced autofocus functions.

The camera automatically recognizes:

• persons

• animals

• birds

Even under difficult lighting conditions, the autofocus continues to function quickly and reliably.

High dynamic range

The FX5 features a dynamic range of up to 16 stops (Sensor Overdrive Mode).

In addition, the camera features three basic sensitivities:

• ISO 800

• ISO 4000

• ISO 12800

As a result, image quality is maintained under varying lighting conditions.

5-axis image stabilization

The built-in sensor stabilization reduces vibrations during handheld shooting.

This results in smoother camera movements without the need for a gimbal every time.

An improved electronic stabilization mode is also available for dynamic productions.

Professional monitoring

The camera features a large 3.5-inch touchscreen with an adjustable hinge mechanism.

For accurate image inspection, the following are available, among others:

• False Color

• Waveform

• Vectorscope

• Histogram

• Zebra

• Focus Peaking

• Focus Map

• Anamorphic De-squeeze

These tools make it easier to assess exposure, focus, and composition during the shot.

Compact design for professional productions

The Sony FX5 is designed for filmmakers who want to combine the image quality of a cinema camera with the mobility of a compact body. Thanks to the lightweight magnesium chassis, the camera is suitable for handheld shooting, gimbals, drones, and compact rigs.

The redesigned grip, the updated button layout, and the multi-function control knob ensure that frequently used settings are quickly accessible while filming.

Cinema Line user interface

Unlike the FX3, the FX5 uses the professional Cinema Line interface that is also used on the FX6, BURANO, and VENICE.

The revamped BIG6 interface provides direct access to the most important camera settings, while the menu system has been optimized for professional film productions.

In addition, the camera features multiple freely programmable function keys, making frequently used settings immediately available.

Connectivity for professional workflows

The FX5 features various connections for recording, monitoring, and network applications.

Connections include, among others:

• Full-size HDMI output

• Two USB-C ports

• Gigabit Ethernet

• 3.5 mm microphone input

• 3.5 mm headphone jack

• Multi Interface Shoe

• Dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots

This allows the camera to be easily integrated into professional production environments.

Livestreaming and network functionality

In addition to traditional video recording, the FX5 also supports IP streaming via, among others:

• RTMP

• RTMPS

• SRT

• H.264

Streaming is possible up to 4K UHD, making the camera suitable for live events, webinars, and hybrid productions.

Moreover, the camera can be controlled remotely via the built-in Ethernet port or Wi-Fi.

Sony Monitor & Control

The FX5 supports Sony's Monitor & Control app for Android and iOS.

Through this application, users can:

• view live image

• change camera settings

• start and stop recording

• manage saved files

• control the camera remotely

This makes the camera also suitable for setups where direct access to the camera is limited.

Advanced audio

The camera comes standard with:

• stereo built-in microphone

• 3.5 mm microphone input

• 3.5 mm headphone output

In combination with the optional Sony XLR Handle Unit , the FX5 is expanded with professional XLR connections and support for 32-bit float audio recording , providing more dynamic range and virtually preventing clipping.

Flexible storage

The FX5 features two combined memory card slots suitable for:

• CFexpress Type A

• SDXC UHS-II

This allows a choice between maximum recording speed or more affordable SD cards, depending on the codec and workflow used.

Expandable accessory system

Various professional accessories are available for the FX5, including:

• Sony DVF-EL1 electronic viewfinder

• Sony XLR Handle Unit

• Timecode Adapter Cable

• Various cages and rigging systems

This allows the camera to be adapted to a wide range of productions, from compact solo shots to extensive cinema setups.

Long service life

The camera runs on the new high-capacity Sony NP-SA100 battery. This offers a longer operating time than previous battery generations, allowing for longer shooting sessions without frequent battery changes.

Limits

Although the Sony FX5 offers many professional features, there are a few points to consider.

• The camera is designed exclusively for video recording and offers virtually no functionality for photography.

• A built-in electronic ND filter is missing; external filters are required for this.

• The camera does not have an SDI output; professional monitoring is done via HDMI.

• CFexpress Type A cards are recommended for internal X-OCN recording.

• The optional electronic viewfinder and XLR handle cannot be used simultaneously.

• 16-bit RAW output via HDMI uses a sensor crop at certain resolutions.

• The optional accessories, such as the DVF-EL1 viewfinder and XLR Handle Unit, are not included as standard.

• There is no internal storage; recordings are stored on memory cards.