Sony has recently launched its latest “FX5,” a new full-frame camera in its Cinema Line series. It features a fully-stacked CMOS image sensor, enhancing sensitivity with 15+ stops of dynamic range, a Dual Gain Shooting mode, and three base ISO settings. For the first time in the FX series, it supports Open Gate shooting and in-camera recording in X-OCN, Sony’s RAW format. The camera shoots in 5K at 60 fps, 4K at 120 fps, and FHD at 240 fps, combining the Cinema Line look with portability. This release includes two optional accessories: a detachable OLED viewfinder and an XLR Handle for in-camera recording at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float. The camera reflects Sony’s expertise from its acclaimed Cinema Line cameras.
“The new FX5 removes creative barriers to deliver a performance and flexibility that the filmmaking community can excel with. Its compact design, image quality and workflow deliver the precise tools that take the FX series to the next level,” said Florence Quintin, Video and Cinema Marketing Lead, Imaging Products and Solutions, Sony Europe.
FX5 Key Features in Detail
- A newly developed full-frame fully-stacked CMOS image sensor and the latest high-speed image processing engine
The camera has a full-frame Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and a fast BIONZ XR2 image processing engine with an AI unit.
When using S-Log3, it offers over 15 stops of dynamic range. This means it smoothly captures highlights and shadows with great detail, even in challenging lighting.
It has three base ISOs: ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800, which help produce clear images in various conditions. The new Dual Gain Shooting feature improves the sensor’s performance, allowing for smoother gradation while reducing noise without losing shadow details.
For the first time in the FX series, this camera supports 3:2 full-pixel readout across the full sensor area, known as Open Gate shooting, and various image scan modes like 17:9, 16:9, and Super 35mm. This provides flexible options for framing based on creative needs.
Additionally, it can record in X-OCN, Sony’s 16-bit scene-linear RAW format, allowing for high-quality recordings without needing an external recorder. It also supports new X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2 codecs, which reduce file sizes and enhance the speed of transferring high-quality images, making post-production easier.
- High-precision AF powered by AI and detailed settings that support intentional shooting
Subject recognition using AI technology helps the camera detect a person’s eyes, body, and head position, ensuring sharp focus even in low light. The camera also has Real-time Tracking, which automatically follows subjects for steady focus.
With Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW), the camera combines data from visible light and infrared sensors, plus deep learning, to accurately adjust colors. This feature makes white balance more consistent and natural in shaded areas and indoors.
The camera allows you to turn noise suppression on or off, giving you flexibility based on your shooting needs and post-production work.
Additionally, it includes a desqueeze function for anamorphic lenses, supporting 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2.0x anamorphic options.
- Excellent operability and high mobility in a compact body
The camera has a small, lightweight body with a flat top design, making it easy to shoot in different ways, like handheld, with a gimbal, or in tight spaces.
It includes 5-axis optical image stabilization. The new stabilization system improves roll correction, reducing blurriness caused by rotation. Besides regular and Active Mode stabilization, there’s also a Dynamic Active Mode for better stability when shooting by hand.
With the new XLR handle unit, the camera can record high-quality audio at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float, using 4 audio channels. It’s compatible with an optional tilting OLED viewfinder that works well even in bright light.
The camera has a 3.5-inch touch-panel LCD monitor with about 2.76 million dots, which is larger and brighter than the one on the “FX3.” The monitor can tilt up 98 degrees, down 40 degrees, and open 180 degrees sideways. Its brightness can be adjusted in 15 steps, and important shooting details can be shown around the screen without covering the image. The “BIG6” home screen, inspired by CineAlta cameras, gathers key settings like frame rate, exposure, and LUTs, helping creators focus on their work.
It also comes with a new menu system that allows similar ease of use when working with CineAlta cameras or the “FX6.”
- High reliability and expandability to support professional production environments
A high-efficiency cooling fan with improved cooling and a smart heat design allows for steady operation during long video recordings. The fan is in a separate air chamber, and its dust- and moisture-resistant design boosts reliability for outdoor and challenging shooting conditions.
The camera is lightweight and sturdy, featuring screw holes in various places for attaching accessories directly, offering flexible shooting setups without needing a cage.
By using the Monitor & Control app, you can monitor videos and control the camera remotely from smartphones, tablets, and Macs. The HDMI output can show different information on the camera monitor and an external monitor, or the same information on both.
This camera works with the new high-capacity rechargeable battery pack “NP-SA100” (2670 mAh). It has about 1.3 times more power than the Z-series “NP-FZ100” battery, allowing for longer shooting times. Battery life is better thanks to smart power management, and the camera can show the battery pack’s status.
The camera comes with two USB Type-C™︎ ports, enabling timecode input with an optional adapter and external power supply through USB Power Delivery (PD), which helps with long video shooting.
Additionally, the camera has a wired LAN terminal for remote operation and stable network connections, providing the expandability needed in professional production environments.
- Planned Update ver. 2.0 (August 2027 or later)
Updates are planned to add support for HFR shooting up to 240 fps in X-OCN, XAVC S-I recording in a 3:2 aspect ratio (Open Gate shooting), an optimized user interface for vertical shooting, and a frame grab function.
- Accessibility and environmental considerations
The camera has features that help users with visual impairments. It includes a screen reader that reads menu items out loud and a larger display for easier viewing. The buttons and dials are designed to be easy to use by touch, so users don’t have to rely only on sight.
About 30% or more of the parts in the camera are made from recycled plastic. The factories in Thailand and China that make this camera use only renewable energy. Additionally, Sony uses fabric made from plants for bags that come with their products, which helps reduce plastic use and lessen environmental impact.
Optional Accessories
- 0.58-type OLED Viewfinder “DVF-EL1”
This detachable viewfinder has a high-resolution OLED screen with about 7.07 million dots. It supports HDR display and shows colors accurately with a wide color range similar to DCI-P3. This means you can see true colors of your subjects and details clearly, especially in bright landscapes or high-contrast scenes.
The viewfinder offers a strong sense of immersion with about 0.9x magnification and you can switch between display modes that focus on either resolution or eye level.
It also has a tilt mechanism that can move from 0 to about 90 degrees upwards, making it easy to monitor shots from low angles, high angles, or while shooting handheld.
- XLR Handle Unit “XLR-H2”
This XLR handle unit has two XLR/TRS combo inputs and supports up to 4-channel audio. It uses dual AD converters to accurately convert audio from microphones, allowing in-camera recording at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float. By connecting to the camera via the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, it ensures stable audio transmission. Mounting the handle improves stability and ease of use during handheld shooting, making it ideal for mobile production styles like documentaries and news gathering.
- Timecode Adapter Cable “VMC-BNCU1”
Using the optional USB-C to BNC timecode adapter cable, the camera can connect to external timecode devices for timecode input.
This helps keep multiple cameras and outside audio devices in sync, making it easier for professional projects like multicamera shooting, broadcasting, and filmmaking.
Applications Supporting Production with “FX5”
- Monitor & Control ver. 3.0
Scheduled to be available from July 2026 or later
Monitor & Control is an app for video monitoring and camera control, both wired and wireless. Version 3.0 enhances multicamera management for vertical video and adds EL Zone for accurate exposure checks. It improves video production efficiency, catering to various shooting needs, including social media and other platforms.
For details, please visit: Sony
- Catalyst Prepare ver. 3.0
Scheduled to be available from August 2026 or later
Catalyst Prepare/Catalyst Browse are apps for video image stabilization and color editing, set to be integrated into “Catalyst Prepare ver. 3.0,” enhancing user experience and expected to launch in August 2026 or later. Besides playback and stabilization of footage in the new X-OCN C1/C2 formats on “FX5,” the software lets users select and adjust footage while viewing shooting metadata.
Availability
The FX5 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 23 July until 16 August 2026 with the SRP of RM22,999 for body only and RM25,999 with body and handle. You also can get a complimentary Sony CEA-G240T CFexpress Type A Memory Card 240GB worth RM1,199, but its in limited quantity so act fast!
The FX5 product feature video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/X58vUvb65II
The FX5 concept video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/XdVBGKxwnsA
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FX5, and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at https://experience.sony-asia.com/my/alphauniverse/explore, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.