Sony FX5 Full-Frame 5K Cinema Camera

Sony FX5 Full-frame Cinema Line Camera

The Sony FX5 is a professional full-frame Cinema Line camera developed for filmmakers who need high-quality capture, adaptable recording formats and production-ready connectivity without committing to a larger traditional cinema-camera body. Its combination of Open Gate recording, internal RAW capture and modular monitoring makes it suitable for everything from streamlined solo productions to coordinated multi-camera shoots.

At the centre of the camera is a newly developed 16.6-megapixel sensor paired with Sony’s BIONZ XR2 processor. Together, they support a wide dynamic range, improved low-light performance and the processing speed required for demanding professional recording workflows.

5K Open Gate recording for flexible delivery

Rather than restricting footage to a single delivery format at the point of capture, the Sony FX5 offers 5K Open Gate recording that uses the available sensor area to retain more of the original image. This gives editors additional freedom when reframing footage for widescreen productions, vertical social content or alternative aspect ratios.

The broader captured image is also useful for productions that need multiple versions of the same material. A single take can be adapted for different platforms while maintaining greater control over composition during post-production.

Internal RAW recording across three professional codecs

Internal RAW recording gives cinematographers access to high-fidelity image data without requiring a separate external recorder. The FX5 supports three professional recording codecs, allowing productions to select an appropriate balance of image quality, file size and post-production flexibility.

This internal workflow can simplify camera builds and reduce the number of external components required on location. It is particularly valuable when the camera is mounted to a gimbal, vehicle rig or other configuration where size, weight and cable management matter.

Wide dynamic range and low-light image quality

The 16.6-megapixel full-frame sensor and BIONZ XR2 processor deliver more than 15 stops of dynamic range. This helps the camera preserve detail across bright highlights and deep shadows when recording scenes with challenging contrast.

Three Base ISO settings and dual-gain technology provide additional control when moving between different lighting environments. Filmmakers can select a sensitivity suited to the scene while maintaining a clean image, whether working on a controlled set, filming interiors or capturing available-light footage after dark.

High-frame-rate recording for action and slow motion

The Sony FX5 is designed to support 5K recording at up to 60p* and 4K recording at up to 120p*. These high-frame-rate options provide significant creative scope for slow-motion sequences, sports coverage, wildlife filmmaking, commercials and other productions involving fast movement.

A faster sensor readout helps minimise the skew and distortion associated with rolling shutter. Improved low-light autofocus is also intended to maintain reliable subject acquisition during demanding high-speed sequences, supporting both solo operators and professional camera teams.

*5K 120p and 4K 240p recording are planned for a future firmware update.

Support for anamorphic productions

Support for wide anamorphic ratios enables the FX5 to fit into cinematic workflows built around anamorphic lenses and widescreen delivery. Combined with 5K Open Gate capture, this gives cinematographers more of the sensor image to work with when monitoring, de-squeezing and preparing footage for post-production.

The flexible capture area also gives productions greater freedom when selecting the final aspect ratio, reducing the need to make irreversible framing decisions during filming.

Removable EVF* and four-axis LCD monitor

A removable, tiltable electronic viewfinder* allows the camera to be configured around the needs of each production. It can provide a direct monitoring option for handheld shooting and bright outdoor conditions, then be removed when a smaller camera build is required.

The larger four-axis multi-angle LCD monitor supports a wider range of viewing positions. Operators can reposition it for low-angle, high-angle and side-mounted configurations, making the camera easier to use on a shoulder rig, tripod, gimbal or compact handheld setup.

*Sold separatley

A modular camera for changing productions

The FX5 can be stripped down for lightweight shooting or built into a more comprehensive production rig. Its modular design makes it suitable for owner-operators who regularly move between different types of work, as well as production companies that need one camera body to fulfil several roles.

It can serve as a principal camera for documentaries, interviews and independent productions, or as a compact secondary camera alongside larger cinema systems. The balance of professional controls and adaptable ergonomics is particularly useful when filming conditions change throughout the day.

32-bit Float audio through the handle*

The camera supports 32-bit Float audio recording through its handle,* providing greater latitude when capturing sources with unpredictable volume levels. This can reduce the risk of unusable audio caused by sudden peaks or unexpectedly quiet speech, although appropriate microphone placement and monitoring remain important.

For interviews, events, documentary work and small crews, the expanded audio workflow can help operators manage sound while concentrating on framing and focus.

*Sold separatley

Dedicated timecode connectivity

Dedicated timecode cable compatibility allows the Sony FX5 to integrate more easily into professional multi-camera environments. Synchronised timecode simplifies the process of matching footage and separately recorded audio during editing, particularly across longer shoots or productions using several cameras.

This makes the FX5 suitable for use as a compact B-camera, an additional angle on a commercial set or part of a documentary and live-production workflow where accurate synchronisation is essential.

Dual USB-C ports and professional data handling

Dual USB-C connections expand the camera’s options for accessories, data transfer and production workflows. Having two ports available can make it easier to maintain connected devices without relying on a single shared connection.

The camera also introduces enhanced Wi-Fi stability and advanced network security for productions that depend on connected working. These features support more reliable file handling, remote operation and network-based delivery in professional environments.

4K 60p live streaming

Support for live streaming at up to 4K 60p allows the FX5 to be used for high-resolution broadcasts, events, presentations and remote productions. This capability helps bridge traditional cinema-camera image quality with the speed required for direct online delivery.

Combined with its enhanced connectivity and professional audio options, the camera can form part of a streamlined field-production setup without limiting it exclusively to recorded content.

High-capacity power for professional shoots

A new high-capacity battery is designed to support the recording, monitoring and connectivity demands of modern productions. Greater available power can be particularly important during documentary filming, location work and extended takes where frequent battery changes would interrupt the shoot.

Actual operating time will vary according to the chosen recording format, frame rate, display use, connected accessories, network functions and shooting conditions.

Who is the Sony FX5 designed for?

The Sony FX5 is aimed at professional cinematographers, independent filmmakers, production companies and experienced content creators who need a compact camera capable of fitting into a wider production environment.

• Documentary and factual television production
• Commercial and corporate filmmaking
• Independent film and short-film production
• High-frame-rate sports and action capture
• Event filming and live streaming
• Multi-camera interviews and studio productions
• Gimbal, vehicle and compact rig configurations
• Anamorphic and widescreen cinematography

Key features at a glance

• Full-frame 16.6-megapixel sensor
• BIONZ XR2 processing
• 5K Open Gate recording
• Internal RAW capture
• Three professional recording codecs
• More than 15 stops of dynamic range
• Three Base ISO settings
• Dual-gain sensor technology
• Planned 5K 120p and 4K 240p recording*
• Reduced rolling-shutter performance
• Improved autofocus in low light
• Anamorphic recording support
• Four-axis multi-angle LCD monitor
• Dedicated timecode compatibility
• Dual USB-C connections
• Enhanced Wi-Fi stability and network security
• Up to 4K 60p live streaming
• New high-capacity battery system

Sony FX5 Questions & Answers

Is the Sony FX5 a full-frame cinema camera?

Yes. The Sony FX5 is a professional full-frame Cinema Line camera featuring a 16.6MP sensor, BIONZ XR2 processing, 5K Open Gate recording and internal RAW capture.

Does the Sony FX5 record 5K Open Gate?

Yes. The FX5 supports 5K Open Gate recording, providing additional framing flexibility for widescreen, vertical and alternative aspect-ratio delivery.

Does the Sony FX5 record RAW internally?

Yes. The Sony FX5 supports internal RAW recording across professional recording options, reducing the need for an external RAW recorder.

Does the Sony FX5 shoot 4K 120p?

Yes. The FX5 supports high-frame-rate recording including 4K at up to 120p. Higher frame-rate capabilities are also planned through future firmware updates.

Is the Sony FX5 good in low light?

Yes. Its full-frame sensor, more than 15 stops of dynamic range, three Base ISO settings and dual-gain technology make the FX5 well suited to professional low-light filmmaking.

Sony FX5 vs FX2 – which is better?

The FX5 is more production-focused, with features including 5K Open Gate, internal RAW, professional timecode and modular monitoring. The FX2 is a smaller hybrid-oriented Cinema Line camera. For dedicated professional filmmaking, the FX5 offers the more production-focused workflow.

Sony FX5 vs FX3 – which is better?

The FX3 is designed around highly compact full-frame filmmaking, while the FX5 provides a more extensive professional production workflow including Open Gate recording, internal RAW, timecode connectivity and modular monitoring. The FX5 is better suited to filmmakers who need these additional production capabilities.

Sony FX5 vs FX6 – which should I choose?

The FX5 offers newer recording and workflow features in a compact modular body, while the FX6 remains a larger production-oriented Cinema Line camera with established professional controls and connectivity. The best choice depends on whether portability and newer FX5 capabilities or the FX6’s traditional production setup are more important.

Sony FX5 vs FX2 vs FX3 vs FX6 – which is best?

The FX5 is a strong choice for filmmakers wanting advanced cinema features in a compact professional body. The FX2 suits hybrid creators, the FX3 prioritises compact filmmaking, while the FX6 is aimed at larger professional production setups.

Who is the Sony FX5 best for?

The FX5 is designed for professional filmmakers, cinematographers, production companies and experienced creators working on documentaries, commercials, interviews, events, live streaming, multi-camera productions and independent films.