Sony has expanded its professional Cinema Line with the new FX5, a compact full-frame camera positioned between the highly portable FX3 and the production-focused FX6.
Launching in Australia from early August, the FX5 introduces a newly developed fully stacked CMOS sensor, internal X-OCN RAW recording, Open Gate capture and up to 15+ stops of dynamic range. It also brings a number of production features normally associated with larger cinema cameras into a relatively compact body.
The FX5 can record 5K video at up to 60 frames per second, 4K at up to 120fps and Full HD at up to 240fps. Sony is pitching it as a portable option for documentary work, independent filmmaking, commercial production and other environments where mobility matters as much as image quality.
A new stacked full-frame sensor
At the heart of the FX5 is a newly developed full-frame Exmor RS fully stacked CMOS sensor paired with Sony’s latest BIONZ XR2 image processor and a dedicated AI processing unit.
When shooting in S-Log3, Sony claims the camera delivers more than 15 stops of dynamic range, with improved highlight roll-off, low-noise performance and more natural detail across high-contrast scenes.
The camera offers three base ISO settings — ISO 800, ISO 4000 and ISO 12,800 — giving filmmakers more flexibility when moving between controlled lighting, daylight and low-light environments. It also introduces Dual Gain Shooting to the FX series, designed to improve latitude and reduce noise without sacrificing shadow detail.
Open Gate and internal X-OCN RAW recording
For the first time in Sony’s FX series, the FX5 supports 3:2 full-pixel Open Gate capture across the entire sensor.
That gives creators more flexibility when reframing footage for different aspect ratios, including traditional widescreen delivery, vertical social media content and anamorphic workflows. Additional scan modes include 17:9, 16:9 and Super 35mm.
Open Gate recording is initially available when shooting in X-OCN, Sony’s proprietary 16-bit scene-linear RAW format. The FX5 supports X-OCN LT as well as the new X-OCN C1 and C2 codecs, which are designed to retain image quality while reducing file sizes and speeding up transfers and post-production workflows.
The camera also includes in-camera de-squeeze support for 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x and 2.0x anamorphic lenses.
AI-assisted autofocus and white balance
The FX5 incorporates Sony’s AI-based subject recognition technology, including human pose estimation capable of identifying a subject’s eyes, head and body.
Real-time Tracking is also supported, allowing the camera to maintain focus on moving subjects even when their face is temporarily obscured or they move through darker parts of a scene.
Auto Tracing White Balance uses information from visible-light and infrared sensors, combined with deep-learning-based light-source estimation, to produce more stable colour across shaded, indoor and mixed-light environments.
Designed for handheld and compact productions
Sony has retained the flat-top, cage-friendly design associated with its compact Cinema Line cameras, allowing the FX5 to be used handheld, on a gimbal or in confined shooting environments.
Five-axis optical in-body image stabilisation is included, with Sony claiming the new stabilisation system approximately doubles the available roll correction range compared with its previous system. Active Mode and Dynamic Active Mode are also available for more aggressive electronic stabilisation during handheld filming.
The rear display is a 3.5-inch, approximately 2.76-million-dot touchscreen with a four-axis multi-angle design. It can tilt upward by approximately 98 degrees, downward by 40 degrees and open sideways by around 180 degrees.
Sony has also carried across the BIG6 interface used by its CineAlta cameras, placing frequently used controls such as frame rate, exposure and LUT settings on a dedicated home screen.
Professional audio and monitoring accessories
Sony will offer the FX5 both as a body-only package and bundled with the new XLR-H2 handle.
The optional handle includes two XLR/TRS combo inputs and supports four-channel in-camera audio recording at up to 96kHz, 32-bit float. It connects through Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe, eliminating the need for a separate cable between the camera and handle.
A new DVF-EL1 detachable OLED viewfinder will also be available. It uses a 0.58-inch, approximately 7.07-million-dot OLED panel with HDR display, DCI-P3-equivalent colour coverage and up to 0.9x magnification. The viewfinder can tilt upward by as much as 90 degrees for low-angle and handheld shooting.
Sony will additionally offer a USB-C-to-BNC timecode adapter cable for synchronising the FX5 with external audio equipment and multicamera production systems.
Cooling, connectivity and battery life
The FX5 uses an active cooling system with an independent fan chamber and an optimised heat-dissipation design intended to support extended recording sessions.
Its lightweight body includes multiple mounting points for attaching accessories without necessarily requiring a separate cage, while dust- and moisture-resistant construction is intended to improve reliability in outdoor production environments.
Connectivity includes two USB-C ports, HDMI, wired LAN and support for remote monitoring and camera control through Sony’s Monitor & Control application.
The camera is compatible with Sony’s recently released NP-SA100 battery, which offers approximately 1.3 times the capacity of the existing NP-FZ100 battery. USB Power Delivery can also be used for external power during longer shoots.
Additional features coming in 2027
Sony is already planning a version 2.0 firmware update for August 2027 or later.
The update is expected to add X-OCN high-frame-rate recording at up to 240fps, XAVC S-I Open Gate recording in a 3:2 aspect ratio, a vertical-shooting interface and a frame-grab function.
Australian pricing and availability
The Sony Cinema Line FX5 will be available in Australia from early August 2026.
Sony FX5 body only | A$7,849
Sony FX5 with XLR handle | A$8,849
LR-H2 handle | A$1,099, available from early September
DVF-EL1 detachable viewfinder | A$999, available from early August
VMC-BNCU1 timecode adapter cable | A$129, available from mid-August
