Sony has announced the launch of the FX5, a new full-frame camera in its Cinema Line series. It features a newly developed stacked CMOS image sensor designed to improve sensitivity (compared with the FX3), delivering more than 15 stops of dynamic range, a Dual Gain shooting mode (limited to the equivalent of 18 dB), and three base ISO settings, the company said in a statement.

For the first time in the Cinema Line FX series, the camera supports Open Gate recording, as well as internal X-OCN recording, Sony’s proprietary RAW format. The FX5 is capable of recording 5K at up to 60 fps, 4K at up to 120 fps, and Full HD at up to 240 fps.

The aim is to combine the signature Cinema Line look—including its colour science and tonal reproduction—with usability tailored to professional production environments.

The launch also includes two new optional accessories: a detachable OLED viewfinder and an XLR handle that enables direct in-camera audio recording at up to 96 kHz/32-bit floating point.

“The new FX5 removes creative barriers by delivering the performance and flexibility that empower filmmakers to achieve their artistic vision. Its compact design, image quality and workflow provide the tools that take the FX series to the next level,” explains Florence Quintin, Video and Cinema Marketing Lead, Imaging Products and Solutions, Sony Europe.

Pricing and availability

• ILME-FX5 with XLR Handle: Available for pre-order from July 22 and on sale from August. €6,000.
• ILME-FX5B body only: Available for pre-order from July 22 and on sale from August. €5,400.

Prices may vary depending on country and region.

A product overview video for the FX5 is available on YouTube.

Key features of the FX5

Newly developed full-frame stacked CMOS image sensor and latest high-speed image processor

The camera is equipped with a full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR2 image processor, and a dedicated AI processing unit.

When shooting in S-Log3, the camera achieves more than 15 stops of dynamic range. Its wide latitude and low-noise performance are designed to provide smooth highlight-to-shadow transitions and natural texture reproduction, even in high-contrast scenes.

The three base ISO settings (ISO 800, ISO 4000 and ISO 12800) deliver low-noise images across a wide range of shooting conditions. Introduced for the first time in the FX series, Dual Gain technology maximises image sensor performance to deliver smoother tonal gradation and greater latitude while reducing noise without compromising shadow detail.

For the first time in the FX series, the camera supports full-pixel readout across the entire 3:2 sensor area, or Open Gate shooting (available only when recording in X-OCN), as well as multiple image scan modes, including 17:9, 16:9 and Super 35 mm.

This provides greater flexibility in selecting the angle of view according to creative intent and delivery format. Support for internal X-OCN recording, Sony’s proprietary 16-bit scene-linear RAW format, enables high-quality recording without the need for an external recorder.

In addition to X-OCN LT, the camera also supports the newly introduced X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2 codecs. By reducing data size, these codecs enable high-speed transfer of high-quality footage while lowering storage requirements.

AI-powered autofocus and advanced shooting controls

AI-based subject recognition using human pose estimation technology enables the camera to detect the position of a person’s eyes, body and head. It also supports Real-time Tracking, automatically following subjects to maintain stable focus.

When using Auto White Balance with Auto Tracking (ATW), the camera combines data from visible-light and infrared (IR) sensors with deep learning-based light source estimation to identify scenes with high precision. Compared with the FX3 (based on Sony internal measurements), this delivers more stable and natural white balance in shaded areas, indoor environments and other challenging lighting conditions.

The camera includes Noise Reduction settings (On/Off), allowing flexible image creation based on shooting intent and post-production workflow.

It also features an anamorphic de-squeeze function, supporting 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x and 2.0x anamorphic lenses.

Compact body for enhanced handling and mobility

The FX5 features a lightweight, compact body with a flat-top design, making it suitable for handheld shooting, gimbal operation and filming in confined spaces.

It incorporates 5-axis in-body optical image stabilisation. Thanks to Sony’s latest stabilisation unit, roll correction has approximately doubled compared with the previous system (based on internal measurements against the FX3), reducing rotational blur.

In addition to Optical SteadyShot and Active Mode, the camera introduces Dynamic Active Mode, providing even greater stability during handheld shooting. In this mode, the angle of view is narrower than in Active Mode, Clear Image Zoom is unavailable, recording is supported at frame rates of up to 60 fps, and gain is limited to the equivalent of 26 dB.

When paired with the newly developed XLR Handle, the camera supports up to 96 kHz, 32-bit floating-point, 4-channel audio recording. It is also compatible with the optional 0.58-type tiltable OLED electronic viewfinder (which cannot be used simultaneously with Multi Interface Shoe accessories such as the XLR Handle), providing accurate viewing even in bright environments.

The camera features a 3.5-inch multi-angle LCD touchscreen with approximately 2.76 million dots, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and 4-axis articulation, offering a larger and brighter display than the FX3.

The fully articulated monitor tilts approximately 98° upward, 40° downward, and opens 180° sideways. Its high-brightness panel offers 15 brightness levels.

Recording information can be displayed around the edges of the screen, preventing overlays from obscuring the recorded image. The BIG6 home screen, inherited from CineAlta cameras, provides quick access to key settings such as frame rate, exposure and LUTs.

The camera also incorporates a redesigned menu system that delivers an operating experience similar to CineAlta cameras and the FX6.

Reliability and expandability for professional productions

A high-efficiency cooling fan with improved thermal performance and optimised heat dissipation ensures stable operation during extended recording sessions.

The cooling fan is housed in a separate air chamber. Combined with a dust- and moisture-resistant design, this enhances reliability for demanding outdoor productions.

The lightweight, highly rigid chassis includes multiple threaded mounting points for directly attaching accessories.

Integration with the Monitor & Control app enables video monitoring and remote camera operation from smartphones, tablets and Mac computers. The HDMI output can display different information on the camera monitor and an external monitor, or mirror the same information on both.

The camera supports Sony’s recently introduced NP-SA100 high-capacity rechargeable battery (2,670 mAh). Offering approximately 1.3 times the capacity of the NP-FZ100 battery used in Sony’s Alpha series, it enables longer recording times. Coordinated power management also displays battery health information.

The FX5 features dual USB Type-C ports. In addition to supporting timecode input via the optional Timecode Adapter Cable, it also supports USB Power Delivery (PD) for external power (USB PD power supply and cable sold separately).

A wired LAN terminal enables remote camera control and stable network connectivity, providing the expandability required for professional networked production environments.

Planned Version 2.0 update (August 2027 or later)

Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Planned updates include support for:

• X-OCN High Frame Rate recording up to 240 fps
• 3:2 XAVC S-I Open Gate recording
• An optimised user interface for vertical shooting
• A frame capture function

Accessibility and environmental initiatives

The FX5 includes accessibility features that support camera operation and visual recognition, including a screen reader that reads menu items aloud and a menu magnification function (supported languages vary by region, and some menu items are not supported by the screen reader).

The lens mount index, multi-function dial and buttons have also been designed with distinctive shapes and tactile feedback to improve usability without relying solely on visual confirmation.

More than 30% of the plastic parts used in the camera are made from recycled plastic (according to Sony research, applicable to recycled plastic used in the product body).

In addition, Sony’s production facilities in Thailand and China manufacturing the camera operate using 100% renewable energy (production sites may vary depending on the manufacturing period). The company also uses plant-based nonwoven fabric for product packaging where available.

Optional accessories

• DVF-EL1 0.58-type OLED Viewfinder

This detachable electronic viewfinder features a 0.58-type HR OLED panel with approximately 7.08 million dots (it cannot be used simultaneously with Multi Interface Shoe accessories such as the XLR Handle).

It supports HDR display, a DCI-P3-equivalent colour gamut, and 10-bit gradation.

The viewfinder provides an immersive viewing experience with approximately 0.9x magnification (using a 50 mm lens focused at infinity, -1 m⁻¹) and allows users to switch between display modes prioritising either resolution or eye point.

Its tilting mechanism moves from 0° to approximately 90° upward, enabling comfortable operation during low-angle, high-angle and handheld shooting.

Price: €750.

• XLR-H2 Handle

The XLR Handle is equipped with two XLR/TRS combo inputs and supports up to four audio channels.

It incorporates dual analogue-to-digital converters, digitising microphone signals with high precision and wide dynamic range, enabling direct in-camera recording at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit floating point.

Connected directly to the camera body through the Multi Interface Shoe, it digitises audio signals for stable transmission while improving balance and handling during handheld shooting.

Price: €900.

• VMC-BNCU1 Timecode Adapter Cable

Using the optional USB-C to BNC Timecode Adapter Cable, the camera supports external timecode input.

This enables precise synchronisation with multiple cameras and external audio devices, streamlining professional workflows including multicamera production, broadcasting and filmmaking.

Price: €100.

Applications supporting FX5 production

• Monitor & Control Version 3.0

Available from July 2026.

Monitor & Control enables wired and wireless video monitoring and camera control. Version 3.0 expands multicamera monitoring and control functions for vertical video production and adds support for EL Zone for more accurate exposure monitoring.

It is designed to improve the reliability and efficiency of video production across increasingly diverse workflows, including social media content creation. Availability and paid/free features vary by country and region.

For more information, visit Sony’s website.

• Catalyst Prepare Version 3.0

Expected to launch from August 2026 onwards.

Catalyst Prepare and Catalyst Browse, Sony’s applications for video stabilisation and colour adjustment, will be integrated into Catalyst Prepare Version 3.0.

In addition to playback and image stabilisation for footage recorded in the new X-OCN C1/C2 formats supported by the FX5, the software allows users to select and adjust clips while viewing metadata recorded during capture.

For more information, visit Sony’s website.

To check the main specifications and more details about the product, visit the product website.