Sony has just announced the PXW-FS5, a new 4K cinema camera that will slot in between the FS7 and the FS700.
[This post will be updated frequently]
This camera is amazingly small, and apparently uses a similar sensor as the other cinema cameras in the under-$10,000 range, so you can expect similar quality. The new FS5 is going to come in at $5,600 for the body only, and $6,100 with an 18-105mm f/4 lens.
The LCD is detachable, and can be mounted in a number of places, and the camera comes with a smart grip. The camera will only be able to shoot UHD 3840 x 2160 out of the box, though apparently DCI 4K and 4K RAW will come in a later firmware update. The one positive with this model though is the fact that Sony has chosen to go with industry-standard SD card slots.
Since the native ISO is apparently 3200 (which is similar to the a7S shooting S-Log), having a much more powerful ND filter is very necessary, and you'll be able to have much finer controls with a built-in electronic variable ND filter that's capable of 7 stops (ND 2.1). There will also be a manual ND filter with options of clear, 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64.
News Shooter posted this terrific video with Sony Product Manager Juan Martinez that gives a complete overview of the camera:
Sample 4K Footage:
Here are the specs (you can read more about the camera here):
- 4K Super35mm EXMOR sensor — 4352 x 2662, 11.6 Megapixels (8.4 Megapixels Effective)
- Native E-Mount
- Native 3,200 ISO, Goes up to 32,000 ISO
- 14 Stops of Dynamic Range
- Manual ND Filter: OFF: CLEAR, 1: 1/4ND, 2: 1/16ND, 3: 1/64ND
- Built-in Electric Variable ND from 1/4ND to 1/128ND
- S-Log2 and S-Log3
- On-board XAVC-L recording
- 3840 x 2160 8-bit, 4:2:0, up to 30fps continuous.
- 1080 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 60fps continuous & 120, 240, 480, 960 fps buffered.
- Less than 5 sec boot time, Direct Access Menu, No rebooting for Rec format changes, etc., 2K Center Crop
- OLED Viewfinder: Approx. 1.44M dots
- 3.5" LCD: 1.56M dots
- Magnesium frame & body with active cooling
- 4K 4096x2160 output capable with paid future firmware upgrade
- 4K RAW in Future Firmware
- Dual SD Card Slots, Can Record Proxies
- 3G-SDI, 4K HDMI, WiFi, Wired LAN, 2 XLR, Built-in Mic
- 2X Digital Zoom in HD, 1.5x in UHD and 2K Center Crop for Super 16mm Lenses
- Same batteries as FS7
- Weight: Just under 2 pounds, Under 5 Pounds with everything
- Availability: November 2015
- List Price: $5,600 without lens, $6,100 with 18-105mm f/4
Some High Frame Rate sample videos:
Here is a closer look at the frame rates and resolutions:
A better look at the buttons on the camera:
And a look at the size compared to the FS7:
Here is the camera with the optional extension arm:
You can pre-order this camera right now from B&H.
Your Comment
77 Comments
Sony on point with this one. All boxes ticked for me. I'll be ordering soon. Good Job Sony! (Also makes the C300 Mk2 look pretty expensive)
September 11, 2015 at 12:38AM, Edited September 11, 12:44AM
C100 Competitor incoming! Small, and easy to use... looks like Canon have to improve somethings!
September 11, 2015 at 12:57AM
ND filter looks terrific--but the a7sII, holy Xenu, that's what has me excited.
September 11, 2015 at 1:22AM
2 XLR inputs (according to the specs on Sony website)
September 11, 2015 at 1:24AM
Yes, one on the lower right side of the back and the other one on the handle
What would interest me though is if you can use the fs7 viewfinder because it is in the picture with the optional extension arm and if you can buy it separately if you can use it.
September 11, 2015 at 1:38AM
why i'm not excited
September 11, 2015 at 1:58AM
Me neither¡ Looks amazing but no excitement... and i hate / dont like sony colours.. A lot of davinci after correcting all that magenta and cyan that are everywhere...
September 11, 2015 at 2:50AM
There is apparently a new white balance setting. If you prefer warmer or cooler or less green or less magenta images, this new FS5 camera has the ability to bias your base colour balance in the menus.
September 11, 2015 at 3:01AM
I agree, I wonder how long those promo videos took to color and grade. I have the FS7 and still trying to figure out best settings for certain situations. Been using HG4 a lot and that seems to get rid of the magenta/cyan fringing which is very apparent in the Cine EI mode.
September 11, 2015 at 5:04AM
960 fps. Nice.
September 11, 2015 at 2:01AM, Edited September 11, 2:01AM
Talked with a Sony rep at IBC.
Above 120fps it uses lineskipping and stretches that to HD.
Having said that: I held it in my hands: felt nice and balanced.
The variable ND wll give a lot of control in situations where you can control the lights.
September 15, 2015 at 3:20AM
What's the AF like on this? (no philosophical discussions on whether real artists use AF, please).
And I know native ISO is 3200 so why isn't Sony bragging about low light?
September 11, 2015 at 2:37AM
They added face detection like the A7rII has but haven't seen any examples yet. I wouldn't expect to much from it really.
September 11, 2015 at 4:13PM
I didn't like the highlight rendition. I don't like such a high native ISO. The price was a little higher than I was expecting. I was hoping they were gonna force the price down on the C100 mk2, but now I don't see that happening. I'm more excited about the A7sII, as its video looks more pleasing to me, but I don't want a camera like that. I wish they would house an a7s sensor in a camera like this and price it for around $4500-$5000.
I do like the 10bit internal HD, however. I also like the NDs. The overall design of this camera is nice, but the footage was underwhelming (video-ish)
September 11, 2015 at 2:42AM
We don't know what profile it was shot in. But 10bit SLog3 does not look video-ish. Strangely it does look like they may have shot it in standard REC709.
September 11, 2015 at 3:03AM
Sony's own video's never seem that good and yet I know you can get a great image from them. It's like they err on the side of extreme caution with the grade.
September 11, 2015 at 5:03AM
Yes I would love everything A7sII but with this form factor and it's benefits: 1. Longer batter life 2. No overheating 3. Built in NDs, and 4. With removable handle. I would have considered this FS5 if it had IBIS. Sony is making some pretty great products, regardless.
September 11, 2015 at 10:40AM
Lots of stuff missing for the FS5. Mainly, no CineEI or LC709a which looks really great and much more filmic. No XAVC-I (not good), no 10-bit 4K. Base ISO of 3200 is just too high IMO. The FS7 is still a much better camera for not a lot more cash.
September 11, 2015 at 7:05AM
Exactly what I was going to write Gene!
Both new Sony's are a complete let down (A7s mark II)
September 11, 2015 at 7:37AM
Looks good on paper and the footage looks pretty nice too. Sony checked a lot of my boxes and made some really good decisions. 10 bit 4:2:2 color, dynamic range, low light, and yeah why don't we throw in internal 4k to dual SD card slots as well. The skin tones in "free spirit" weren't to my liking but maybe that's just the grade. Definitely looking forward to trying one out if I get the chance. Looks good for narrative and documentary work. Well done Sony.
September 11, 2015 at 7:27AM, Edited September 11, 7:27AM
Is that only me that feel the color of "Free Spirit" way too off ??
September 11, 2015 at 7:58AM
same here
September 13, 2015 at 2:02PM
I shoot weddings and I did not buy FS7 because it is very heavy for run and gun type of work. I was excited about FS5 but not anymore. Love the small form factor but 8 bit 4:2:0 in 4K is a deal breaker. If I spend almost 13.5k (two cameras), I want to make sure I am good for next 3 years. 8bit 4:2:0 just won't do it.
September 11, 2015 at 8:44AM, Edited September 11, 8:44AM
3840 x 2160 at 4:2:0 / 8-bit = "crap color" ... yeah, no thanks.
September 11, 2015 at 12:22PM
Well, I just pre-ordered two FS5 cameras with the kit lens. Yes, there are many things it is not, but there are so many things it is.
I have been watching and waiting. Looking at Canon, Panasonic, JVC, etc. Wanting something to go with the Canon XF-105s and the Sony FS700 we shoot. The new cameras must have slow motion options, and getting 240fps is perfect. It's that ability that kept me from buying other brands.
Come on, November!
September 11, 2015 at 9:29AM
I found the ergonomics of the FS7 horrible. If they don't change that aspect (especially the menu), I'll never buy a Sony ever.
URSA Mini 4.6k still outperforms the FS5 in almost all aspects apart from ultra slowmotion.
September 11, 2015 at 9:47AM, Edited September 11, 9:47AM
Hi Tim,
Any word on URSA mini 4.6k low light capabilities? FS5 should be more than good in low light.
September 11, 2015 at 9:59AM
I agree Arvin, Ursa Mini 4.6k won't shine in lowlight, even if it'll be better than the old 4K sensor. More than ISO 1600/3200 won't be possible. But internal 4.6K/60p 12bit RAW/ProRes vs. 4K/30p 8bit XAVC-L in the same form factor but with better ergonomics seems to be a no brainer to me.
I'll rent the FS5 for some event shootings though where I won't need that terrific BM color science.
September 11, 2015 at 10:13AM, Edited September 11, 10:24AM
While I'm very curious about the Ursa Mini 4.6k, but calling it the same form factor as FS5 just doesn't work in my mind. The Ursa Mini is slightly smaller than FS7, and as opposed to the Sony cameras, the Ursa Mini REQUIRES the use of V-Lock or Gold Mount batteries which are pretty big. The FS5 looks to be about half the FS7's size.
September 16, 2015 at 8:50AM
URSA Mini max ISO is capped at 800. Bring your light kit :-D
September 11, 2015 at 4:11PM
URSA Mini 4.6k base ISO is 800.
Max is at 1600, maybe 3200.
September 11, 2015 at 4:30PM
Liking the thought process behind this. Love the size/form factor, 10bit HD, SLog3. Don't mind the 4k @ 4:2:0 - I mean, what are we comparing to here? C100 MK2 that does internal 4k @.... oh wait. My local dealer says body only retail is $5599 - w/lens $6099.
September 11, 2015 at 10:38AM, Edited September 11, 10:38AM
Its a very promising camera until you see the codec, XAVC MPEG Long 35mb, does not sound good, that means 422 10bit is effectively meaningless.
Mpg is a finishing codec, when you wanna export and not do anything with the image not an acquiring one, Why Sony why?
September 11, 2015 at 10:50AM
10 bit 4:2:2 at 50mb http://www.newsshooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/FS5-Sony-recording...
September 11, 2015 at 11:12AM
Stop finding flaws. This is pretty incredible. Shut up and shoot.
September 11, 2015 at 11:05AM, Edited September 11, 11:04AM
Exactly, everyone complaining probably never had to deal with 35mm adapters on handycams.
September 11, 2015 at 11:59AM
Alex, yes - those were tough times. Those adaptors ate so much light! Thank God these days are gone.
September 11, 2015 at 12:11PM
It's not that incredible.
September 14, 2015 at 5:49AM, Edited September 14, 5:49AM
I see servo zoom controls on the handle; do these control the whole focal range of any zoom lens? Or are they just for the 2x digital zoom?
September 11, 2015 at 1:14PM, Edited September 11, 1:14PM
If the lens can be controlled with the servo it will work. (Canon L zoom lenses can't be controlled with a servo)
AFAIK, it's not for the digital zoom: it is really controlling the lens. At least that is what I experienced while playing around a little bit on IBC.
September 15, 2015 at 3:23AM
I'd like to know how the electronic variable ND works. Does it polarize the light, as traditional vari-ND filters do? That does ugly things to skin tones in my experience. But I've heard that it may work on some other principle that avoids the dual polarizer issues. Anyone know?
September 11, 2015 at 1:22PM, Edited September 11, 1:22PM
It's fully electronic. No physical filters. Something that needs to be tested for sure.
September 11, 2015 at 4:08PM
I like the screen position. That's one thing I don't like about the Canon c100ii, which is otherwise a pretty great camera. To use it on the shoulder I need an additional monitor, otherwise I need to have the camera way out front or awkwardly crane my neck to look into the viewfinder.
September 11, 2015 at 1:32PM, Edited September 11, 1:32PM
Does someone know what HDMI/SDI output? It's possible to have UHD 4:2:2 on Atomos Shogun for example?
If they put prores 422 into this camera, even if for extra money it would be great!
September 11, 2015 at 2:05PM, Edited September 11, 2:05PM
HDMI is UHD 8bit 422 out. The SDI will output RAW but not at this time. Probably a paid future update.
September 11, 2015 at 4:10PM
Gotta' remember what this camera is supposed to be, fill that lower end gap. In that context it's pretty beastly! Much better than the fs700! And I'm sure it will soon record externally for prores and 4k 10bit and all that. Might not be an fs7, but it's not supposed to be :). Light weight, small, and I've seen great things out of sLog3 when graded proper. I think this is a pretty cool cam! Seems very versatile.
September 11, 2015 at 2:33PM, Edited September 11, 2:33PM
Man. Every new camera looks great. Jury's out on what to get next. A7R2 seems like the best all-around camera (I like to take stills). FS5 doesn't seem like a significant enough camera to convince me it would be better than the Ursa Mini, or to spend the extra money and get the FS7. Although the lightweight form factor is definitely appealing, and it would edit great with my A7s. What do I do, guys?
September 11, 2015 at 3:29PM, Edited September 11, 3:29PM
I'm with ya' there...I'm just waiting to see if the URSA Mini is what it's supposed to be!
September 11, 2015 at 4:11PM
Ever tried to change a menu setting, shutter speed or ISO while the URSA mini is on your shoulder.... have fun slapping the little monitor against your face.
September 14, 2015 at 3:26AM, Edited September 14, 3:26AM
hey guys, hope you can help me with my question:
i got a ronin m and i would love to work with the fs5 on the ronin m. weight, height,width - no problem at all. but what do you think about the depth? without lens the fs5 got 172.4mm --> according to dji the maximum depth at center of mass on camera base plate is 120mm . my english isn`t that good, would be great if anybody can tell me if this is a problem (would work with the typical walimex pro lenses)
September 12, 2015 at 1:35AM
On IBC one of the Sony reps walked to Freefly with an FS5 and they could fly it on a MoVI M5.
September 15, 2015 at 3:27AM
I don't know how the M5 compares to the Ronin-M, but I imagine they are close to each other.
(Hence my other reply)
It will bepend on the weight of you lens(es). The heavier the further back the body has to move.
Let's presume the center of weight of the body alone is in the actual center of the body it will be at 86.2mm, so you still have some space left.
However, if the lens is over 800 grams, Cg (Center of gravity) would shift to around and possibly beyond 174.2 mm.
But I the battery wasn't weighed in yet, it will shift the Cg back a little bit.
Actually, as long as you don't go beyond the maximum payload, you can try and manipulate the Cg with little weight on the backend of the camera. (But at the same time you want to stay as light as possible).
This is a bit simplified.
Try to test it when you have the opportunity. Untill then it is just theory.
September 15, 2015 at 12:08PM
I don't know what the point was of the "Free Spirit" short was...
The footage looks subpar and unimpressive (and I am absolutely certain it can do a lot better footage, I have always been pleased by Sony cams) but I've seen more impressive stuff from the GH4... also, not fond of the coloring...
The short "Free Spirit" also looks like the wild dream of a hipster/douche... volkswagen bus.. check... chicks who are in their mid twenties but act like teens... check... guy with a beard... check... small tattoo... check... flannel shirts... check... surfing... check... too hipster to use a gps so use a map instead... check... dreamcatcher... check... wannabe skateboarding... check
It is only missing two things to make it the hipster movie of the year, fixed gear bikes and overpriced coffee... also, if you make a short movie like this, come over as credible and let the two females at least carry a real skateboard and not one from the toystore
panasonic did it the right way years ago... a lot of dudes who skate buy dslrs and cinema gear to film nowadays...
end rant
September 12, 2015 at 2:21AM
I was hoping that this would make the Ursa mini irrelevant, but not. The Ursa Mini is still light years ahead because of its ability to shoot ProRes, which is a much superior codec. I still don't understand why most everybody is worried about the low light quality of the Ursa. This is a cam for fiction and narrative work. You're supposed to be a master with lights and use lighting. I'm waiting impatiently for that Ursa Mini to come out. For me, the only deal breaker on that Sony is the codec. I don't believe in shooting raw, no need to do that. It's just a nice tool to have and it can be used in a few scenes in a whole film, but shoot the entire project in raw, ridiculous.
September 12, 2015 at 5:45AM
"I was hoping that this would make the Ursa mini irrelevant, but not" + " I still don't understand why most everybody is worried about the low light quality of the Ursa. This is a cam for fiction and narrative work " + " I don't believe in shooting raw, no need to do that. It's just a nice tool to have and it can be used in a few scenes in a whole film, but shoot the entire project in raw, ridiculous. "= Broken Argument. Sony has great low light and a mediocre codec. All of the latitude performance from the URSA capped at 800 iso comes from shooting RAW. The Ursa has also been designed to be more "Run and Gun" in an effort to compete with the sony form factor.
Please I urge you to pick up and try an URSA mini. Its just not there yet. Wait for version 2. Please you will be wasting your money.
September 14, 2015 at 3:33AM
Claire, why do you think the URSA mini would be a waste of money?
September 16, 2015 at 4:53AM
Looks great.
September 12, 2015 at 5:51AM, Edited September 12, 5:51AM
Looks like a good camera body to work with; helluva lotta' buttons. Very Sony, including the color (which is alright if you're a solid colorist).
Wooooooould've loved to see some variation in skin tones though. Very bored w/ the all-Caucasian or close-enough-token-ethnic Asian models w/ these vids now. PLEASE, some f***ing variation already.
September 12, 2015 at 9:16AM
I guess no variation makes lighting and exposing a lot easier... while doing it right with variation would be a great endorsement for the cameras possibilities.
September 15, 2015 at 3:34AM
This is an absolute dream camera... had the opportunity to handle it today at IBC in Amsterdam.... coupled with an Atomos Shogun you will get a package of less then 7000 euro that a season ago has the specifications of a 50.000 euro camera.
Great form factor, super light weight, great handle that is easily tiltable, a screen that can easily be put in different positions, you can use the camera without the side and top handle on a drone with all functions still available...
And a great codec in 442 10 bit at 1080...
September 12, 2015 at 12:00PM, Edited September 12, 12:00PM
Long GOP is not a great Codec really speaking for acquisition but there's always the Atomos route.
September 12, 2015 at 3:33PM, Edited September 12, 3:33PM
or just transcode after the fact, when i use the C100 that is what I do. It doesn't take that long in most cases.
September 13, 2015 at 12:16AM
I know that the internal UHD XAVC-L recording is 8-bit 4:2:0, but does anyone know if the FS5 will output UHD 10bit 4:2:2 via the SDI or HDMI? I was thinking about using an Atomos recorder.
September 14, 2015 at 10:49AM, Edited September 14, 10:49AM
From reading the comments, I would think you've all got Ursa Mini's in your bag. I thought it wasn't out yet?
September 14, 2015 at 3:28PM, Edited September 14, 3:28PM
LOL.
I tested it yesterday on IBC: the Ursa Mini is pretty heavy compared to a FS5. It ought to be good bags ;-)
September 15, 2015 at 3:30AM
There seems to be a lot of nay-saying about the internal codec. Maybe I'm misreading, but on B&H:
"The XAVC Long allows you to encode from HD to UHD using Intra-Frame or Long GoP compression ... and the choice of 10-bit 422 or 8-bit 420 for UHD."
Is that not saying that it records intra-frame, 10-bit, 4:2:2 in-camera in UHD?
September 14, 2015 at 5:11PM, Edited September 14, 5:11PM
Yeah.. I just saw this as well. Whats up with that?
September 16, 2015 at 9:13AM
Had the change to hold it in my hands for a moment at IBC.
Feels great. Very nice grip. Pretty light.
I also had the change to see it right next to a C100.
The FS5 is lower, less wide, but a tiny bit deeper (and it is lighter).
It beats the C100 with 4K, slowmo (120fps full HD, higher fps with lineskipping) and the possiblity to use servo zoom lenses. The vaiable electronic ND adds some great control to the exposure.
Depending on which image you like better and on your requirements and shooting style, this could be a nice allround camera.
September 15, 2015 at 3:41AM
Nice upgrade form C100 MK1?
September 15, 2015 at 5:40AM
It is at least worth to try and test the camera as soon as you can rent/borrow it somewhere.
However, if you use autofocus, the C100 with DAF might not be beaten by the FS5.
On the other side: the grip on the FS5 can be rotated easily, like on EX1/EX1R/PMW-300. On a C100 you need to unscrew it first...
September 15, 2015 at 6:30AM
What about the EVF? The C100 one might as well not have been there. Is the FS5 better?
September 15, 2015 at 9:13AM
Didn't really check.
It looked small, like the first C100, but I don't like EVFs: my glasses get in the way, so I didn't look through it.
(I was more compelled by the electronic various ND :-p )
September 15, 2015 at 12:12PM
Can't delete posts on this site, so I'll write something here.
September 16, 2015 at 9:12AM, Edited September 16, 9:14AM
I'm thinking of buying the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for the FS5. Seems like a better option than the kit lens. What do you think.
September 18, 2015 at 9:30AM, Edited September 18, 9:30AM
I'm thinkin of buying the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for the FS5. It's seems to be a better alternative to the kit lense.
September 18, 2015 at 9:35AM, Edited September 18, 9:35AM
Hey people... I'm considering the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens as an alternative to the kit lens. What do ya think....
September 22, 2015 at 6:23AM
How much complain, huh? A lot of the people complaining seem to have delusional expectations, taking the camera out of context, treating this like a FS7 successor instead of a Canon C100 MII competitor.
This camera is for those that want a small and light camera that can work well out of the box without the need of a lot of rigs, one that can do great 10-bit 422 HD video but also gives you the option for short 240fps with the same 10-bit 422 output. It also comes with 4K, it's 8-bit 420 and a Long GOP codec but treat it as an extra because that's what it is. It's for those situation in which you want extra room for crop or stabilization in post - plus keeping a small sized file. It's not for heavy post production, color correction, chroma key, etc. It's an extra or for those that don't need that much.
If you truly want 4K you can either wait for the 4K RAW firmware for external recording or simply buy a FS7! Don't be delusional, you won't be getting FS7 feats for FS5's price tag and compact size.
You can also go for Black Magic's URSA Mini but it has a bit different purpose compared to the FS5, although the body is priced similarly to the FS5, if you buy all the needed components like viewfinder, battery, etc., it will get well above the FS5, so it's not really a direct competitor. But it's still an excellent cost-benefit considering the excellent quality, but that's a different beast I would say, completely different workflow, you will need a bigger infra structure, much more storage, etc. - plus you will have less lens mount flexibility.
So again, this is a C100 competitor and that's how it should be treated when posting some constructive criticism - but I know, this is the Internet, what was I expecting?
Some people would had wanted the IBIS the A7 family has, which works fine when you are holding it still but it's not reliable for movements, so you better off with a gimbal.
My main issue about this FS5 is the base ISO 3200 for S-log. Sure it has the electronic ND filter up to ND128 but in a sunny day that will not be enough, it's like you have a camera with ISO 100 plus a ND4, it would be more useful to have a lower base ISO or a darker ND, but at least it means the camera won't get in the way. When I read manual ND I had hopes it would mean an extra ND but by the side layout you got to choose either Preset or Variable, so it probably means you can have either but not both - can someone confirm this?
Overall this seems to be a great camera for what it really is.
October 28, 2015 at 9:16AM, Edited October 28, 9:16AM