The Sony FX5 is Here: Is it Instantly the Best Compact Cinema Camera on the Market?

The Sony FX5 Cinema Camera

Being billed by the company as a “Hollywood handheld” camera, which is a fun moniker I’d say, the FX5 is going to be a pretty major step up from the FX3 in terms of performance, yet it will still keep a lot of the handheld compact cinema camera aspects from its predecessor.

"The FX5 builds on Sony's Cinema Line expertise, praised by cinematographers and video creators worldwide. We wanted to build on the FX3, taking it one step further with the inclusion of some VENICE 2 features, like internal RAW recording and Open Gate. Features like these have been highly requested and will allow creators more creative freedom with an easier workflow." - Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.

If you’ve shot on or used the FX6 before, then the FX5 might be quite a bit familiar, as the camera will feature much of the same in terms of the menu, features, and regular operations as the higher-end model.

The biggest news, though, might simply be what the camera is capable of in terms of video recording, thanks to its newly developed 16.6MP 5K full-frame, fully stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, which will provide internal recording up to 5K Open Gate (3:2) at 60fps in X-OCN.

Ready for the Big Time

And that’s where we’ll start for this first look. The FX5 will also feature BIONZ XR2 with an integrated AI processing unit, which will help it provide improved AI-based subject recognition autofocus and AI-based auto white balance.

Another very interesting feature is that the camera will have triple base ISOs of 800, 4000, and 12800, as well as Dual Gain options for 16+ stops of dynamic range.

The camera will also include a completely revamped user interface and BIG 6 menu with an optimized control scheme and a multifunctional dial for working on your shots.

As far as the screen goes, the FX5 will feature a large 3.5" widescreen (16:9) 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen LCD and come with an optional dedicated electronic viewfinder. For slots, the camera will feature Dual CFexpress Type A/SD memory card slots, two USB-C ports, Ethernet, full-size HDMI, and headphone and mic jacks.

Price and Availability

We’ll have much more to say and explore about the Sony FX5 in the future, but if you’re curious to check it out now and possibly place a preorder, here are the full specs and purchase options.

• 5K 16.6MP Stacked Full-Frame Sensor
• 5K60 Open Gate (3:2) & 5K120 (16:9)
• Internal X-OCN Raw Recording
• Triple Base ISO | Dual Gain Mode
• 3.5" 16:9 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen
• AI-Powered Autofocus & White Balance
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
• BIG 6 Menu System & Streamlined Controls
• Dual CFexpress Type A/SDXC Card Slots
• FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens