Sony has officially unveiled the Sony FX5, adding a new full-frame camera to its Cinema Line. What’s exciting about it is that the FX5 isn’t just a simple successor to the FX3—it’s technically much closer to Sony’s large cinema cameras. A new stacked sensor, open-gate recording, internal RAW, and a user interface borrowed from the CineAlta models—all of this is packed into a body that’s barely larger than that of the FX3.
The camera was announced on July 22, 2026. Pre-orders are now open, and the FX5 will hit stores in August 2026. We’ve summarized the most important new features for you.
New Stacked Sensor with Three Base ISOs
At the heart of the FX5 is a newly developed Exmor RS full-frame sensor with stacked architecture, paired with the latest BIONZ XR2 image processor, complete with its own AI processing unit. Sony does not specify a specific megapixel count in the press release; industry media estimate it to be around 16 megapixels. In practice, however, the surrounding specifications are more important anyway.
In S-Log3 mode, the camera achieves a dynamic range of more than 15 f-stops. In addition, there are three base ISO settings—ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800—that allow for low-noise shooting in a wide variety of lighting conditions. Also new to the FX series is the Dual Gain Shooting mode, which, according to Sony, delivers particularly smooth tonal transitions while expanding the dynamic range and keeping dark areas of the image clean.
Open Gate and Internal X-OCN RAW: The FX5 Is the First in the FX Series to Offer These Features
This is the biggest leap forward. For the first time in the FX series, the FX5 reads the sensor in the full 3:2 aspect ratio—that is, Open Gate. Anyone who wants to switch between landscape and portrait orientation during editing later on, or simply wants more image area for reframing, will find maximum flexibility here. Additionally, scan modes in 17:9, 16:9, and Super 35 mm are available.
Equally important: The FX5 records internally in the 16-bit RAW format X-OCN—without the need for an external recorder. In addition to X-OCN LT, the new, more data-efficient codecs X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2 have been added, which are designed to enable faster transfers and streamline post-production workflows. This means the compact FX5 adopts a workflow previously associated with Sony’s Burano and Venice models. One small catch: Open Gate is only available when recording in X-OCN format.
Sony FX5 Recording Formats at a Glance
| Format | Maximum Frame Rate |
|---|---|
| 5K | up to 60 frames/s |
| 4K | up to 120 frames per second |
| Full HD | up to 240 frames per second |
| Sensor format | 3:2 Open Gate, 17:9, 16:9, Super 35 mm |
| Internal RAW | X-OCN LT, C1, C2 (16-bit) |
Sony FX5 vs. FX3: The Key Differences
At first glance, the FX5 and FX3 look similar—there’s hardly any difference in their bodies. Under the hood, however, they belong to different generations. The FX5 features a new stacked sensor, a third base ISO, Open Gate, internal RAW, and a larger, brighter display. The following overview summarizes the key points:
| Feature | Sony FX5 | Sony FX3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Newly developed stacked CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
| Base ISO | Three (800 / 4000 / 12800) | Two (800 / 12,800) |
| Open Gate (3:2) | Yes | No |
| Internal RAW | Yes (X-OCN) | No |
| Max. Resolution/Frame Rate | 5K/60p, 4K/120p | 4K/120p |
| Display | 3.5 inches, approx. 2.76 million pixels | 3.0 inches |
| User Interface | CineAlta style (“BIG6”) | Alpha-style |
The switch to the “BIG6” menu familiar from CineAlta cameras is more than just a cosmetic change: frame rate, exposure, and LUTs are centrally located on the home screen, and a unified menu system makes it easier to use the camera alongside FX6 or CineAlta models. This saves a lot of time and effort for teams shooting with a mixed Sony setup.
Autofocus, Stabilization, and Operation
The autofocus is AI-powered and not only detects eyes but also tracks head and body movements by analyzing body posture. Real-time tracking reliably keeps the subject in focus. With automatic white balance (ATW), the camera combines information from sensors for visible and infrared light with deep-learning-based light source detection—for more stable colors indoors and in challenging lighting conditions.
A 5-axis in-body image stabilization system ensures steady handheld footage; according to Sony, its correction range for roll movements is roughly twice as large as that of its predecessor. In addition to Active Mode, there’s a Dynamic Active Mode. Handy for gimbal enthusiasts: Thanks to numerous built-in threads, accessories can be screwed on directly; a cage isn’t strictly necessary. If you’re already considering mobile video equipment, you’ll find some inspiration on gimbals and stabilization in our review of the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit.
The fully swiveling and tiltable 3.5-inch touchscreen display in 16:9 aspect ratio, with approximately 2.76 million pixels, is larger and brighter than that of the FX3. Two USB-C ports, a built-in LAN port, USB Power Delivery, and an optimized cooling system with a separate fan chamber round out this professional package.
Accessories: OLED viewfinder, XLR handgrip, and timecode adapter
Sony is launching several optional accessories at the same time:
- DVF-EL1 OLED viewfinder (749 euros): Detachable 0.58-inch viewfinder with approximately 7.07 million pixels, HDR display, and a color gamut close to DCI-P3. Tiltable from 0 to approximately 90 degrees.
- XLR Handle XLR-H2 (899 euros): Two XLR/TRS combo connectors, up to four audio channels, and—thanks to dual AD converters—recording at up to 96 kHz and 32-bit float directly in the camera.
- VMC-BNCU1 Timecode Adapter Cable (99 euros): USB-C to BNC for clean synchronization of multiple cameras and external audio recorders.
In addition, software updates are coming: The Monitor & Control app will be released in version 3.0 starting in July 2026, featuring enhanced multi-camera control and EL Zone exposure control; Catalyst Prepare will follow in August 2026 in version 3.0, combining Prepare and Browse.
Update to Version 2.0 starting in August 2027
Some features will be available later: Sony has announced a firmware update to version 2.0 for August 2027. Planned features include HFR recording at up to 240 frames per second in X-OCN, XAVC-S-I recording in 3:2 Open Gate format, an optimized interface for vertical videos, and a new frame grab function. Anyone buying the camera primarily for these features should keep the timeline in mind.
Sustainability and Accessibility
Sony manufactures the FX5 using recycled plastic for more than 30 percent of the body. According to the manufacturer, the production sites in Thailand and China run entirely on renewable energy, and plant-based nonwoven fabrics are used for packaging. In terms of accessibility, the camera features a screen reader function that reads menu items aloud, an enlarged menu display, and tactile controls.
Price and Availability of the Sony FX5
The Sony FX5 will be available for pre-order starting July 22, 2026, and will be available in August 2026. The suggested retail prices are:
- ILME-FX5B (body only): 5,399 euros
- ILME-FX5 with XLR handle: 5,999 euros
With this, Sony positions the FX5 clearly above the FX3, but with its compact body, it remains within the realm of mobile one- and two-person productions.
Conclusion
The Sony FX5 is more than just a facelift: With a stacked sensor, Open Gate, internal X-OCN RAW, a third base ISO, and CineAlta controls, Sony brings professional features to a compact full-frame body that’s ideal for documentaries, news reporting, and solo shoots. The fact that some highlights, such as 240p in X-OCN, won’t be added until version 2.0 in August 2027 dampens the first impression a bit—but the technical leap over the FX3 is still remarkable. For anyone looking for a mobile cinema camera with a Venice workflow, the FX5 will be a serious option starting in August.
