Sony today (7/28) officially announced the latest member of the Cinema Line series, the Sony Cinema Line FX5 full-frame movie camera, which is expected to be launched in Taiwan on August 12. FX5 is equipped with a newly developed full-frame back-illuminated stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, which supports Open Gate shooting and in-body X-OCN RAW recording. The stand-alone recommended price is 144,980 yuan, and the handle set is 159,980 yuan. FX5 is positioned between FX3 and FX6, featuring a lightweight body but Cinema Line-level image specifications. Judging from the Cinema Line product line, FX3 takes the extremely lightweight route, FX6 is geared toward professional broadcasting and documentary production, and FX5 tries to find a balance between the two: retaining film-level recording formats and control experience while maintaining a body size suitable for handheld and stabilizer operations.
Sony Cinema Line FX5 full-frame movie camera announced: Open Gate shooting, in-body RAW recording
New sensor and image processor
FX5 uses a newly developed full-frame back-illuminated stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and a BIONZ XR2 high-speed image processor with a built-in exclusive AI processing unit. When shooting with S-Log3, more than 15 stops of dynamic range can be achieved, allowing for natural gradation from highlights to shadows in high-contrast environments.
In terms of sensitivity, FX5 provides three basic ISO settings of ISO 800, ISO 4000 and ISO 12800, and is equipped with Dual Gain shooting mode for the first time in the FX series. Dual Gain mode can effectively reduce noise while maintaining shadow details, further improving exposure latitude and image gradation, allowing photographers to obtain clean images in different lighting environments.
Open Gate shooting and in-body X-OCN recording
FX5 is the first model in the FX series to support 3:2 Open Gate shooting, which can fully utilize the entire sensor area for recording. This is especially important for creators who use anamorphic lenses, because Open Gate can retain the maximum coverage of the sensor, making it easier to crop and adjust composition later. In addition, FX5 also supports multiple shooting modes such as 17:9, 16:9 and Super 35mm.
In terms of video recording specifications, FX5 supports up to 5K 60p, 4K 120p and FHD 240p. The 5K resolution is the first of its kind in the Cinema Line FX series, providing greater cropping space in post-production, which is very useful for photographers who need to stabilize or recompose images in 4K projects. FX5 also supports in-body recording of the X-OCN format, enabling high-quality RAW recording without the need for external recording equipment. X-OCN is a 16-bit scene linear RAW format developed by Sony specifically for Cinema Line, striking a good balance between file size and post-production flexibility. In addition to the existing X-OCN LT, Sony has added two new compression formats, X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2, which effectively reduce file size while maintaining high image quality, and speed up the material transfer and post-production process.
AI autofocus and tracking white balance
FX5 combines AI human posture recognition technology to accurately identify the position of a person’s eyes, head and body, and can quickly lock focus even in low-light environments. Equipped with the real-time tracking focus function, it can continuously track the subject and bring stable autofocus performance.
In terms of white balance, FX5 is equipped with ATW automatic tracking white balance function, which combines visible light, infrared sensors and AI deep learning light source identification technology to present stable white balance effects in complex light source environments such as shadows and indoors. In addition, FX5 adds a new Noise Suppression image noise reduction setting, which creators can freely switch on or off according to their needs. It also has a built-in anamorphic lens to restore the display, supporting 1.3x to 2.0x anamorphic lenses.
Lightweight body and control design
FX5 adopts a lightweight flat-top body design, which is convenient for handheld shooting, stabilizer operation and shooting in small spaces. The body is equipped with a five-axis optical anti-shake system, and the rotation axis correction range is approximately 2 times larger than that of the previous generation. In addition to optical and active anti-shake modes, it also supports dynamic active mode, allowing you to obtain stable and smooth images even when shooting handheld.
In terms of screen, FX5 is equipped with a 3.5-inch, 16:9 touch-sensitive four-axis multi-angle LCD screen with approximately 2.76 million dots. It is larger in size than FX3 and equipped with 15-level brightness adjustment. The operating interface inherits the logic of the CineAlta series and FX6. The BIG6 main screen menu integrates important shooting information such as frame rate, exposure, and LUT, making it easy for photographers to quickly adjust settings.
Cooling, expansion and battery
FX5 is equipped with a high-efficiency cooling fan and optimized heat dissipation structure. The independent air duct design combined with a dust-proof and drip-proof body allows for stable recording for a long time in harsh environments. For documentary or wedding photographers who need to shoot for hours on end, stable cooling performance is indispensable.
The body is equipped with screw holes in many places, and various accessories can be directly installed without the need for a rabbit cage. This is a big advantage for photographers who pursue lightweight equipment. In terms of interface, FX5 is equipped with dual USB Type-C, wired LAN and other multiple interfaces, and supports Monitor & Control application, which can be used for real-time monitoring and remote control through mobile phones, tablets and Macs.
The battery adopts the new NP-SA100 high-capacity battery, which has a capacity of approximately 1.3 times that of the NP-FZ100, providing longer shooting life.
Official introduction video:
Exclusive accessories and prices
Sony simultaneously launches a variety of exclusive accessories for FX5:
- DVF-EL1 detachable OLED electronic viewing window: Suggested price is 19,980 yuan, equipped with a high-resolution OLED panel that can be folded upwards
- XLR-H2 special handle: Suggested price is NT$22,980, supports up to 96 kHz/32-bit float, 4-channel high-quality audio recording, and transmits digital audio to the body via MI hot shoe
- VMC-BNCU1 timecode cable: Suggested price is 2,680 yuan, supports external timecode input, and achieves multi-camera shooting synchronization
FX5 is available for pre-order at Sony Store directly from now on, and will be officially launched on August 12. The suggested selling price of the single unit (ILME-FX5B) is 144,980 yuan, and the suggested selling price of the handle set (ILME-FX5) is 159,980 yuan. Purchase an FX5 at a Sony Store directly from now until September 27, 2026, and complete the product registration before October 4 to get a set of NP-SA100 high-capacity batteries.
Spec-wise, the FX5 fills the gap between the FX3 and FX6 in the Cinema Line lineup. Although the FX3 series is lightweight, it lacks Open Gate and in-body RAW recording capabilities; while the FX6 series has complete functions, its body size and price are much higher. The emergence of FX5 gives independent producers with limited budgets but need the flexibility of RAW workflow and Open Gate an additional option worth considering.
Source: KOCPC Chinese