Sony unveils FX5 cinema camera with open gate and RAW 5K recording
Priced from US$4,898, the FX5 slots between the FX3 and FX6 in Sony’s Cinema Line, with pre-orders open and availability expected in mid-August 2026.
Sony has officially unveiled the FX5 cinema camera, positioning the device within its Cinema Line between the FX3 and FX6 models. The announcement highlights a new 16.6-megapixel fully stacked full-frame sensor capable of 5K RAW recording via Sony’s proprietary X-OCN codec. Additional technical specifications include open gate recording at a 3:2 aspect ratio, five-axis electronic image stabilization, and three base ISO settings (800, 4000, and 12800). The camera body is priced from US$4,898, with pre-orders currently open and general availability expected in mid-August 2026.
The core of the FX5’s capability lies in its all-new 16.6MP fully stacked full-frame sensor, which Sony describes as offering a balance between speed and resolution. For 5K RAW recording, the camera utilises the X-OCN codec, delivering 16-bit linear RAW recording with 280 trillion colours. This provides 1,000 times more colour data than 12-bit ProRes RAW or Canon’s 12-bit C-RAW codecs. These high-resolution files are captured via dual CFexpress type A card slots using Sony-validated cards.
Beyond 5K RAW, the FX5 supports 4K at 240 fps, 4.5K at 120 fps, and 5K at 60 fps video, marking firsts for FX cameras. Open gate recording at a 3:2 aspect ratio uses the full sensor width, allowing for flexible cropping or vertical video creation in post-production. A new de-squeeze function facilitates the use of anamorphic lenses, while Sony has promised 4K 240p functionality in RAW and Open Gate 3:2 XAVC-I modes, alongside an updated UI optimised for vertical shooting, expected by August 2027.
A significant innovation for the FX5 is the introduction of three base ISO settings at 800, 4000, and 12800. This configuration aims to improve dynamic range, provide cleaner shadows, and enhance sharpness compared to typical dual base ISO cameras. For low-light scenarios, clean video at ISO 12800 is positioned as a benefit for independent filmmakers. Users can also access up to 16 stops of dynamic range through a Dual Gain mode, though this comes at the cost of increased rolling shutter.
The camera features a compact, lightweight body weighing 1.62 pounds, similar to the FX3, with a large grip reminiscent of Sony’s A7 models. It includes a removable OLED electronic viewfinder with 3.68 million dots and 2,500-nit brightness, as well as a 3.5-inch 16:9 rear display with 2.76 million dots. Connectivity options include two CFexpress and two SDXC UHS-II card slots, mic and headphone ports, a full-sized HDMI port, ethernet, and tri-band Wi-Fi. Power is supplied by Sony’s new NPSA100 battery, which offers up to 130 minutes of recording time.
In addition to the body-only option at US$4,898, the FX5 is available with a handle that allows XLR audio connectivity for US$5,498, or the handle can be purchased separately for US$798. Sony has also introduced a service for filmmakers who do not want in-body image stabilization, allowing for an irreversible locked sensor conversion. The release timeline indicates that pre-orders are now open, with the camera expected to reach general availability in mid-August 2026.
