Sony has introduced the FX5, the latest addition to its compact cinema camera lineup. While many might view it as an update to the FX3 released in 2021, the FX5 enters the market at a higher price point, even as the FX3 remains available for purchase.
The FX5 boasts enough innovative features to attract current and potential FX3 owners. It is equipped with a new 16.6MP full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and a BIONZ XR2 processor that incorporates advanced AI processing. Users can currently record in 5K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, with future firmware updates to support 5K at 120fps and 4K at 240fps.
A standout feature of the FX5 is its open gate recording capability, which utilizes the entire width and height of the sensor for 3:2 video. This feature maximizes pixel utilization and is particularly beneficial for vertical cropping, providing access to the full range of vertical pixels.
Furthermore, the FX5 offers 16-bit linear RAW recording internally, eliminating the need for an external recorder. This allows for full 3:2 output from the sensor at 5K 60fps (and 120fps post-update) in RAW format directly from the camera. It utilizes Sony's professional X-OCN format, offering LT, C1, and C2 codec variants with varying compression ratios for more efficient recording.
The FX5 is the first in the FX series to include the Dual Gain Shooting function, which combines outputs from low and high gain settings to enhance dynamic range and reduce noise. It features three base ISOs (ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800) to improve low-light performance and reportedly achieves over 15 stops of dynamic range.
Additional features include AI-driven human pose estimation for autofocus, Auto Tracing White Balance that leverages both visible and IR sensor data, the option to disable in-camera noise reduction, a de-squeeze function for anamorphic lenses (which disables autofocus), and a larger, fully articulated 3.5-inch touchscreen with 2.76 million dots, surpassing the FX3's display. It also features a built-in cooling fan, a larger NP-SA100 battery, dual USB ports for power and data, a wired LAN port, and a revamped menu system inspired by CineAlta cameras.
It is worth noting that the FX5 does not contain a built-in viewfinder; however, Sony has announced a new detachable DVF-EL1 viewfinder for the camera, as well as an XLR-H2 handle.
The Sony FX5 is priced at $4,900 for the body alone and $5,500 with the XLR-H2 handle, with availability slated for mid-August.
