Sony has introduced the FX5, a new full-frame camera in its Cinema Line series, according to the company’s announcement out of San Diego on July 22, 2026. The ILME-FX5B body and the ILME-FX5 bundled with the XLR Handle Unit are listed on Amazon US ahead of preorder, with Sony targeting mid-August availability.
Key highlights include a newly developed fully stacked CMOS image sensor, 15+ stops of dynamic range in S-Log3, in-camera X-OCN RAW recording, and Open Gate shooting — the first time either feature has appeared on a Cinema Line FX camera.
“The FX5 builds on Sony’s Cinema Line expertise, praised by cinematographers and video creators worldwide,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc., in the announcement. “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.”
Pricing & Availability
| Variant | Launch Price (USD) | Launch Price (CAD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILME-FX5B (body only) | $4,899.99 | $6,299.99 | Amazon US↗ |
| ILME-FX5 (with XLR Handle Unit) | $5,499.99 | $6,999.99 | Amazon US↗ |
Sony states both configurations will be available mid-August 2026.
Quick Links
What We Like About the Sony FX5
- 15+ stops of dynamic range in S-Log3 — Sony states this comes from the newly developed fully stacked sensor, wider than a typical single-figure dynamic range spec
- In-camera X-OCN RAW recording — 16-bit scene-linear RAW captured without an external recorder, a first for the FX series
- Open Gate shooting — 3:2 full-pixel readout across the entire sensor, alongside 17:9, 16:9, and Super 35mm scan modes
- Three base ISO settings (800 / 4000 / 12800) — manual base ISO selection is available in Cine EI and Flexible ISO modes, keeping noise low across a wider range of lighting
- NP-SA100 battery at 2670mAh — roughly 1.3x the capacity of the Z-series NP-FZ100 used in the FX3, per Sony
Sensor and Image Processing
The FX5 uses a full-frame, fully-stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor paired with Sony’s latest BIONZ XR2 high-speed image processing engine, which includes a dedicated AI processing unit. Sony states the combination raises sensitivity performance compared to the FX3.
In S-Log3, the camera captures 15+ stops of dynamic range, according to Sony. Three base ISO settings — ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800 — are available; manual base ISO selection works only in Cine EI and Flexible ISO modes, while Cine EI Quick mode selects the optimal base ISO automatically based on the Exposure Index setting.
Dual Gain Shooting, a first for the FX series, is also on board. Sony says the function draws more from the sensor for smoother gradation and wider latitude while reducing noise and preserving shadow detail. Gain is limited to the equivalent of 18dB, and the function may not be available depending on other shooting settings.
Open Gate Shooting and X-OCN RAW Recording
For the first time in the Cinema Line FX series, the FX5 supports Open Gate shooting — 3:2 full-pixel readout across the entire sensor — along with 17:9, 16:9, and Super 35mm scan modes.
The camera also adds in-camera recording in X-OCN, Sony’s proprietary 16-bit scene-linear RAW format, without needing an external recorder. Alongside the existing X-OCN LT codec, Sony has introduced X-OCN C1 and X-OCN C2, which the company says cut data size to speed up transfer and post-production.
Resolution and frame rate options include 5K recording at up to 60fps, 4K at up to 120fps, and FHD at up to 240fps.
Autofocus and White Balance
AI-based human pose estimation autofocus recognizes a subject’s eyes, head, and body, and Sony states it holds strong AF performance even in dark scenes. Real-time Tracking follows a subject automatically once selected.
Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW) combines visible-light and IR sensor data with deep-learning light-source estimation, which Sony says produces more stable and natural white balance in shade, indoors, and other mixed-lighting conditions — this function is available only when recording in X-OCN.
Noise suppression can be toggled on or off to match shooting intent or a specific post-production workflow. A de-squeeze function supports anamorphic lenses at 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2.0x.
Stabilization and Handheld Shooting
5-axis optical in-body image stabilization anchors the image. Sony states the latest stabilization unit roughly doubles the roll correction range of the system used in the FX3, based on internal measurements, to suppress rotational blur.
Active Mode and the new Dynamic Active Mode are aimed at keeping handheld footage steady. Dynamic Active Mode reduces the angle of view more than Active Mode and disables Clear Image Zoom; it works up to 60fps with a maximum gain of 26dB, while Active Mode is available up to 120fps. Availability of either mode depends on the selected codec and frame-rate combination.
Monitor, Menu System, and Body Design
A 3.5-type, approximately 2.76-million-dot 16:9 touch-panel LCD monitor — larger than the FX3’s — sits on a 4-axis multi-angle arm. It tilts roughly 98 degrees up, 40 degrees down, and opens about 180 degrees to the side, with a high-brightness adjustable panel. Shooting information is displayed around the edges of the screen so it doesn’t overlap the image, and the “BIG6” home screen carried over from CineAlta cameras gathers settings like frame rate, exposure, and LUTs in one place.
The new menu system aligns operability with CineAlta cameras and the FX6 for productions running multiple camera models side by side.
The lightweight, rigid body includes screw holes in multiple locations for mounting accessories directly, allowing rigs to be built without a cage. A high-efficiency cooling fan and optimized heat dissipation are built in to keep the camera stable through long recording sessions.
Battery, Ports, and Connectivity
The FX5 uses Sony’s recently released NP-SA100 battery (2670mAh), which the company states holds approximately 1.3 times the capacity of the Z-series NP-FZ100 used in the FX3.
Two USB Type-C ports accept timecode input through an optional timecode adapter cable, and external power through USB Power Delivery — the PD-compatible power supply and cable are sold separately. A wired LAN terminal supports remote operation and a stable network connection for professional production environments. The camera also integrates with Sony’s Monitor & Control application for video monitoring and remote operation from smartphones, tablets, and Mac.
Planned Firmware Update ver. 2.0
Sony has outlined a firmware update planned for 2027, subject to change, that would add higher-resolution high-frame-rate shooting up to 240fps in X-OCN, XAVC S-I recording in 3:2 (Open Gate shooting), an interface optimized for vertical shooting, and a frame grab function.
Accessibility and Environmental Notes
Sony states the FX5 includes accessibility features such as a screen reader that reads menus aloud (supported languages vary by region, and not all menu items are covered) and an enlarged menu display option.
The company also states that recycled plastic accounts for approximately 30% or more of the camera body’s parts, and that its Thailand and China production sites run on 100% renewable energy, though production sites may change depending on the period. Product bags reportedly use plant-derived nonwoven fabric to cut packaging plastic, though availability may vary by production period.
Optional Accessories
0.58-type OLED Viewfinder “DVF-EL1”
This detachable viewfinder uses a 0.58-type, approximately 7.07-million-dot OLED panel and cannot be used together with other Multi Interface Shoe accessories, such as the handle unit. It supports HDR display with a DCI-P3-equivalent color gamut and 10-bit gradation, offers approximately 0.9x magnification with a 50mm lens at infinity, and includes switchable display modes that prioritize either resolution or eye point. A tilt mechanism moves from 0 to approximately 90 degrees upward.
XLR Handle Unit “XLR-H2”
The XLR-H2 has two XLR/TRS combo terminals and supports up to 4-channel audio input. Dual AD converters digitize microphone signals across a wide dynamic range, and the unit records in-camera at up to 96kHz, 32-bit float. It connects to the body through the Multi Interface Shoe for digital transmission.
Timecode Adapter Cable “VMC-BNCU1”
This optional USB-C to BNC cable feeds timecode from external devices into the camera, syncing multiple cameras and external audio devices for timecode-based workflows across multicamera shoots, broadcasting, and filmmaking.
Companion Applications
Monitor & Control ver. 3.0 is scheduled for July 2026 or later and enables wired and wireless video monitoring plus camera control. Catalyst Prepare ver. 3.0, scheduled for August 2026 or later, merges Catalyst Prepare and Catalyst Browse — which handle video stabilization and color editing — into a single application.
Filmmaker Feedback
Cinematographer Claudio Miranda, ASC, known for “Top Gun: Maverick” and “F1 The Movie,” conducted a test shoot with the FX5. “I felt that FX5 is a camera that combines high quality image expression and mobility in a compact body, enabling people to use it across a wide range of shooting environments,” he said, per Sony’s announcement.
Gareth Edwards, director of “The Creator,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” shot with the FX5 on a project spanning Cambodia, Thailand, and Nepal. “Guerrilla filmmaking just went to the next level as the FX5 is the run-and-gun cinema camera to beat,” he said. The project is available on YouTube, according to Sony.
Sony FX5 (ILME-FX5B) Specifications / Technical Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | ILME-FX5B / ILME-FX5 (with XLR Handle Unit) |
| Sensor | Full-frame, fully-stacked Exmor RS CMOS |
| Image Processor | BIONZ XR2 with dedicated AI processing unit |
| Dynamic Range | 15+ stops (S-Log3) |
| Base ISO | ISO 800 / ISO 4000 / ISO 12800 |
| Dual Gain Shooting | Up to 18dB gain equivalent |
| RAW Recording | In-camera X-OCN (LT, C1, C2 codecs) |
| Open Gate Shooting | 3:2 full-pixel readout; also 17:9, 16:9, Super 35mm |
| Max Resolution/Frame Rate | 5K up to 60fps, 4K up to 120fps, FHD up to 240fps |
| Autofocus | AI-based human pose estimation, Real-time Tracking |
| White Balance | Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW) |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis optical in-body, Active Mode, Dynamic Active Mode |
| Anamorphic De-squeeze | 1.3x, 1.5x, 1.6x, 1.8x, 2.0x |
| Monitor | 3.5-type, ~2.76-million-dot 16:9 touch-panel LCD, 4-axis multi-angle arm |
| Battery | NP-SA100, 2670mAh |
| USB Ports | 2x USB Type-C (timecode input, USB PD external power) |
| Network | Wired LAN terminal |
| Optional Viewfinder | DVF-EL1, 0.58-type ~7.07-million-dot OLED |
| Optional Audio Handle | XLR-H2, up to 4-channel, 96kHz/32-bit float |
What’s in the Box
- Sony FX5 (ILME-FX5B body, or ILME-FX5 with XLR Handle Unit depending on variant)
- NP-SA100 battery
- Shoulder strap
- Documentation
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Note: Specifications listed above are based on Sony’s July 22, 2026 announcement and may not be 100% accurate. Please visit the official Sony website or Amazon product page to verify complete and up-to-date specifications before making a purchase decision.
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