Sony has expanded its acclaimed Cinema Line with the launch of the FX5, a powerful new full-frame cinema camera designed for filmmakers and content creators who demand cinematic image quality, professional workflows and exceptional portability.
Announced on 23 July 2026, the FX5 introduces several firsts for Sony’s Cinema Line FX series, including Open Gate recording, internal X-OCN RAW recording, a newly developed full-frame fully stacked CMOS image sensor, and enhanced AI-powered autofocus. The camera will be available in South Africa from September 2026.
A New Generation of Cinema Line Innovation
Built on Sony’s extensive experience in professional filmmaking, the FX5 combines advanced imaging technology with a compact body engineered for demanding production environments.
At its heart is a newly developed full-frame fully stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor, paired with Sony’s latest BIONZ XR2™ image processing engine and a dedicated AI processing unit. Together, they deliver the signature Cinema Line image quality while providing improved speed, sensitivity and workflow flexibility.
When recording in S-Log3, the FX5 delivers 15+ stops of dynamic range, allowing filmmakers to capture greater detail in both shadows and highlights while maintaining natural textures in challenging lighting conditions.
First FX Camera to Support Open Gate Recording
One of the biggest milestones for the FX series is the introduction of Open Gate shooting.
For the first time in the Cinema Line FX family, creators can capture 3:2 full-pixel readout across the entire sensor, providing greater flexibility for reframing, multiple aspect ratios and post-production workflows.
The camera also supports multiple scan modes including:
- 3:2 Open Gate
- 17:9
- 16:9
- Super 35mm
This gives cinematographers more creative freedom when delivering content across cinema, broadcast and digital platforms.
Internal RAW Recording Without an External Recorder
The FX5 also becomes the first FX-series camera capable of recording Sony’s proprietary X-OCN 16-bit scene-linear RAW format internally.
Alongside X-OCN LT, Sony introduces the new:
- X-OCN C1
- X-OCN C2
These codecs reduce file sizes while maintaining high image quality, helping simplify storage requirements and streamline professional post-production workflows.
High Frame Rates for Cinematic Creativity
The FX5 offers impressive recording capabilities across multiple resolutions, including:
- 5K recording up to 60fps
- 4K recording up to 120fps
- Full HD recording up to 240fps
Sony has also confirmed a planned Version 2.0 firmware update (scheduled for August 2027 or later) that will introduce:
- 240fps recording in X-OCN
- XAVC S-I recording in Open Gate
- Vertical shooting UI enhancements
- Frame grab functionality
AI-Powered Autofocus and Smarter Image Processing
Sony continues to expand its AI imaging capabilities with the FX5.
Using AI-based human pose estimation technology, the autofocus system can accurately recognise:
- Eyes
- Head position
- Body position
This enables reliable subject tracking, even in low-light environments.
The camera also features:
- Real-time Tracking
- Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW)
- Noise Suppression settings
- Support for anamorphic lenses with multiple de-squeeze ratios
These tools provide greater creative control while simplifying production in complex shooting environments.
Built for Professional Productions
Despite its compact design, the FX5 has been engineered for professional filmmaking.
Features include:
- Compact flat-top body
- 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation
- Dynamic Active Mode stabilisation
- Dual USB Type-C ports
- Wired LAN connectivity
- Dual card slots
- High-efficiency cooling system
- Dust- and moisture-resistant construction
The lightweight body also incorporates multiple threaded mounting points, allowing creators to attach accessories directly without requiring an external cage.
New Accessories Expand Production Flexibility
Sony is introducing two optional accessories alongside the FX5.
OLED Viewfinder DVF-EL1
The detachable 0.58-inch OLED viewfinder features approximately 7.07 million dots, HDR support and a colour gamut equivalent to DCI-P3.
Its tilting mechanism offers flexible viewing angles while enabling accurate monitoring in bright shooting environments.
XLR Handle Unit XLR-H2
The new XLR Handle provides:
- Two XLR/TRS combo inputs
- Four-channel audio recording
- Up to 96kHz, 32-bit float internal recording
- Stable digital audio transmission via Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe
It is designed for documentary, broadcast and news production where professional audio quality is essential.
Software Designed for Modern Creators
Sony is also updating its production ecosystem.
Monitor & Control Version 3.0
Scheduled for release during July 2026, the updated application introduces:
- Multi-camera control
- Vertical video support
- EL Zone exposure monitoring
Catalyst Prepare Version 3.0
Expected from August 2026, Catalyst Prepare will integrate Catalyst Browse while adding support for the new X-OCN C1 and C2 formats, alongside improved metadata-based editing workflows.
Professional Endorsements
Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda ASC, known for films including Top Gun: Maverick and F1® The Movie, praised the FX5 after testing the camera.
He described it as a compact system that successfully combines cinematic image quality with exceptional mobility across a wide range of production environments.
Director Gareth Edwards, whose credits include The Creator, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Jurassic World: Rebirth, also tested the FX5 during a production filmed across Cambodia, Thailand and Nepal.
According to Edwards:
“Guerrilla filmmaking just went to the next level, the FX5 is the run-and-gun cinema camera to beat.”
Availability in South Africa
The Sony FX5 will be available in South Africa from September 2026.
Suggested retail pricing is:
- FX5 with XLR Handle: R109,999.95
- FX5 Body Only: R99,999.95
The launch further strengthens Sony’s Cinema Line portfolio by offering professional filmmakers a compact solution capable of delivering high-end cinematic performance while supporting increasingly demanding production workflows.
