Sony FX5 Cinema Camera Introduces Open Gate and RAW 5K Recording

New Features for Sony's Cinema Line

Sony has unveiled the FX5, its latest cinema camera, which introduces several features previously unavailable in its camera lineup. These include open gate recording and RAW 5K video capture, placing the FX5 between the existing FX3 and FX6 models in Sony's Cinema Line.

Advanced Sensor and Recording Capabilities

The FX5 incorporates an all-new 16.6MP stacked full-frame sensor, designed to balance speed and resolution. For 5K RAW recording, the camera utilizes Sony's proprietary X-OCN codec, which provides 16-bit linear RAW recording with 280 trillion colors. The camera supports 4K at 240 fps, 4.5K at 120 fps, and 5K at 60 fps, marking firsts for FX cameras. These recordings are captured via dual CFexpress type A card slots using Sony-validated cards.

Open Gate and ISO Flexibility

Open gate recording at a 3:2 aspect ratio uses the full sensor width, facilitating cropping and vertical video creation. A new de-squeeze function aids in using anamorphic lenses. The FX5 also features three base ISO settings (800, 4000, and 12800), which improve dynamic range and provide cleaner shadows and sharpness compared to dual base ISO cameras. A Dual Gain mode offers up to 16 stops of dynamic range, with an increase in rolling shutter.

Stabilization and Future Updates

The FX5 includes five-axis stabilization, with an updated electronic Dynamic Active mode for smooth video. Sony plans to add 4K 240p functionality in RAW and Open Gate 3:2 XAVC-I modes, along with a UI optimized for vertical shooting, by August 2027.