Rent the Sony FX5 in Canada — the newest and most advanced compact camera in Sony’s full-frame Cinema Line, and the first FX body to record internal X-OCN RAW and shoot Open Gate. Built around an all-new stacked sensor, it’s a serious tool for narrative, commercial, documentary and high-end content on Sony E-mount. Key points:
- All-new 16.6MP fully-stacked full-frame Exmor RS sensor with BIONZ XR2 and a dedicated AI unit
- Internal X-OCN 16-bit RAW — a Cinema Line first — with lighter X-OCN C1 and C2 options
- Open Gate recording plus 5K, 4K up to 120fps and Full HD up to 240fps, with higher frame rates in crop modes
- 15+ stops of dynamic range, Dual Gain Shooting and three base ISOs (800 / 4000 / 12,800)
Our thoughts
The FX5 is close to a ‘mini VENICE’ — internal RAW, Open Gate and three base ISOs in a compact FX body is a big deal, and something the FX3 and FX30 simply can’t do. The new stacked sensor means less rolling shutter, and the three-base-ISO design gives you real flexibility across lighting. It’s the FX to reach for when you want cinema-grade capture without a full cine rig. Just plan for fast, roomy cards — internal RAW eats storage.
— Will, Founder
Key specifications
| Camera type |
Full-frame Cinema Line camera |
| Lens mount |
Sony E |
| Sensor |
16.6MP fully-stacked full-frame Exmor RS CMOS |
| Processor |
BIONZ XR2 with dedicated AI unit |
| Raw recording |
Internal X-OCN 16-bit RAW (plus X-OCN C1 / C2) |
| Resolutions / frame rates |
Open Gate; 5K; 4K up to 120fps; Full HD up to 240fps (higher frame rates in crop modes) |
| Dynamic range |
15+ stops; Dual Gain Shooting |
| Base ISO |
Three base ISOs: 800 / 4000 / 12,800 |
| Stabilisation |
In-body IS (improved) |
| Card slots |
Dual CFexpress Type A / UHS-II SD (relay, simultaneous, separated) |
| Cooling |
Active fan cooling with Auto / Minimum / Off-in-REC modes |
| Viewfinder |
Optional 7.08M-dot OLED EVF |
| Weight |
Approx. 750g (body) |
Compatibility & what you might add
Q&A
What makes the FX5 different from the FX3 and FX30?
Three big firsts for the compact FX line: internal X-OCN 16-bit RAW recording, Open Gate capture, and an all-new fully-stacked full-frame sensor with three base ISOs. That gives you cinema-grade files and less rolling shutter in a body the same size class as the FX3. The FX3 and FX30 remain excellent, more affordable options; the FX5 is the top-tier compact for RAW and maximum post flexibility.
What is X-OCN and why does internal RAW matter?
X-OCN is Sony’s high-quality 16-bit RAW format, previously seen on its high-end cinema cameras. Recording it internally — a first for the FX line — means you get maximum latitude and colour flexibility in the grade without an external recorder. There are lighter X-OCN C1 and C2 options too, so you can balance quality against file size.
What is Open Gate recording?
Open Gate uses the full area of the sensor rather than cropping to a standard 16:9 frame. That gives you more resolution and the freedom to reframe or re-orient (for example, creating vertical social cuts from a horizontal capture) in post. It’s a first for the Cinema Line FX series and a big plus for multi-deliverable projects.
How does it handle heat on long takes?
Very well — it has an active fan cooling system with roughly 3x the airflow and three fan modes (Auto, Minimum, and Off-in-REC), so you can balance cooling against noise. That makes it dependable for interviews, events and any long-form recording where overheating would be a concern.
What cards and lenses should I use?
It takes any Sony E-mount lens; fast primes and G-series zooms are ideal. For internal X-OCN RAW and high frame rates, use fast CFexpress Type A cards with plenty of capacity, as RAW fills storage quickly. We can include suitable media, lenses and spare batteries with your rental.
