Sony · Reviewed by Mark Bone · Published 2026-07-23
Based on a review by Mark Bone (accessed 2026-07-23).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about internal ocn-lt 16-bit raw recording with manageable file sizes — just accept false color implementation is not the preferred "small hd" version.
The reviewer concludes that the Sony FX5 is an impressive mirrorless camera, especially valuing its new EVF and OCN raw recording capabilities. Despite its image quality being very similar to the FX3, he finds the FX5's added internal raw and other 'horsepower' features make it a highly desirable upgrade for filmmakers, noting its seamless integration with other Sony cameras like the FX6.
Mark Bone provides a detailed review of the Sony FX5 mirrorless camera, highlighting its new features and comparing it to other Sony models like the FX3 and FX6. He shares his field test experiences using the camera across various challenging environments and temperatures during an 8-day documentary shoot. The review covers key aspects such as internal raw recording, open gate capabilities, ISO settings, autofocus performance, audio features, and resolution.
The Sony FX5 is a highly recommended mirrorless camera for filmmakers, offering a robust feature set with internal raw capabilities. It distinguishes itself with OCN-LT 16-bit raw recording, providing excellent highlight recovery without excessively large files, comparable in bitrate to XAVC 422. While its dedicated false color button improves exposure monitoring, the specific false color implementation is not as intuitive as other options, and the top handle could benefit from an additional hot shoe for more audio inputs. If you require internal raw recording, robust build quality for diverse environments, and improved anamorphic workflow, this camera is worth considering. If your workflow heavily relies on specific false color types or you need more than three lavalier inputs without a sound person, you might need to adjust your setup.
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The reviewer highlights that the monitor on the FX5 no longer obstructs the audio ports, regardless of its position, a significant improvement.
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The camera features a 'beautiful EVF' which the reviewer believes will encourage filmmakers to shoot at eye level, the ideal position for 90% of the time.
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The reviewer used the FX5 on a documentary shoot in three different countries, enduring temperatures of 47°C with 100% humidity and -2°C on a mountain, stating the camera held up well.
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The FX5 can shoot 120 frames per second at open gate. The reviewer also mentions future firmware updates are expected to enable 240fps at 4K crop.
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Early camera tests showed the image quality between the FX5 and FX3 to be 'identical,' with the FX5 possibly being 'a little bit sharper' due to default settings on a version one firmware. The color science is the same.
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The camera now offers three ISOs: 800, 4,000, and 12,800, with the 4,000 ISO being particularly useful as a middle ground.
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Sony claims a new dual gain ISO combines 400 and 800 ISO, resulting in less noise and expanded dynamic range in the shadows for a cleaner image.
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The FX5 offers OCN (Original Camera Negative) raw recording up to the LT format, which is Sony's term for raw. It's 16-bit and allowed for good highlight recovery.
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OCN-LT files are 60% smaller than XT format, with the reviewer's 8-day shoot (including FX6 footage) totaling under 3 terabytes, making it manageable for hard drives.
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Using a 16-35mm lens for gimbal work, the AI-based autofocus was 'great' and 'very smart,' locking onto subjects like Gareth without making 'crazy choices.'
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The FX5 has 32-bit audio and high-resolution audio. With the top handle, it provides three XLR inputs and a mini jack, allowing for multiple audio sources.
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A dedicated false color button is a favorite feature for quick exposure checks, though the reviewer prefers the Small HD false color display over Sony's version.
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The camera caps out at 5K resolution, which the reviewer considers 'plenty enough' for professional work, emphasizing that higher resolutions are often unnecessary.
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Sony claims the FX5 offers simple timecode syncing using a BNC to USB-C cable that plugs into one of the two USB-C ports, allowing for easy jam syncing with other cameras.
Early camera tests by the reviewer found no significant difference in image quality between the FX5 and FX3, with the color science also being the same. The FX5 might appear slightly sharper due to default settings on early firmware.
The reviewer subjected the FX5 to demanding environments during an 8-day documentary shoot, including 47°C with 100% humidity and -2°C on a mountain, and found that the camera performed reliably.
The FX5 has added 4,000 and 12,800 ISOs to the base 800, providing more flexibility. A new dual gain ISO setting is also introduced, which Sony claims reduces noise and expands dynamic range in the shadows for a cleaner image.
The camera records in Sony's OCN-LT (Original Camera Negative Light) raw format, providing 16-bit color depth and impressive highlight recovery. Despite being raw, OCN-LT files are 60% smaller than XT format, making them efficient; an 8-day shoot generated less than 3TB of footage.
When used with a 16-35mm lens for gimbal shots, the AI-based autofocus proved to be highly effective, described as 'great' and 'very smart' for its ability to lock onto subjects without unpredictable movements.
The camera supports 32-bit audio and, when equipped with its top handle, provides three XLR inputs along with a mini jack. This comprehensive audio setup allows for recording multiple microphones simultaneously, which is highly beneficial for professional productions without a dedicated sound person.
The FX5's maximum resolution is 5K, which the reviewer considers perfectly adequate for professional film production, noting that many major films are delivered in 2K or 4K. He argues that obsession with higher resolutions (like 7K or 8K) is often unnecessary for practical filmmaking.
100/100 source quality
The Sony FX5 introduces significant features like an integrated EVF, open gate recording, and internal OCN raw. Tested extensively in extreme conditions (from 47°C humidity to -2°C), the camera proved durable. Its image quality is comparable to the FX3, with enhancements such as three native ISOs (800, 4000, 12800) and a dual-gain ISO for cleaner shadows. OCN-LT raw offers 16-bit fidelity with manageable file sizes, a crucial benefit. The AI autofocus is reliable, and the audio features are robust with 32-bit recording and multiple XLR inputs. While capping at 5K, the reviewer asserts this resolution is sufficient for professional work.
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