Sony FX5 First Impressions: Why I'm Excited for Sony's New Cinema Camera

Ever since Sony officially announced the FX5, I've been watching just about every review and first impression I can find. While I obviously haven't had the chance to get my hands on one yet, I think Sony absolutely nailed the direction of this camera. Looking at the features, the size, and the price, it's quickly become one of the cameras I'm most excited about in years.

As someone who spends most of my time filming weddings, commercial work, sports, and content for businesses, my camera needs to be able to keep up with a constantly changing environment. One day I'm on a football sideline, the next I'm filming a wedding, and the day after that I'm creating content for a brand. My gear has to be versatile, lightweight, and dependable.

From everything I've seen so far, the Sony FX5 checks a lot of those boxes.

The Size Is Exactly What I Was Hoping For

One of the biggest things that stood out to me was the size.

I've seen quite a few people disappointed that Sony didn't include internal electronic ND filters, but honestly, I never expected them to. Packing electronic NDs into a camera this small would have almost certainly made it larger, and I think that would have taken away one of its biggest advantages.

For the way I shoot, I'd rather have a compact cinema camera than a slightly larger body with built-in ND filters.

Most of my work is run-and-gun. I'm constantly moving between handheld shots, gimbal work, tripods, and tight locations where a smaller camera simply makes life easier. That's one of the reasons I've always liked the FX3, and I think the FX5 continues that philosophy while adding features that filmmakers have been asking for.

Internal RAW Is a Huge Step Forward

The feature I'm probably most excited about is internal RAW recording.

For a long time, shooting RAW usually meant adding external recorders or dealing with workflows that just weren't practical for every project. Seeing Sony bring internal X-OCN RAW recording to a camera at this price point feels like a huge step forward.

One thing that also caught my attention was Sony's approach to compressed RAW recording. From everything I've seen so far, the new compression options make RAW recording much more manageable than people might expect. Storage has become significantly more affordable over the past few years, and if file sizes stay reasonable, I could honestly see myself shooting in RAW much more often than I ever have before.

For someone who spends a lot of time color grading commercial projects and wedding films, that's incredibly exciting.

The Value Is Incredible

This is probably my hottest take.

I actually think Sony priced the FX5 extremely well.

I've seen quite a few people online saying it's too expensive, but when I look at everything you're getting, I honestly don't understand that argument.

You're getting internal RAW recording.

Open Gate recording.

False Color.

Triple Base ISO.

A larger, brighter display.

Improved autofocus.

A compact Cinema Line body.

All of that for under $5,000 for the body.

When you compare that feature set to where cinema cameras were just a few years ago, it's honestly pretty remarkable.

Why I'm Not Comparing It to the FX6

A lot of the conversation online has been centered around comparing the FX5 to the FX6.

Personally, I don't think they're trying to accomplish the exact same thing.

The FX6 is still an incredible production camera with features like electronic ND filters, SDI connectivity, and ergonomics that make sense on larger commercial productions.

But for the way I shoot, I actually prefer what the FX5 offers.

The smaller body fits my workflow better, especially for weddings, sports, travel, and commercial content where mobility is everything. I'd gladly trade internal electronic NDs for a lighter camera that's easier to throw on a gimbal or carry for twelve hours.

That won't be everyone's opinion, but it's definitely mine.

A Couple Things I'm Still Unsure About

There are really only two things that I'm still on the fence about.

The first is the optional electronic viewfinder.

Personally, I don't think it's something I'd use very often. To me, it starts making the camera feel more like a hybrid photo camera, even though the FX5 is built entirely around video. That's purely personal preference, though. I'm sure there are plenty of filmmakers who will love having the option.

The second is the new top handle.

I actually think it could be incredibly useful, especially for concerts, live events, and situations where the built-in 32-bit float audio could simplify an audio setup. But if I were buying the camera tomorrow, I'd probably start with the body only and decide later whether the handle fits my workflow.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I genuinely think Sony hit a home run with the FX5.

It feels like a camera designed for the way a lot of filmmakers actually work today. It's compact, feature-packed, and brings professional cinema features into a body that can comfortably be used on a gimbal, handheld, or packed into a small travel bag.

I'm excited to keep following the early reviews, but unless something changes dramatically after people spend more time with it, I think this will be my next camera purchase.

If I had to make one prediction, I'd say the FX5 is going to be one of Sony's most popular cinema cameras for years to come. Sony has never been known for refreshing its Cinema Line every year, and I wouldn't be surprised if the FX5 becomes a camera that stays relevant for a very long time.

One more hot take before I wrap this up: I also wouldn't be surprised if Sony starts thinking about an FX6 successor sooner rather than later. The FX5 introduces enough new technology that it feels like a glimpse into where Sony's Cinema Line is headed next.

For now, though, I'll be doing what a lot of other filmmakers are probably doing.

Watching more reviews, saving up, and looking forward to getting one in my hands.