Sony is reportedly preparing a new compact cinema camera with several features appearing in one of its cameras for the first time.
The rumored Sony FX5 is expected to support 5K open-gate recording, triple-base ISO, and internal X-OCN RAW. Sources claim Sony will announce the camera during the second half of July, although the company has not officially confirmed the model or its specifications.
Three sources reportedly confirmed that the camera will use triple-base ISO, allowing filmmakers to select between three native sensitivity levels depending on lighting conditions.
The technology could help the camera maintain lower noise and greater dynamic range across different shooting environments. It would also mark the first use of triple-base ISO in a Sony camera, according to the report.
Canon already offers triple-base ISO in cinema cameras such as the EOS C400 and C80.
The camera is also expected to record Sony’s X-OCN format internally.
X-OCN, or extended tonal range Original Camera Negative, uses 16-bit linear encoding and is currently supported by Sony cinema cameras including the Venice, Venice 2 and Burano.
Adding internal X-OCN recording to a compact FX-series body would bring technology from Sony’s higher-end cinema lineup to a smaller camera.
Previous reports claim the FX5 will record 5K open-gate video in a 3:2 aspect ratio.
Open-gate recording uses the full height and width of the camera sensor. This gives filmmakers additional space to crop the same footage into horizontal, vertical, and other aspect ratios.
The feature would represent a change in Sony’s approach after company representatives reportedly questioned whether users needed open-gate recording. Canon already offers the feature on cameras such as the EOS C50.
Initial reports claimed the camera would have a new global-shutter sensor different from the one used in the Sony A9 III.
However, the source has since said it remains uncertain whether the camera will use a global shutter or another type of sensor.
One possible candidate mentioned in discussions is Sony’s IMX01A, described as an approximately 16MP fully stacked sensor supporting 5K recording at up to 240 frames per second and full-sensor autofocus. This sensor has not been confirmed for the camera.
There is also disagreement over the camera’s final name.
Sony Alpha Rumors refers to it as the FX5, while another report based on information from leaker how2fly suggests it could launch as the FX4.
Both sources appear to be describing the same product, although the possibility of two different cameras has not been ruled out.
Sony has registered an upcoming FX-series camera with Chinese certification authorities, confirming that another model in the Cinema Line is in development. However, the registration does not reveal its commercial name or complete specifications.
The new camera is expected to retain an FX3-style compact body while moving away from the standard Sony Alpha design.
Reports describe it as a modular “mini Venice” with a more professional button layout and support for accessories such as XLR handles, external electronic viewfinders and SDI connections.
If the leaks are accurate, the camera would represent a substantial upgrade over the FX3 and give Sony a stronger competitor to recent compact cinema cameras from Canon and Nikon. However, the name, sensor and complete specifications remain unconfirmed ahead of the expected July announcement.
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