How Much Does the Sony FX5 Cost? A Comparative Look at Sony's Cinema Line Pricing
One of the first tasks filmmakers weigh out whenever Sony releases a new Cinema Line camera is simple:
How much does it cost?
The Sony FX5 starts at $4,899.99 for the body only or $5,499.99 when purchased with Sony's XLR audio handle. That places it squarely between the FX3A and the FX6, making it one of the more interesting cameras in Sony's lineup from a pricing perspective if you’re looking for what it has to offer.
Here's how the current Sony Cinema Line compares.
Current Sony Cinema Line Prices
As of publication, these are Sony's listed prices for the current Cinema Line cameras:
Sony FX30 (Body Only) — $2,098.99(sale price)
Sony FX2 (Body Only) — $2,499.99(sale price)
Sony FX3A (Body Only) — $4,299.99
Sony FX3A (With XLR Audio Handle) — $4,899.99
Sony FX5 (Body Only) — $4,899.99
Sony FX5 (With XLR Audio Handle) — $5,499.99
Sony FX6 — $6,999.99
One thing that immediately stands out is that the Sony FX5 body costs exactly the same as an FX3A with Sony's XLR audio handle. Add the XLR handle to the FX5, and you're just $1,500 away from the FX6, which is one of the reasons so many filmmakers are comparing those two cameras instead of looking at the FX5 as simply an FX3 replacement.
For our workflow, that relatively small jump in price still makes the FX6 incredibly compelling thanks to its electronic variable ND filter. However, if Open Gate recording, internal X-OCN RAW, and Sony's newest Cinema Line workflow are features you'll use every day, the FX5 may be worth the additional investment over the FX3A.
Where Does The FX5 Fit?
The pricing is actually one of the most interesting parts of the FX5.
The FX5 body costs exactly the same as an FX3A paired with Sony's XLR handle, making it an easy comparison for filmmakers already considering the FX3A. Step up another $600, and you get the FX5 with the XLR handle included.
From there, it's another $1,500 to reach the FX6.
That relatively small jump is why so many filmmakers—including us—are comparing the FX5 directly to the FX6 instead of only looking at the FX3A.
For production companies like Bunker Hill Media, Sony's electronic variable ND filter on the FX6 is still one of the biggest workflow advantages available on any cinema camera. While the FX5 introduces exciting features like Open Gate recording and internal X-OCN RAW, we'd personally still spend the extra money and choose the FX6 for the interview-driven, documentary-style work we produce every week.
If you're interested in how these cameras compare beyond price, be sure to check out our Sony FX5 vs. Sony FX6 and Sony FX5 vs. Sony FX3 comparison guides, where we break down which camera makes the most sense depending on your workflow.
