Should You Buy the Sony FX5?
With the official announcement of the Sony FX5, a lot of filmmakers are asking the same question: is it worth the upgrade?
This blog is going to be short and sweet and get right to the point… which of course if my opinion!
The answer depends almost entirely on what camera you're upgrading from.
If you're deciding between the Sony FX5 and the FX6, we actually think they're built for different filmmakers. The FX5 introduces incredible features like Open Gate recording, internal X-OCN RAW, and Triple Base ISO, but the FX6 still has one feature we wouldn't want to give up: Sony's electronic variable ND filter. We dive much deeper into that comparison in our Sony FX5 vs. Sony FX6 guide.
If you're trying to decide between the Sony FX5 and the FX3, our answer is much simpler.
If your budget allows for it, we'd buy the FX5.
The FX5 isn't just an FX3 with a few upgraded specifications. It introduces features that fundamentally change the way professional productions are shot and delivered. Open Gate recording provides far more flexibility for creating horizontal and vertical content from the same footage. Internal X-OCN RAW simplifies high-end post-production workflows. Triple Base ISO, Dual Gain Shooting, Venice-inspired controls, and the new BIG6 interface all move the camera much closer to Sony's professional Cinema Line than the FX3 ever was.
The FX3 is still an excellent camera, and it's responsible for countless beautiful productions around the world. But if you're purchasing a new camera today and the price difference fits within your budget, we think the FX5 offers enough meaningful workflow improvements to justify the investment.
For filmmakers who shoot interviews, documentaries, brand videos, corporate productions, or commercial work, the FX5 feels like a camera you'll continue to grow into for years.
That's why, between the FX3 and the FX5, we'd choose the FX5.
Our Hot Take Take
If you're already shooting on a Sony FX6 and an FX3 like we are, we don't think the FX5 is a must-buy.
The FX5 introduces some genuinely exciting features, especially Open Gate recording, internal X-OCN RAW, the updated BIG6 interface, and a more modern Cinema Line workflow. Those are meaningful improvements, and we're excited to see them make their way into Sony's lineup.
But for the way we work—filming interview-driven brand videos, customer testimonials, and documentary-style stories—the FX6 is still the camera we reach for most often. Its electronic variable ND filter remains one of our favorite features on any camera we've ever used, and it's something we'd have a hard time giving up.
So if your current kit already includes an FX6 and an FX3, we don't think you need to rush out and buy an FX5. Unless you really want Open Gate, the updated interface, or simply enjoy having the latest gear (which, let's be honest, we completely understand), your current setup is still incredibly capable.
On the other hand, if you're deciding between buying an FX3 or an FX5 today and the price difference fits your budget, we'd absolutely recommend stretching for the FX5. The additional workflow features make it a camera you'll likely appreciate for many years to come.
