Sony FX5: Rounding up the "mini VENICE" rumours

Leaked specs point to a VENICE-style menu, 5K open-gate video and triple-base ISO. Here's everything rumored about Sony's FX5 so far.

We already have one new Sony camera coming this month. But with all respect to the RX10 V which launches this week, it is the prospect of the strongly-rumored FX5 that is really lighting up the message boards

Multiple sources reckon the FX5 has effectively been confirmed for launch this month. Here’s what we know about it so far.

What’s in a name?

The name itself is the first signal that this could be something significant coming down the pipe. Rather than call it the FX3 II, which is how it was first positioned when it popped up on the rumor radar, by naming it the FX5, Sony appears to be positioning this camera higher up the production chain. Think of it is as closer to VENICE than to the ‘Alpha line with cine trimmings’ that characterized the FX3.

Leaked images look like they show a VENICE-style menu system and a dedicated False Color button, both firsts for a camera at this price point.

Sensor sensibility

(Yes, we know we’ve used that subhead before, but it’s a classic.)

The FX5 is rumored to carry a new 16.6 MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, paired with Sony's new BIONZ XR2 processor and a dedicated AI processing unit. But sources strongly diverge on the crucial question of whether it uses a global shutter design or not.

It’s unusual for there to be such a difference of opinion, but if the leaks hold up, the FX5 will shoot 5K open gate video in a 3:2 aspect ratio. This is going to be extremely useful for anyone reframing for multiple deliverables in post. Triple-base ISO is also something which has come into focus over the past few days, which would be a first for Sony's cine range. Full-sensor phase-detection autofocus is claimed too, alongside talk of internal X-OCN LT RAW recording, though the RAW claim is, to be honest, among the less certain details circulating.

Body and screen

It’s going to be reasonable to expect a larger body than the FX3 to accommodate the new features, along with a 3.5-inch fully articulating LCD. But expect it to be incremental rather than anything wholly surprising.

The question then becomes when it will be announced and when it will be released. With the RX10 V being announced in a couple of days, Sony is likely to want at least a two-week gap between the two models. Our bet would be for the initial announcement to drop at some point in the week of July 20. As for availability, we’d go for September as IBC takes place then and we think the company will want to have working models in people’s hands.