Sony FX5 Hands-On | Open Gate 5K 3:2 and X-OCN internal RAW – YouTube

Sony has released the FX5 cinema camera, a device featuring Open Gate 5K recording in a 3:2 aspect ratio and internal X-OCN RAW recording capabilities. The camera is designed for cinema production, providing high-resolution sensor readout and professional-grade codecs to streamline post-production workflows.

FX5 Technical Specifications and RAW Recording

The Sony FX5 introduces Open Gate recording, which allows the sensor to capture the full 5K area in a 3:2 aspect ratio. According to hands-on testing and technical demonstrations, this mode provides maximum flexibility for framing and cropping in post-production by utilizing the entire sensor height.

A primary technical addition is the inclusion of internal X-OCN RAW recording. X-OCN is Sony’s professional cinema codec designed to balance image quality with manageable file sizes. By recording RAW internally, the FX5 eliminates the need for external recorders to capture uncompressed data, reducing the gear footprint on set.

Cinema Line Integration and Workflow

The FX5 fits into Sony’s Cinema Line, which aims to provide consistent color science and toolsets across different form factors. The 5K 3:2 readout is a specific departure from the standard 16:9 or 4:3 crops found in lower-tier mirrorless cameras, positioning the FX5 as a tool for high-end digital cinematography.

Internal RAW recording specifically addresses a common pain point for cinematographers who require maximum dynamic range and color grading latitude without the risk of cable failure or the bulk of an external monitor-recorder. The X-OCN implementation allows for high-bitrate capture while maintaining efficient playback and editing performance.

Comparison of Capture Modes

The distinction between standard recording and Open Gate is centered on the sensor’s active area. While standard modes crop the sensor to fit specific delivery formats, Open Gate captures the full 3:2 area. This allows editors to shift the frame vertically or horizontally without losing the resolution benefits of the 5K sensor.

The move to internal X-OCN RAW also differentiates the FX5 from previous iterations of Sony’s compact cinema cameras that relied on ProRes or external RAW outputs. This internalizes the pipeline, ensuring that the metadata and RAW data are synced directly to the camera’s media slots.