Sony FX5: A Detailed Review of 10 Key Issues and Design Flaws

Summary:

This video highlights 10 significant issues with the Sony FX5 cinema camera.

The camera displays a confusing "5K" imager mode while only recording in 4K for certain formats, and silently changes video formats when high frame rates are selected.
Frequent 10-second reboots occur when switching between RAW/non-RAW codecs or different frame rates, leading to missed moments.
OpenGate recording is restricted to RAW format, limiting flexibility compared to competitors.
The EVF and XLR audio handle share the same proprietary port, preventing simultaneous use.
The absence of a rear control wheel, common in previous Sony Alpha cameras, makes menu navigation less intuitive.
The FX5 cannot capture still photos, functioning purely as a video camera, though a firmware update for video stills is planned.
Built-in waveforms and vectorscopes are too small and not resizable or repositionable, hindering their practical use.
The muted gray and yellow menu color scheme is less user-friendly than the more colorful Alpha camera menus.
An Ethernet port is included over a more professional SDI port, which is considered an "edge use case" for many filmmakers.
There are no built-in ND filters, a long-requested feature in smaller cinema cameras due to space constraints.

Sony FX5 and FX3 menu comparison [ 00:10:33 ]

Sony FX5 Shortcomings [0:00]

This video details ten issues with the Sony FX5 cinema camera that users should be aware of before purchasing. Many of these issues could potentially be addressed through firmware updates.

1. Confusing 5K/4K Labeling and Silent Format Switching [0:21]

-   **Inconsistent Resolution Display** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=21">0:21</a>]
    -   The camera's "imager mode" may display "full frame 5K 16x9."
    -   However, if filming in XAVC-S, HS, or I, the "video format" will simultaneously show "3840x2160p 4K."
    -   This discrepancy is confusing, leading users to believe they are shooting 5K when they are actually recording 4K.
    -   *Proposed Fix*: A firmware update could resolve this by accurately labeling the imager mode as "full frame 4K" when recording in 4K.
-   **Silent Format Downgrade at High Frame Rates** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=82">1:22</a>]
    -   When attempting to record OpenGate 5K at 120 frames per second, the camera offers this option.
    -   After selecting 120fps and executing, the camera reboots.
    -   Upon restart, the camera silently switches from RAW to XAVC S-L 4:2:2, which the speaker considers an inferior format.
    -   Users must be vigilant, as the camera does not explicitly warn about this format change, potentially leading to lower quality footage than expected.

FX5 menu showing 5K imager mode but 4K video format [ 00:02:15 ]

2. Frequent 10-Second Reboots [2:48]

-   **Time-Consuming Restarts** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=172">2:52</a>]
    -   The FX5 frequently reboots when changing critical settings.
    -   Swapping between RAW and non-RAW formats (e.g., X-OCN to XAVC) triggers a reboot.
    -   Changing between 24 frames per second and higher frame rates also necessitates a reboot.
-   **Impact on Workflow** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=191">3:11</a>]
    -   Each reboot takes approximately 10 seconds.
    -   This delay is problematic for fast-paced shooting scenarios, such as wedding ceremonies, where missing moments can be critical.
    -   The FX3 was significantly less prone to such frequent restarts.

3. OpenGate Recording — But Only in RAW [4:12]

-   **Limited OpenGate Functionality** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=256">4:16</a>]
    -   The FX5 features OpenGate recording (3:2 aspect ratio), a welcome addition for filmmakers.
    -   However, this feature is currently only available when recording in RAW format.
-   **Comparison with Competitors** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=270">4:30</a>]
    -   Panasonic's S1 II offers more versatile OpenGate options, including 3:2 and 4:3 aspect ratios, and supports various non-RAW formats.
-   **Future Firmware Improvements** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=298">4:58</a>]
    -   Sony has indicated a firmware update will enable OpenGate 3:2 recording in XAVC-S-I.
    -   The speaker hopes to see support for XAVC-HSL due to its smaller file sizes.

FX5 menu showing OpenGate options [ 00:04:50 ]

4. EVF or XLR Handle: A Forced Choice [5:19]

-   **Shared Proprietary Port** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=351">5:51</a>]
    -   Both the detachable Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and the XLR audio handle connect to the same proprietary port on the FX5.
    -   This design flaw forces users to choose between having an EVF for critical focusing or utilizing the XLR handle for 32-bit float audio, as both cannot be used simultaneously without external workarounds.
-   **Impact on Rigging** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=381">6:21</a>]
    -   This limitation reduces flexibility, especially for building setups like shoulder rigs that might benefit from both accessories.
-   **Potential Workarounds** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=364">6:04</a>]
    -   Kondor Blue is developing an EVF cable that allows the EVF to be mounted elsewhere, but the core issue of the shared port remains.
    -   The speaker suggests future designs could involve repositioning the EVF port or creating an XLR handle with a cutout for a right-angle EVF cable.

FX5 with EVF and XLR handle laid out, showing shared port [ 00:05:49 ]

5. Missing Rear Control Dial [7:24]

-   **Usability Issue** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=449">7:29</a>]
    -   The FX5 lacks the rear control wheel found on previous Sony Alpha cameras.
    -   This wheel was crucial for quick and intuitive menu navigation and setting adjustments.
-   **Design Compromise** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=461">7:41</a>]
    -   The larger screen of the FX5 necessitated the removal of this control wheel.
    -   The existing upper joystick is less convenient for rapid adjustments.
    -   Users migrating from Alpha cameras will face a learning curve adapting to the new control layout.

Comparing the backs of the FX3 (top, with dial) and FX5 (bottom, without dial) [ 00:08:04 ]

6. No Still Photography Capability [8:19]

-   **Purely a Video Camera** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=511">8:31</a>]
    -   The FX5 is designed exclusively for video recording and cannot capture still photos in any format (JPEG or RAW).
    -   A button that resembles a photo button on the FX3 is present but acts as a customizable "grab button" for video functions.
-   **Reduced Versatility** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=547">9:07</a>]
    -   This makes the camera less versatile compared to other Sony video cameras (FX3, FX30) that offer both video and photo capabilities.
-   **Future Stills from Video** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=551">9:11</a>]
    -   Sony plans a firmware update to allow capturing stills from recorded videos on the camera, but these are unlikely to be RAW stills.

Top-down view of the FX5's buttons, including the "grab button" [ 00:08:39 ]

7. Scopes Too Tiny for Practical Use [9:20]

-   **Inadequate Scope Size** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=586">9:46</a>]
    -   While waveforms and vectorscopes are included, they are very small and fixed in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
    -   This size and position make them difficult to use effectively for precise exposure and color monitoring.
-   **Lack of Customization** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=593">9:53</a>]
    -   Unlike some competitors (e.g., Panasonic S1 II), the FX5 does not allow users to adjust the size or position of these scopes.
    -   The speaker requests a firmware update to improve their usability.

FX5 screen displaying a very small waveform monitor in the bottom right corner [ 00:09:49 ]

8. Gray and Yellow Menu Scheme [10:18]

-   **Muted Color Palette** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=635">10:35</a>]
    -   The FX5's menu system uses a muted gray and yellow color scheme, aligning with Sony's high-end cinema cameras like the Venice and Burano.
-   **Preference for Colorful Menus** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=648">10:48</a>]
    -   The speaker expresses a personal preference for the more varied and colorful menus found on Sony Alpha cameras (e.g., the "red menu" for shooting settings).
    -   Colorful menus can enhance navigation and make it easier to communicate menu locations.

Comparison of the FX3's colorful menu (top) and the FX5's muted gray and yellow menu (bottom) [ 00:10:58 ]

9. Ethernet Where SDI Should Be [11:16]

-   **Port Selection Debate** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=680">11:20</a>]
    -   The camera features an Ethernet port, intended for remote control of multiple cameras in complex rigs.
    -   The speaker argues this is an "edge use case" and would have preferred an SDI port.
-   **Professional Standard** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=702">11:42</a>]
    -   SDI is widely considered a more professional and robust video transmission standard than HDMI, especially for longer cable runs and professional broadcast/cinema environments.
    -   Many filmmakers would likely value an SDI port over Ethernet.

Side view of the FX5's ports, showing the Ethernet port [ 00:11:38 ]

10. Still No Built-in ND Filters [11:56]

-   **Long-Standing Request** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=724">12:04</a>]
    -   Filmmakers have consistently requested built-in Neutral Density (ND) filters in smaller cinema cameras.
-   **Space Constraints** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=749">12:29</a>]
    -   Sony and other camera manufacturers cite a lack of internal space as the reason for not including ND filters in cameras of this size.
    -   The absence of built-in NDs requires external filter solutions, adding to setup complexity and gear requirements.

Front view of the FX5 with a lens, illustrating the lack of built-in NDs [ 00:12:28 ]

Is the FX5 Worth $5,000? [12:56]

-   **Price Point and Comparison** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=784">13:04</a>]
    -   The FX5 is priced at $5,000, making it a significant investment.
    -   Compared to the Sony FX3, which sells for $4,300, the FX5 offers improvements for an additional $700.
-   **Market Competition** [<a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=CAinfn8V6As&t=803">13:23</a>]
    -   The speaker points to competitors like the Nikon Z6 (approximately $2,200), which offers RAW recording, a large screen, compact body, and good autofocus at less than half the FX5's price.
    -   Canon's C50 and R6V, and Panasonic's S1 II also offer competitive features at lower price points, with the S1 II excelling in OpenGate options.
    -   Despite these issues and the competitive landscape, the speaker acknowledges the overall improvement in camera technology over the years, even with rising electronics prices.

Screenshot showing the price of the Nikon Z6 camera at $2,196.95 [ 00:13:28 ]

The Speaker's Decision [14:14]

-   Despite identifying these issues, the speaker still plans to purchase the Sony FX5, reflecting a personal assessment of its value and capabilities in the broader context of professional filmmaking tools.