Sony FX5 accessories guide: XLR handle, cage, battery and memory cards
The Sony FX5 needs four accessories before your first shoot: the XLR-H2 audio handle, extra NP-SA100 batteries, VPG400 CFexpress Type A cards for RAW recording, and a cage for rigging. None of these come in the box. This guide covers exactly what fits the FX5, what does not, and what each item costs to rent at CineRentals.
Updated: August 2026, based on the FX5 kits we rent out daily.
What comes with the Sony FX5, and what does not
The Sony FX5 ships with the body, one NP-SA100 battery, a top handle and a charger. It does not include an XLR handle, memory cards, a viewfinder or ND filters.
That last point matters: the FX5 has no built-in ND, so a variable ND filter or mattebox belongs on every outdoor shooting list. The CineRentals FX5 kit closes most of these gaps. It includes a cage, two batteries and a CFexpress Type A card with reader for EUR 85 per day.
Which XLR handle fits the Sony FX5?
Only the Sony XLR-H2 handle fits the Sony FX5. The XLR-H1 handle from the FX3 and FX3A uses different screw positions and does not mount on the FX5. The XLR-H2 also does not work in the other direction on the FX3, FX30 or FX2.
The XLR-H2 gives you:
- Two XLR/TRS inputs plus a 3.5mm jack
- Four audio channels
- 32-bit float recording at 96 kHz
- A digital connection via the Multi Interface shoe, no cables
One known limitation: the XLR-H2 and the DVF-EL1 viewfinder cannot be mounted at the same time. Solo shooters who need both should use a third-party bracket or a separate audio recorder.
Why 32-bit float matters on set
32-bit float audio removes the need to set levels correctly on location. A whispered answer and a slammed door in the same take both survive, because you set levels in post. For documentary and event work this eliminates a whole category of ruined takes.
Which battery does the Sony FX5 use?
The Sony FX5 uses the new NP-SA100 battery, a 20.9 Wh pack that is not interchangeable with the NP-FZ100 from the FX3 and Alpha series. Your existing FZ100 stock will not fit.
Practical numbers for planning:
- One NP-SA100 runs about 130 minutes of 4K 60p recording
- Three to four batteries cover a full shoot day
- USB-C Power Delivery works as continuous power for interviews and gimbal setups
Which memory cards does the Sony FX5 need?
The Sony FX5 needs VPG400-rated CFexpress Type A cards for 16-bit RAW, open gate and 4K 120p. For standard XAVC up to 4K 60p, a V90 SD card is sufficient. Both card slots accept either type.
| Recording format | Required card |
| 16-bit X-OCN RAW, open gate | CFexpress Type A, VPG400 |
| 4K 120p, XAVC S-I | CFexpress Type A, VPG400 |
| XAVC up to 4K 60p | V90 UHS-II SD |
Storage planning for RAW: 5K 24p X-OCN fills roughly 1 TB in three hours at the lightest compression. A two-day documentary shoot in RAW can reach 4 TB, so match your card count and backup drives to that number.
What is the best cage for the Sony FX5?
Tilta, SmallRig, Kondor Blue and Wooden Camera all make dedicated Sony FX5 cages. Tilta offers a convertible full-to-half cage, SmallRig builds a modular system with HawkLock quick releases, and Kondor Blue and Wooden Camera serve heavier builds including PL-mount adapters.
Choosing between half and full:
- Half cage: gimbal work, minimal weight, mounting points for monitor and transmitter
- Full cage: mattebox, follow focus, wireless video, full protection
The FX5 body weighs 643 grams, so even a fully caged setup stays gimbal-friendly.
Sony FX5 monitor and viewfinder options
The Sony FX5 outputs video over a single full-size HDMI port and has no SDI. Every monitor, transmitter and recorder hangs off that one port, so a cage with an HDMI cable clamp protects your only output.
Two options we rent most often:
- Atomos Ninja 5.2 inch monitor-recorder, EUR 37.50 per day
- Sony DVF-EL1 OLED viewfinder, tiltable and 2,500 nits bright, usable in full sun
Sony FX5 timecode and connectivity
The Sony FX5 handles timecode through Sony’s USB-C to BNC cable, since it has no dedicated BNC port. That cable lets the FX5 jam sync with a sound recorder or a multi-camera setup. The body also carries two USB-C ports and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for wired streaming and fast offloads.
Three ready-to-rent Sony FX5 kits
Documentary kit: FX5, XLR-H2 handle, three batteries, two 160 GB CFexpress cards, half cage, Atomos Ninja, FE 24-70mm GM II (EUR 33 per day).
Gimbal kit: FX5 in half cage, one battery plus USB-C PD backup, SD cards for XAVC. Total weight stays under one kilo.
Interview kit: FX5 on sticks, XLR-H2 with two lavaliers, Ninja or DVF-EL1, USB-C timecode cable to the sound recorder, mains power over USB-C PD.
Sony FX5 accessory compatibility vs FX3 and FX6
| Accessory | FX3 | FX5 | FX6 |
| XLR-H1 handle | Yes | No | No |
| XLR-H2 handle | No | Yes | No |
| NP-FZ100 battery | Yes | No | No |
| NP-SA100 battery | No | Yes | No |
| BP-U battery | No | No | Yes |
| CFexpress Type A | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SDI output | No | No | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sony FX5 come with an XLR handle?
No. The Sony FX5 ships without an XLR handle. The XLR-H2 is sold separately, unlike the FX3 which includes its handle in the box. Budget for the handle or rent it as part of a complete FX5 audio kit.
Does the XLR-H1 from the FX3 fit the Sony FX5?
No. The XLR-H1 uses different screw positions and does not mount on the FX5. The handles are not interchangeable in either direction, so plan a separate audio package for each body on multi-camera productions.
Which memory cards does the Sony FX5 require?
The FX5 requires VPG400 CFexpress Type A cards for 16-bit RAW, open gate and 4K 120p recording. For standard XAVC up to 4K 60p, a V90 UHS-II SD card works. Both slots accept both card types.
Can the Sony FX5 use FX3 batteries?
No. The FX5 uses the new NP-SA100 battery. NP-FZ100 batteries from the FX3 and Alpha cameras do not fit, so factor extra NP-SA100 packs into every rental or purchase.
Does the Sony FX5 have SDI output?
No. The FX5 outputs video over full-size HDMI only. Monitoring, wireless video and external recording all share that single port, which is why a cage with a cable clamp is strongly recommended.
Rent a complete Sony FX5 kit
The Sony FX5 rents at CineRentals for EUR 85 per day, EUR 212.50 for three days or EUR 276.25 per week, including cage, two batteries and a CFexpress card. Reserve online via the Sony FX5 product page, pick up in Amsterdam or have the kit delivered anywhere in the Netherlands. Curious how the camera performs? Read our full Sony FX5 review.
