Sony FX5 vs FX3: which one should you rent?
The Sony FX5 adds a stacked 16.6MP sensor, 5K open gate, internal 16-bit RAW and a third base ISO of 4000 over the FX3. The FX3 remains the lighter, cheaper choice for gimbal and run-and-gun work. At CineRentals the price gap is EUR 10 per day: FX5 at EUR 85, FX3 at EUR 75.
Sony stated at the July 2026 launch that the FX5 is not an FX3 Mark II. It creates a new tier between the FX3 and FX6, and both bodies stay in the line-up. Updated: August 2026.
Sony FX5 vs FX3: comparison table
| Sony FX5 (2026) | Sony FX3 (2021, FX3A 2025) | |
| Sensor | 16.6MP full-frame, stacked | 12.1MP full-frame, BSI |
| Max resolution | 5K 3:2 open gate, 60p | 4K |
| High frame rates | 4K 120p, FHD 240p | 4K 120p with crop, FHD 240p |
| Codecs | Internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW plus XAVC 10-bit | XAVC 10-bit, RAW external only |
| Base ISO | Triple: 800 / 4000 / 12800 | Dual: 640 / 12800 |
| IBIS | Improved, Dynamic Active | Active mode |
| EVF | Optional DVF-EL1 | Not available |
| Media | CFexpress Type A / SD | CFexpress Type A / SD |
| Battery | NP-SA100 | NP-FZ100 |
| XLR handle | Optional XLR-H2 | Included |
| Weight with battery | 734 g | approx. 715 g |
| Rental price | EUR 85 per day | EUR 75 per day |
What does the Sony FX5 add over the FX3?
The Sony FX5 adds four things the FX3 cannot do: a stacked sensor without visible rolling shutter, 5K open gate recording, internal 16-bit RAW and a middle base ISO of 4000. Each one targets a specific FX3 limitation.
Stacked sensor: rolling shutter solved
The FX5’s stacked sensor reads out fast enough that rolling shutter stops influencing how you shoot. Whip pans, car rigs and strobes stay straight. The FX3’s BSI sensor is good, but fast movement can still skew verticals. For sports and action work this is the FX5’s most visible upgrade.
5K open gate: one take, every format
Open gate on the FX5 records the sensor’s full 3:2 area in 5K. One recording becomes a 16:9 master, a 9:16 vertical and a 4:5 social crop without quality loss, and anamorphic lenses get the height they need. The FX3 has no open gate mode. For agencies that ask for every aspect ratio at once, this is the deciding feature.
Internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW
The FX5 writes 16-bit X-OCN RAW directly to CFexpress cards, in the same file family as VENICE and BURANO. The FX3 outputs RAW only to an external recorder over HDMI. Internal RAW means a smaller rig, deeper files and a workflow that matches Sony’s high-end cameras.
A third base ISO at 4000
The FX5 offers base ISOs of 800, 4000 and 12800, where the FX3 jumps from 640 straight to 12800. That middle base covers dim interiors, evening receptions and practical-lit scenes, exactly where much real shooting happens. The result is cleaner footage in the range between well-lit and dark.
When is the Sony FX3 still the better rental?
The Sony FX3 is still the better rental for gimbal work, drone rigs and fast-turnaround jobs. Three arguments have not aged:
- Weight and ecosystem: it remains the benchmark gimbal camera, with five years of refined profiles, cages and accessories
- Cost structure: the XLR handle comes in the box, and NP-FZ100 batteries are shared with most Alpha bodies
- Workflow speed: XAVC files edit smoothly on a mid-range laptop, which counts when a wedding edit is due Monday
Sony FX5 and FX3 accessory compatibility warning
Nothing carries over between the Sony FX5 and FX3. The FX5 uses the new NP-SA100 battery and the new XLR-H2 handle. The FX3’s NP-FZ100 batteries and XLR-H1 handle do not fit the FX5, in either direction. On multi-camera productions, plan batteries and audio per body.
Sony FX5 vs FX3 rental price in the Netherlands
At CineRentals the Sony FX5 rents for EUR 85 per day, EUR 212.50 for three days or EUR 276.25 per week. The Sony FX3 rents for EUR 75 per day, EUR 187.50 for three days or EUR 243.75 per week. Both kits include a cage, batteries and media.
Which should you rent for your production?
- A-cam for commercials and documentaries: FX5. RAW, open gate and the VENICE-style workflow.
- Gimbal, drone or crash cam: FX3. Lighter, proven, and cheaper if something goes wrong.
- B-cam next to an FX6 or FX9: both match in colour. The FX5 matches better when the A-cam records RAW.
- Weddings and events: FX3 for workflow speed, FX5 when venues run dark. The 4000 base earns its money at receptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony FX5 a replacement for the FX3?
No. Sony positions the FX5 as a new tier between the FX3 and FX6 in the Cinema Line. The FX3 remains in production and remains the lighter, cheaper option for gimbal and run-and-gun work.
Does the Sony FX5 have a built-in ND filter?
No. Neither the FX5 nor the FX3 has internal ND filters. Within Sony’s Cinema Line, electronic variable ND remains exclusive to the FX6 and above, so plan a variable ND or mattebox with both cameras.
Can the Sony FX5 use FX3 batteries or the FX3 XLR handle?
No. The FX5 uses the new NP-SA100 battery and XLR-H2 handle. The FX3’s NP-FZ100 batteries and XLR-H1 handle are incompatible with the FX5 in both directions.
What does 5K open gate mean on the FX5?
Open gate records the sensor’s full 3:2 area instead of a 16:9 slice. One take can be reframed into horizontal, vertical and square deliverables without quality loss, and anamorphic lenses can use the full sensor height.
What do the Sony FX5 and FX3 cost to rent?
At CineRentals the Sony FX5 rents for EUR 85 per day or EUR 276.25 per week. The Sony FX3 rents for EUR 75 per day or EUR 243.75 per week. Both include cage, batteries and media.
Try both side by side
The EUR 10 daily difference makes testing cheap. Rent the Sony FX5 and FX3 together at CineRentals, shoot them back to back, and let the footage decide. Want spec details first? Read our full Sony FX5 review. Pick up in Amsterdam or get delivery across the Netherlands.
