Sony FX5 vs FX6: newer sensor or the full broadcast toolkit?
The Sony FX5 wins on sensor technology with 5K open gate, internal 16-bit RAW and IBIS, while the FX6 keeps three features the FX5 lacks: electronic variable ND, SDI and Netflix approval. Rent the FX5 for solo, gimbal and multi-format work. Rent the FX6 for documentary, broadcast and certified productions. At CineRentals: FX5 EUR 85 per day, FX6 EUR 125.
The FX5 launched in July 2026 as a new tier between the FX3 and FX6, not as an FX6 replacement. Updated: August 2026.
Sony FX5 vs FX6: comparison table
| Sony FX5 (2026) | Sony FX6 (2020) | |
| Sensor | 16.6MP full-frame, stacked | 12.9MP full-frame |
| Max resolution | 5K 3:2 open gate, 60p | DCI 4K |
| High frame rates | 4K 120p, FHD 240p | 4K 120p, FHD 240p |
| RAW | Internal 16-bit X-OCN | 16-bit RAW external only |
| Base ISO | Triple: 800 / 4000 / 12800 | Dual: 800 / 12800 |
| Variable ND | No | Yes, electronic 1/4 to 1/128 |
| IBIS | Yes | No |
| SDI | No, HDMI only | 12G-SDI plus HDMI |
| Timecode | Via USB-C to BNC cable | Dedicated BNC in and out |
| Batteries | NP-SA100 | BP-U broadcast series |
| Weight | 734 g with battery | 890 g body only |
| Netflix approved | Not yet | Yes |
| Rental price | EUR 85 per day | EUR 125 per day |
Is the Sony FX5 a replacement for the FX6?
No, the Sony FX5 is not a replacement for the FX6. Sony positions it between the FX3 and FX6 in the Cinema Line, with menus and colour science borrowed from VENICE and BURANO. Several reviewers called it a mini VENICE. The FX6 keeps its role as the compact broadcast and documentary workhorse, and that positioning explains every spec difference below.
Where the Sony FX5 beats the FX6
The Sony FX5 beats the FX6 on sensor generation, stabilisation and price. Three specifics:
Newer sensor and internal RAW
The FX5’s stacked 16.6MP sensor is two generations newer than the FX6’s. It records 5K open gate using the sensor’s full height, writes 16-bit X-OCN RAW directly to the card, and adds a third base ISO at 4000. The FX6 tops out at DCI 4K internally and needs an external recorder for RAW.
IBIS and weight
The FX5 has in-body stabilisation with Sony’s improved Dynamic Active mode; the FX6 has none and relies on gyro data in post. At 734 grams with battery against 890 grams body only, the FX5 is the clearly better camera for handheld and gimbal work without support gear.
Modern connectivity
Two USB-C ports, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and current wireless hardware make the FX5 the easier camera for streaming and cardless offloads.
Where the Sony FX6 still beats the FX5
The Sony FX6 still beats the FX5 on ND, broadcast connections and certification. These are the reasons FX6 rentals keep moving:
Electronic variable ND
The FX6’s electronic ND runs from 1/4 to 1/128, adjusts smoothly mid-shot and has an auto mode. The FX5 has no built-in ND at all, which sends you back to screw-in filters or a mattebox. For documentary work in changing light, the FX6’s ND is not a convenience, it is the reason to rent it.
SDI, timecode and broadcast batteries
The FX6 carries 12G-SDI for long cable runs and dedicated BNC timecode in and out. The FX5 offers HDMI only and routes timecode through a USB-C adapter cable. The FX6 also runs on BP-U batteries that last hours and power accessories. On multi-camera and live productions these are hard requirements.
Netflix approval
The FX6 is on the Netflix approved camera list; the FX5 is not certified yet. If your production must comply, the decision is already made.
Sony FX5 vs FX6 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 FX6 rents for EUR 125 per day, EUR 312.50 for three days or EUR 406.25 per week. The FX5 kit includes cage, two batteries and a CFexpress card.
Which should you rent: FX5 or FX6?
- Choose the FX5 for solo shoots, gimbal work, multi-format delivery from one take, and internal RAW without an external recorder. Commercials, branded content, music videos.
- Choose the FX6 for documentary, broadcast, outdoor work in changing light, SDI to a video village, multi-camera timecode, and Netflix-certified delivery.
- Rent both as an A and B pair: colour matches across the Cinema Line, both take E-mount glass. A proven setup: FX6 on the shoulder for interviews with its ND working, FX5 on a gimbal for b-roll with IBIS smoothing the moves. One LUT covers both.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony FX5 a replacement for the FX6?
No. The FX5 sits between the FX3 and FX6 in Sony’s Cinema Line. The FX6 remains the broadcast-oriented model with variable ND, SDI and dedicated timecode hardware, and both cameras stay in the line-up.
Does the Sony FX5 have a built-in ND filter?
No. The FX5 has no internal ND, so outdoor work requires screw-in filters or a mattebox. Electronic variable ND remains exclusive to the FX6 and higher models in Sony’s Cinema Line.
Which is better for documentary, the FX5 or FX6?
Usually the FX6. Variable ND, SDI and long-lasting BP-U batteries are built for documentary and interview work. The FX5 counters with better low light and IBIS, so dark run-and-gun projects can still favour it.
Is the Sony FX5 Netflix approved?
Not yet. The FX5 is not on the Netflix approved camera list as of August 2026. The FX6 is approved, which makes it the safe choice for productions that must use certified cameras.
Can I mix the FX5 and FX6 on one shoot?
Yes. Colour science matches across Sony’s Cinema Line and both cameras use E-mount lenses. The combination works well as an A and B cam pair with a single LUT in the grade.
Rent the FX5, the FX6 or both
At CineRentals the Sony FX5 rents from EUR 85 per day and the Sony FX6 from EUR 125 per day, both as complete kits. Reserve online, pick up in Amsterdam or have your set delivered anywhere in the Netherlands. For a deeper look at the camera itself, read our full Sony FX5 review.
