Key Features
- Super 35-Sized CMOS Sensor
- Sony E-Mount
- UHD at 24/30 FPS, HD Up to 240 FPS
- XAVC Long, AVCHD Recording Codecs
Sony PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System
Bringing a smaller, handheld form factor to Sony’s line of digital cinema cameras, the PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System captures UHD video using a Super 35mm-sized sensor for cinematic imagery. Though small in size, it incorporates professional features that differentiate it from consumer and DSLR/mirrorless cameras and make it suitable for use on productions as diverse as cinéma vérité-style documentaries, reality TV, and commercial and corporate applications.
The camera’s E-mount is machined from stainless steel and allows you to use E-mount lenses or accept most 35mm lenses with the use of adapters, including PL, EF, Leica, and Nikon lenses. The camera records in your choice of XAVC-L or AVCHD. It incorporates two SD media card slots that support simultaneous or relay recording. Outputs include both HDMI and SDI and Sony’s proprietary Multi-Terminal. The body also incorporates an Ethernet connector, headphone jack, and XLR audio inputs. All connectors and card slots are covered to protect from dust incursion. The camera supports Wi-Fi and NFC functionality, allowing you live stream from the camera, or control it from a wireless device. A paid upgrade allows you to record 4K and 2K RAW to an external recorder.
Camera
The 4K Super 35 EXMOR sensor features approximately 14 stops of latitude and a wide color gamut. It offers a choice of XAVC or AVCHD codecs. The XAVC codec can be used for 4K and HD recording, while MPEG-2 is limited to HD recording. The XAVC Long allows you to encode from HD to UHD using Intra-Frame or Long GoP compression with 10-bit 422 for HD and 8-bit 420 for UHD.
The PXW-FS5 is equipped with an E-mount machined from solid stainless steel for stability and strength. It accepts E-mount lenses from Sony, Zeiss, and other manufacturers. The shallow flange distance allows you to mount most 35mm lens types, such as PL, DSLR, and legacy SLR lenses, including Canon EF, Leica, and Nikon as well as many others with mechanical adapters.
The camera includes an ergonomic handgrip that Sony calls a SmartGrip, which features Zoom, Start/Stop and Assign controls. The SmartGrip facilitates camera operation with the right hand, leaving the left hand free to operate the lens. The handgrip can be positioned at different angles permitting greater flexibility.
The camera features two SD media slots that support simultaneous or relay recording. One of the two SD slots also accepts Memory Stick-type media.
All input, output connectors feature covers for dust protection; this applies even to the DC input and LANC connector. The media card slots and Multi-Terminal are likewise protected from dust by a swing away door.
The camera includes a removable top handle that incorporates a second XLR 3-pin audio input that compliments the 3-pin XLR input incorporated into the body. Both audio inputs feature a selector switch for line/mic/mic+48.
The top handle allows you to attach the LCD viewfinder to the camera, providing you with a choice of using the camera’s built-in EVF, or a larger LCD viewscreen. Audio level control is on the main body of the camera and offers automatic gain control.
A built-in, electronic, variable ND system allows you to dial in anywhere from 1/4 to 1/128th ND filtration in the camera body, allowing you to eschew the use of optical ND filters. The variable ND also features four preset positions; off, 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64.
One SDI connector provides HD 10-bit 422 output. In addition, one A-type HDMI 2.0 provides 4K and HD output. Both the SDI and HDMI ports can output REC trigger and TC following Sony’s established transmission method.
The PXW-FS5 records to XAVC-L QFHD 8-bit 420 (up to 30fps) and HD 10-bit 422 (up to 60fps) internally.
The PXW-FS5 has Simultaneous-Recording capability with Individual Rec Trigger. Mirror or back-up recording is possible. There are two Rec s/s buttons: one on the camera grip, the other on the camera handle. The target SD card slot for each trigger is assigned in the Recording Menu.
The PXX-FS5 is capable of simultaneously recording proxy files with the same name and time code as the main recordings.
The camera has a built in Wi-Fi capabilities that enables live streaming to PCs, tablets, and smart phones. When using content Browser mobile, the user can even control the camera wirelessly. One (1) Ethernet connector located on the rear panel of the camera provides robust connections when a reliable Wi-Fi link is not available.
Recorded movie files can be transferred via network to a designated FTP server. The following file format is available for FTP:
XAVC Proxy files
XAVC-L recorded files (4K(QFHD) & HD)
AVCHD files (only m2ts stream files)
XAVC Proxy files
XAVC-L recorded files (4K(QFHD) & HD)
AVCHD files (only m2ts stream files)
RAW Upgrade
A paid upgrade allows you to record 12-bit 4K and 2K RAW to external recorders. This supports 4K up to 60p and 120p for 4 seconds to the camera’s buffer. You can also record 2K up to 240p to an external recorder without being limited by a buffer limit.
Image Sensor
| Image Sensor Size | Super35 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor Resolution | 11.6 MP |
| Effective Sensor Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Gain | 0 to 30 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 57 dB |
Camera
| Lens Mount | Sony E-Mount |
| Shutter Speed | 1/6 to 1/10,000 sec |
| Built-In ND Filter | 2 to 7 Stop Electronic ND Filter |
| Recording Media | 2 x SDXC Card Slots |
Internal Recording
| Recording Modes | XAVC-L: 3840 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps (60 to 100 MB/s) 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (35 to 50 MB/s) |
| Audio Recording | 2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz |
Interfaces
| Video Connectors | 1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output 1 x HDMI (HDMI 2.0) Output |
| Audio Connectors | 2 x 3-Pin XLR Mic/Line Level (+48 V Phantom Power) Input 1 x 1/8″ (3.5 mm) Stereo Headphone Output |
| Other I/O | 1 x USB Micro-B Data, Monitor Input/Output 1 x 2.5 mm LANC Control Input 1 x RJ45 LAN |
| Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Control |
Display
| Screen Size | 3.5″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1,560,000 Dots |
EVF
| EVF Display Type | OLED |
| Screen Size | .39″ |
| EVF Resolution | 1,440,000 Dots |
Power
| Battery Type | Sony BP-U Series |
| Power Connectors | 1 x Barrel Input |
| Power Consumption | 11.8 W |
Environmental
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C |
General
| Accessory Mount | 1 x 1/4″-20 Female
1 x Multi-Interface Shoe |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 5.13 x 6.88″ / 11.43 x 13.02 x 17.46 cm |
| Weight | 29.2 oz / 827.8 g |