Sony FX5 vs FX6: Which to Hire? | London Camera Hire

Sony FX5 vs FX6: Which Should You Hire?Sony FX5 or FX6? Internal RAW and open gate against built-in ND, SDI and timecode. Specs from Sony and which suits your shoot. FX5 and FX6 hire in London, N16.Sony announced the FX5 in July 2026, and it lands right between two cameras crews already know well: the small FX3 and the documentary workhorse FX6. We now hire both the FX5 and the FX6 from our counter in Stoke Newington, N16. They share Sony's S-Log3 and Cinema Line colour, but they're built for different days. Here's how we'd choose, based on Sony's published specs.The short answer

Hire the FX5 if you want internal RAW, open gate for reframing or vertical cut-downs, or 4K slow motion in a body small enough for a gimbal.

Hire the FX6 if you need built-in variable ND, SDI and timecode: run-and-gun documentaries, interviews moving between inside and out, and multicam events.

Specs side by side

Sony FX5

Sony FX6

Sensor

Full frame, fully stacked, about 16.6MP effective

Full frame, 10.2MP effective

Base ISO

800, 4,000 and 12,800, plus Dual Gain

800 and 12,800

Internal RAW

16-bit X-OCN (LT, C1, C2)

No (RAW over SDI to an external recorder)

Open gate

Yes, 3:2 in X-OCN

Slow motion

4K up to 120fps, HD up to 240fps

Built-in ND

Electronic variable, 1/4 to 1/128

Stabilisation

In-body (sensor shift)

No IBIS; records gyro data for stabilising in post

Outputs

HDMI, 2.5GbE LAN

12G-SDI, HDMI, timecode

Media

2x CFexpress Type A / SD

Weight

About 734g with battery and card

About 890g body only

Specs are from Sony. Sony has also announced a planned firmware update for the FX5, including higher frame rates in X-OCN. We'll update this guide when it ships.Where the FX5 wins

RAW without a recorder: X-OCN goes straight to the card, so there's no external recorder to rig and power. The C1 and C2 versions keep file sizes down.

Open gate: recording the whole 3:2 sensor gives room to reframe, stabilise in post and cut vertical and horizontal versions from one take.

Size: it's a small body with in-body stabilisation, so it suits gimbals such as the DJI RS4 Pro, car rigs and tight spaces.

Three base ISOs: the middle base ISO of 4,000 fills the gap between 800 and 12,800.

Where the FX6 wins

Built-in variable ND: you can hold your aperture and shutter while you walk from a dark interior into daylight. On the FX5 you'll need a variable ND or a matte box with filters.

Broadcast outputs: 12G-SDI and timecode make the FX6 easier to plug into live multicam, wireless video and sound recorders.

Handling: the box body, handle with two XLR inputs and side grip suit long handheld days. Our FX6 kit comes with the EVF, a Tilta cage and two CFexpress cards.

And the FX3 and FX9?The FX3 is the FX5's closest relative in size: full frame, in-body stabilisation and no internal ND, but RAW only over HDMI to an external recorder and no open gate. The FX9 is the shoulder camera, with a 6K sensor and built-in ND. Our FX6 vs FX3 guide and FX9 vs FX6 guide cover those choices, and the Sony FX hire page lists all four.LensesBoth cameras are Sony E-mount. PL glass goes on with our PL to E-mount adapter, and full-frame sets such as the TLS Canon FD primes or DZO lenses cover either sensor. If you shoot open gate on the FX5, check that your lens covers the full 3:2 frame.Hiring an FX5 or FX6 in LondonThe FX6 is bookable online with its live day rate. The FX5 isn't on our online booking yet, so call 020 7898 3322 or email rentals@weareyellowcactus.com for its rate and kit. Collection and returns are from Unit H1, 2 Leswin Place, London N16 7NJ, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. If it's your first hire, please register a production account before ordering.Frequently asked questionsIs the Sony FX5 better than the FX6?Not across the board. The FX5 adds internal X-OCN RAW, open gate, three base ISOs and in-body stabilisation in a smaller body. The FX6 keeps built-in variable ND, 12G-SDI and timecode.Does the Sony FX5 have built-in ND?No. The FX6 has Sony's electronic variable ND, but the FX5 does not, so add a variable ND or a matte box with filters.Can the FX5 and FX6 be used together?Yes. They share Sony's S-Log3 and Cinema Line colour, so they intercut well. Shoot the same picture profile and white balance on both.Do the FX5 and FX6 use the same media?Both take CFexpress Type A or SD cards in two slots, according to Sony. Ask us what media comes in our FX5 kit.How much is FX5 and FX6 hire?The FX6 day rate is shown live on our Sony FX6 hire page. The FX5 is price on request until it is on our online booking, so call or email us.Where can I hire a Sony FX5 or FX6 in London?At Yellow Cactus, Unit H1, 2 Leswin Place, Stoke Newington, London N16 7NJ, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

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