Sony PXW-FS5 4K XDCAM Camera System with Super 35 CMOS Sensor, Body Only

2022-08-19T21:27:33

Purchased a Sony FS5, used, at a discount due to a malfunctioning button which was made very clear in the product description. After receiving the camera and setting it up, was overjoyed that the camera was fully functional and the button issue could be solved by reprogramming the settings internally. The other thing is that they said the camera came with the FS5 RAW upgrade. I was crossing my fingers here, hoping it wasn't going to be a situation where it was registered with the original buyer and unavailable to me despite being shipped the "original paperwork." Again, no worries - was able to create an account online with Sony, register the FS5 RAW purchase code, and execute the firmware install process. Long story short, a perfect transaction.

Chris L.

2018-10-31T17:12:17

This camera package, which at the time includes the camera and an Atomos Shogun Inferno does not, repeat does not have the RAW upgrade from Sony. The ad is misleading. They put RAW in the headline, but with the provided options can not output or record RAW. You'll need to spend an aditional $500 to get the RAW upgrade.

russell s.

2018-03-20T06:17:23

In the past pre HD and right when HD came around I had good cameras for the time. In the past 10 years or so I haven't spend money on cameras as much just using dslr and gotten by with my small video production business. With cameras advancing so much lately I never wanted to spend the money and take the jump since I felt my clients wouldn't care or notice. I had Blackmagic 4K camera and did not like the results due to needing lots of light and the form factor was not to my liking. This camera is by a trusted brand. It uses basic batteries. I don't have to use Vmount batteries which are a pain to me even though they are industry standard they don't work for my workflow. So for the price of this camera to get the RAW image I was wanted I felt it was a pretty good deal compared to other options (Red, Sony Fs7, etc). I decided to got for the investment and the images are exactly what I was hoping for in RAW with the Shogun Inferno. It's a little cumbersome to work with coming from easily flying an a7sii on a Ronin but once transitioned it has really improved the quality of my image and I feel has caught up with the rest of the production quality I offer to my clients (edit, lighting, etc).

Derek H.

2017-12-13T07:55:02

So far, the camera has exceeded my expectations in that it performs aptly, it is low weight, and it is honestly a lot of fun to handle. I have already picked up additional gigs with this guy to blame ha. The only caveats with this setup is that it definitely takes some testing to get gig ready - not a right out of the box shooter. You must update the firmware to v4.02 in order to lower the ISO below 3200 (for reals), and the 3G-SDI seems to require the RAW upgrade in order to record 4k on an external device. I knew I wouldn't be able to record RAW, but was a little disappointed here. Using S-Log on the Shogun requires an additional LUT purchase (VLog is supplied by Atomos). I'm still waiting on the promotional rebate from Sony for the free RAW upgrade included with this purchase, but I'm optimistic. All in all, I'm not the least bit disappointed, but I will be relieved once I get the RAW option! Couple other notes: Buy more batteries! The included batt will die in no time, which the same can be said for the Atomos Shogun x10. The Shogun definitely has fan noise but this is an easy workaround.

daniel n.

2017-11-14T13:47:50

Needed a run and gun. Bought the fs5 with their lens. No regrets. Superb pictures . Ergonomic form factor. Crisp images. Incredible keys from the 10 bit 1080 footage. Center scan is super useful and very clean. I recommend this unit.

JEFF P.

2017-07-19T10:22:01

When you pay under $20K for a camera, you always get compromises. However, with the FS5, those are few and the overall features are great. 60fps at 1080p, 10 bit, 4:2:2 was a biggie for me. I'm strong handheld, b-roll shooter.... so my only complaint is the EVF. Wish the viewing screen was a little bigger. It also pivots a little too easily for me, can the movement of the EVF be stiffened/dampened? Picture-wise, it's a strong Sony style image. Really like the PP options.

David P.

2017-05-21T14:54:46

This camera works well as a b camera to the fs7. Used primarily for gimbal and compact handheld situations. I wish it was a little more similar to the fs7 in terms of exposure tools and luts. Overall I'm pretty happy with it.

alberto v.

2017-05-21T09:24:58

This camera is a great entry into serous shooting. I also use an a7sii and, while I love that camera as well, the fs5 offers a much more gradable image and the slow motion is of much higher quality. Has all the camcorder benefits too!

KEVIN R.

2017-02-27T14:19:25

You can go back and forth on a lot of things (like I did), but for the money I think this is an amazing camera. If you have the budget to step up from A7s or similar, but not enough to do something like C300mkii, I think this is the camera for you. Going for it are 4k capability, high frame rates, a raw output upgrade/option, 10bit 1080, good ergonomics, small size and weight, highly adaptable e-mount, excellent ND filter, and small size/weight all work in its favor. To me, in spending around $5k, I wanted a camera with audio inputs, built-in ND, and 4k capable. The C100mkii can't do 4k, and the ursa mini doesn't have NDs. The FS7 is a great camera as well, but it started to break my budget, and it's heavier. Get this camera!

Matthew H.

2016-10-18T12:23:18

everything it was cracked up to being. still learning all the tricks it can do.

OREN R.

2016-10-15T07:52:12

Love this camera, it's a hell of a work horse. Sure there are a few wierd things like the sgamut settings but that's really my only complaint. When you pair this with a RAW recorder, the image rivals quality of an older RED epic x. Dynamic range is great, I've always shot Sony and RED so the menus don't bother me. The codecs are nice and healthy internally, camera could survive a drop with the construction. ND filters rock! Great camera!

colby n.

2016-02-29T07:49:13

This thing is amazing. For under $6k, the tools offered in this compact, lightweight package of a camera are a bargain. The built in Electronic Variable ND is one of the most useful of these tools. The internal 1080p at 4:2:2 is also beautiful. Lot's of customizable buttons and settings galore. The one thing I'm not thrilled with (but certainly not a deal breaker) is the monitor being hard-wired, as it would be nice to be able to use a longer monitor cable when mounting the camera on a gimbal. Overall, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a solid run-and-gun camera with a beautiful cinematic look. Sony also just released firmware 1.11, fixing the internal codec issues that caused macro blocking and other strange artifacts. Now the camera is even better. Now buy one.

Taylor M.

2016-02-02T07:24:28

Excellent ergonomics, great slow-motion, love that it has SDI out. MXF files are a little annoying because you can't preview them on a mac without loading your footage into an editing program.

Adam K.

2016-01-04T08:23:35

This is the second major camera purchase I have made from Adorama. Very happy with the delivery and the camera.

chuck B.