Sony has introduced the ECM-W5, a wireless microphone kit with two transmitters, one receiver and a charging case. Through the Multi Interface Shoe on compatible Sony cameras, the receiver can send digital 48 kHz, 32-bit float audio into the camera so picture and sound are stored in the same video file. The system also supports recording at up to 96 kHz and 24 bit.
Each transmitter can retain a separate backup in built-in storage, which Sony lists at up to 64 GB. The company specifies up to 90 hours at 48 kHz, 32-bit float or 60 hours at 96 kHz, 24 bit. This adds protection against a disrupted radio path, while float recording reduces level risk. Sony specifies line-of-sight transmission up to 500 metres, but notes that obstacles, people, reflective surfaces and radio conditions affect practical range.
The receiver can connect to compatible Sony headphones over Bluetooth LE Audio for cable-free monitoring. Separate ECM-W5T transmitters and ECM-W5R receivers allow configurations including four-channel recording and multi-camera production. A USB-C adapter also connects the system to phones and computers, while both transmitter and receiver provide 3.5 mm microphone inputs. Sony lists direct in-camera recording of up to four digital channels on supported bodies.
The workflow is tightly coupled to Sony's compatibility matrix. Direct 32-bit float capture requires a camera with the appropriate digital MI Shoe interface, and some functions vary by model; Sony currently identifies the FX5 as the only camera supporting the system's USB timecode synchronisation. The announcement does not publish measured RF resilience in congested venues or end-to-end monitoring latency, and the performance claims are not independently tested. Productions should validate camera firmware, channel count, headphone compatibility and radio performance before using the system for unrepeatable events.
