Sony has announced the ECM-W5, a two-transmitter, one-receiver wireless microphone system for video creators. It sends 32-bit float audio digitally into compatible cameras through the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe and records a backup on the transmitters themselves.

The main draw for us is the workflow. On a compatible Sony camera, the 32-bit float audio goes into the camera digitally and is recorded with the video in a single file. That means no external recorder, no separate audio file and no syncing in the edit. 32-bit float also captures very quiet and very loud sounds without constant gain adjustments, which suits run-and-gun interviews where levels can jump without warning. Sony does point out that clipping at the mic input stage can’t be recovered in the edit.

Each transmitter has 64GB of built-in storage for backup. That’s enough for up to 90 hours at 32-bit float/48kHz or 60 hours at 24-bit/96kHz. 32-bit float recording is only available at 48kHz, while the mics themselves support 96kHz High-Resolution Audio recording.

Line-of-sight range is up to 500m. Sony says transmission is around three times more stable than the ECM-W3, and the system is designed to cut dropouts in congested radio-frequency environments. Latency is low enough for live streaming.

Each transmitter has a 3.5mm input for lavalier or external mics, including the optional ECM-L1. Battery life is up to 11 hours, and the design is dust- and moisture-resistant. The receiver can take power from the camera through the MI Shoe and switches on and off with it. A supplied USB Type-C adapter connects it to smartphones and PCs that support USB Audio Class 2.0.

Interestingly, the system works with compatible Sony wireless headphones for cable-free monitoring, and those headphones can also act as wireless mic inputs. Timecode support helps with multi-camera syncing. Adding a separately sold ECM-W5T transmitter gives up to four channels of audio in-camera.

Lots of manufacturers are making 32-bit float wireless kits now, so the in-camera single-file workflow is what really sets this one apart for Sony users. Compatibility lists for cameras and headphones are still to be published.

Sony ECM-W5 specifications

Sony ECM-W5 price and availability

The ECM-W5 goes on sale in November 2026 for £350. The ECM-W5R receiver (£180) and ECM-W5T transmitter (£110) are also sold separately. Full details are in Sony’s announcement. Compatibility information will appear on Sony’s ECM-W5 support page, and there’s a product video on YouTube.