Sony has released details of three new 4K HDR camcorders that are due to go on sale before Christmas.
The new XDCAM PXW-Z90, NXCAM HXR-NX80 and FDR-AX700 camcorders. (Source: Sony.)
The XDCAM PXW-Z90, the NXCAM HXR-NX80 and the Handycam FDR-AX700 all feature a Fast Hybrid AF system that is adapted for shooting with a 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. They also support an instant HDR workflow, enabling users to record HDR (High Dynamic Range) footage that requires minimal post-production.
The Fast Hybrid AF system uses 273 phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 84% of the shooting area plus a newly developed AF algorithm. The phase-detection AF frames indicate the focused area, allowing users to easily see when a subject is in focus. The new camcorders feature a high-resolution 0.39-inch OLED viewfinder with 2,359,000 dots and a 3.5-inch LCD screen with1,555,000 dots. Advanced touch screen operation allows users to quickly switch focus from one subject to another. The AF Drive Speed, Tracking Depth Range and Subject Switching Sensitivity can all be configured as required for different subjects and content styles.
The new camcorders support 4K HDR recording without pixel binning using an enhanced BIONZ X image processing engine. The can also record with HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) offering an Instant HDR workflow, reducing the post-production work and producing high-quality HDR content without the need for a separate grading process. S-Log3/S-Gamut3 capabilities enable users to create and work with images more flexibly. The new camcorders also support Super Slow Motion recording at up to 960 fps, which is industry-leading among palm categories and Slow & Quick Motion Full HD recording at up to 120 fps.
The 29mm wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens covers a 12x optical zoom range, supported by an 18x Clear Image Zoom. Workflow efficiency benefits such as Proxy recording, relay recording and simultaneous backup recording are also delivered thanks to the new camcorders’ dual memory card slots and multi-camera operation capabilities supported by TC (time code)/UB (user bit). The new camcorders also have REMOTE terminals, Multi-Interface Shoe and HDMI Type A connector to ensure enhanced operability. All three camcorders support XAVC S10, an extended format of XAVC for consumer use.
The XDCAM PXW-Z90 and NXCAM HXR-NX80 also feature a dual XLR audio input, a detachable handle, and access to Content Browser Mobile – a supporting smartphone application to enable Wi-Fi monitoring, camcorder remote control and wireless timecode sync between multiple cameras. The PXW-Z90 also includes several features to suit broadcast-specific requirements: XAVC format recording that provides high-quality images at 4:2:2 10 bit (HD) and 4:2:0 8 bit (QFHD) in addition to conventional broadcasting MPEG2HD9 format recording; 3G SDI connectivity for compatibility with existing broadcasting equipment; and networking functions to support news reporting, such as compatibility with XDCAM air, the Sony cloud-based ENG subscription service.
The XDCAM PXW-Z90, NXCAM HXR-NX80 will be available in December 2017 and the Handycam FDR-AX700 will be available in October 2017. Pricing is confirmed for the FDR-AX700 at SRP $2999. For full details, visit www.sony.com.au.
