Sony today announced a 4K, solid-state memory, professional camcorder, the Sony PXW-Z150. The 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor is the first of its kind for a pro camcorder that Sony claims delivers “stunning” images.
Sony PXW-Z150 Key Features:
- 1.0-inch Stacked CMOS sensor
- 12x zoom lens
- 4K video at up to 30fps
- 1080p HD video at up to 60fps
- Linear PCM 2 CH, 24-bit, 48kHS audio format available
- Wireless Networked
- 3.5-inch 1550k dot LCD monitor
- Dual media slots
- Multi-Interface Shoe
The Sony PXW-Z150’s big news is its “stacked” sensor—a full-sized sensor placed over a high-speed signal processing circuit. This layout is said to yield impressive broadcast-quality images from an unusually compact camera. Sony is claiming a twofold increase in read-out speed, along with the ability to shoot 5x slow motion at up to 120fps in full HD. The camcorder can also record high-resolution 4K without binning.
The 12x f/2.8-4.5 optical zoom lens increases to 18x when shooting in 4K and to 24x in HD, and consists of an aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to eliminate spherical aberration and improve color accuracy. The lens can focus as close as 10mm in its widest setting, and 1 meter at its telephoto setting. It accepts 62mm filters and has an on/oft image stabilizer using lens shift technology.
The 4K picture performance is supported with 4K QFHD XAVC Long GOP at 100Mbps; you can also choose simplified HD MPEG-2 HD (50Mbps/35Mbps).
The camera is light and ergonomically designed for broadcast use. It includes three manual, independent lens rings for smooth, natural focusing, zoom, and iris control. Full auto is also available. A multi-Interface (MI) shoe provides power, signal and coordinated on/off switching for a variety of accessories, including wireless lights, wireless microphone transceivers, and microphones.
The Z150 offers multiple connectivity options, including 3G-SDI, HDMI, Multi-Micro USB, pro audio XLR, Re-Mote and Composite RCA terminals, and dual media slots for SDXC/SDHC cards. It has advanced networking capabilities so you can transfer FTP files directly from the camcorder or live-stream via built-in Wi-Fi. QoS, a proprietary Sony technology, is said to dramatically improve clarity via wireless connections. You can also remotely control the camcorder via a smartphone or tablet via Sony’s Content Browser Mobile app.
Other features include built-in ND optical filters, a shutter speed range of 1/8-1/10,000 sec, variable gain to -3 to 33dB, selectable gamma curve, a built-in, omni-directional stereo electret condenser mic, and a stereo mini-minijack.
The Sony PXW-Z150 will be available from Adorama for .
