Sony today updated its lineup of pro and prosumer-oriented, compact palm-style 4K camcorders, adding phase-detection autofocus for the first time. The Sony XDCAM PXW-Z90, Sony NXCAM HXR-NX80, and the Sony Handycam FDR-AX700 are designed for corporate, event, broadcast news, and TV production professionals, as well as video enthusiasts who want pro-level features and quality for personal, family, travel, and creative work.
Key features:
- 4K full-pixel readout without pixel binning using an enhanced BIONZ X™ image processing engine
- Super Slow Motion recording up to 960fps, which is industry leading among palm categories and Slow & Quick Motion Full HD recording up to 120fps.
- S-Log3/S-Gamut3 capabilities for users to create and work with images as they desire.
- 29mm wide-angle ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens and 18x Clear Image Zoom
- Less image distortion (rolling shutter phenomenon), in comparison to conventional models, when shooting moving subjects in motion
Key differences between the three models
The top-line model, the Sony PXW-Z90, offers several broadcast-specific production requirements: XAVC®format recording, which 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, Sony’s cloud-based ENG subscription service.
The HXR-NX80 and FDR-AX700 adopt XAVC-S, a variation of the XAVC format, designed for consumer use. The AX700 offers a choice of XAVC-S or AVCHD recording.
Shared features
All three camcorders boast 4K video resolution and a fast hybrid AF system based on 273 phase-detection AF points covering around 84% of the shooting area. The high density of the AF points and a new AF algorithm is said to improve both speed and accuracy. In movie recording mode, the appearance of phase-detection AF frames indicates the focused area and easily allows users to monitor a subject that is in focus.
Each camcorder features a 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, 4K HDR recording with hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) that provides instant HDR workflow to create high-quality HDR content. Sony says the instant HDR Workflow streamlines the shooting, editing and viewing process for HDR content in HLG without the need for color grading in post-processing, an important feature for situations where fast turnaround is necessary. Workflow is also said to be further enhanced through proxy recording, relay recording, and simultaneous backup recording via the camcorders’ dual memory card slots. Multi-camera setups and remote operation is also supported.
The three cameras also share a high-resolution OLED viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution and a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD monitor with 1,555k dot resolution. Users can quickly switch focus from one subject to another, while the AF Drive Speed, Tracking Depth Range and Subject Switching Sensitivity can all be configured as required for different subjects and content styles.
Other features include a detachable handle, dual XLR audio inputs, remote control via Wi-Fi and smartphones, and wireless multiple camera timecode sync.
All three cameras work with the Sony MCX-500 live producer, a compact switcher designed so one person can run a multi-camera live event. With the switcher and RM-30BP controller, a Tally icon appears on each camera’s LCD panel and viewfinder. A red icon indicates when the shot is live (PGM) while Green indicates preview mode.
Pricing and availability
The Sony XDCAM PXW-Z90 will be available from Adorama for starting in December. The Sony NXCAM HXR-NX80 will cost , also available in December, and the Sony Handycam FDR-AX700 will be priced at , and will be available in late October. Adorama is not currently accepting pre-orders for these products.
