Insight into Sony's Latest Lineup of 4K Handheld Professional Video Cameras
Sony Introduces Two New 4K Handheld Camcorders for Broadcast and Content Production
Sony Electronics has unveiled two new professional 4K handheld camcorders, the NXCAM HXR-NX800 and the XDCAM PXW-Z200, designed for broadcast, corporate, faith, and education applications. These camcorders offer a blend of high-quality image capture, advanced autofocus, versatile zoom, and robust streaming features in a lightweight, handheld form factor.
Key Features and Capabilities
Both the HXR-NX800 and PXW-Z200 are equipped with a 1.0-inch-type Exmor RS CMOS stacked sensor for high sensitivity and low noise, coupled with Sony’s BIONZ XR image processor for improved accuracy and high-speed processing.
The camcorders boast a newly designed 20x Sony G optical zoom lens, complemented by Clear Image Zoom that extends to 30x in 4K and 40x in Full HD. They feature dual manual control rings (for focus and zoom) and iris and variable ND filter dials for precise exposure control.
In terms of autofocus, the camcorders leverage AI recognition capabilities and a dedicated AI chip for real-time subject recognition and high-precision autofocus with tracking, ensuring sharp focus even in fast-moving scenes. They support recording up to 4K at 120 frames per second, allowing for detailed slow-motion capture.
For stabilization, Sony’s Active Mode combines optical and electronic image stabilization, ensuring smooth handheld shooting. The camcorders also feature a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen and an OLED electronic viewfinder for versatile monitoring. Up to 12 user-defined buttons enable personalized function assignments to streamline workflows.
Connectivity and Streaming
The camcorders offer multiple I/O options, including 12G/6G/3G-SDI, HDMI-A, USB-C, LAN, and REMOTE ports. Built-in support for streaming protocols such as RTMP, RTMPS, and SRT over Wi-Fi or LAN facilitates live broadcasting or remote production.
By combining with Sony's new portable data transmitter, PDT-FP1, the two new camcorders can support higher quality streaming with the company's proprietary QoS technology and Creators' Cloud for enterprise services.
Portability and Sustainability
Both camcorders weigh just under 2 kg, making them highly portable for handheld or on-the-go usage. They are designed with eco-friendly materials like SORPLAS recycled plastic and feature accessibility functions such as voice guidance and zoomable UI.
Sony has replaced approximately 426 tons of virgin plastic in digital cameras and camcorders with recycled plastic over the past 12 years. The new camera bodies feature resin which incorporates SORPLAS, a flame-retardant recycled plastic made from up to 99% recycled material.
Summary
The HXR-NX800 and PXW-Z200 provide a comprehensive solution for professional content creators, offering high-quality image capture, advanced autofocus, versatile zoom, and robust streaming features in a compact, lightweight, and eco-friendly package.
| Feature | Sony HXR-NX800 NXCAM | Sony PXW-Z200 XDCAM | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Sensor | 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS | 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS | | Zoom Lens | 20x Sony G optical, Clear Image Zoom up to 30x in 4K | 20x Sony G optical, Clear Image Zoom up to 30x in 4K | | Autofocus | AI-powered, high-precision autofocus with tracking | AI-powered, high-precision autofocus with tracking | | Frame Rate | Up to 4K 120 fps (slow motion capable) | Up to 4K 120 fps (slow motion capable) | | Stabilization | Active Mode (optical + electronic) | Active Mode (optical + electronic) | | Display & Viewfinder | 3.5" LCD, OLED EVF | 3.5" LCD, OLED EVF | | Controls | Dual manual rings, iris & variable ND dial, 12 customizable buttons | Dual manual rings, iris & variable ND dial, 12 customizable buttons | | Recording & Color Profiles | XAVC HS/S/SI, MXF (PXW-Z200 adds proxy), S-Cinetone, HLG, ITU709, 709tone | Same as HXR-NX800 | | Connectivity & Streaming | 12G/6G/3G-SDI, HDMI-A, USB-C, LAN, RTMP/RTMPS/SRT streaming | Same as HXR-NX800 | | Weight | ~1.93 kg | ~1.96 kg |
These new camcorders, the NXCAM HXR-NX800 and the XDCAM PXW-Z200, stand out in the world of technology with their integration of cutting-edge gadgets and advanced features, including high-quality image sensor technology and AI-powered autofocus systems. The blend of these features makes them ideal for content production, appealing to professionals in various industries such as broadcast, corporate, faith, and education.
