Sony Professional Camcorder Family Guide
Introduction to Sony's Professional Video Solutions
This document provides an overview of Sony's professional camcorder lineup, highlighting key technologies like XAVC and XDCAM, and detailing the specifications and features of various camera models.
XAVC and XDCAM Workflow Support
Sony's professional camcorders utilize advanced recording formats such as XAVC (Intra and Long GOP) and XDCAM, offering high-quality video capture and efficient workflows. These formats are supported by a wide range of Non-Linear Editing (NLE) software from leading providers.
XAVC Format Overview
XAVC is a versatile recording format that supports high-resolution, high-frame rate, and deep color. It includes variations like XAVC Intra, XAVC Long GOP, and XAVC S, catering to different production needs.
XDCAM Workflow
XDCAM offers a robust workflow for professional broadcasting and production, often utilizing network connectivity for efficient content transfer and management.
NLE Software Compatibility
| Software | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Premiere Pro CC | 2017 | |
| EDIUS PRO | 8.52 | |
| Avid Media Composer | 8.9.1 | nablet XAVC XDCAM AMA v4.5.1 |
| Apple FCP-X | 10.3.4 | Pro Video Formats v2.0.5 |
| Calibrated Software | Calibrated {Q} MXF Import, AVC-Intra Create / AVC-LG Create | |
| MAGIX Vegas Pro | 15 | |
| Autodesk Flame Premium | 2018 |
Catalyst Production Suite
Sony's Catalyst Browse, Prepare, and Edit software (v2017.2) provides tools for media management, preparation, and editing, supporting XAVC and other formats.
Professional Camcorder Series
PXW-FX9 / FX9K
The PXW-FX9 is a 6K full-frame camera featuring advanced autofocus, S-Cinetone™ color science, and dual-native ISO (800/4000). It offers high-quality recording options including 4:2:2 10-bit QFHD at 60fps.
Key Features:
- Full-frame 6K Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Fast Hybrid AF system (561 phase-detection points, 94% coverage)
- S-Cinetone™ color profile
- Dual Native ISO: 800 / 4000
- Recording formats: XAVC Intra, XAVC Long MPEG HD422, XAVC Long MPEG HD420
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: DCI 4K (4096x2160), QFHD (3840x2160) up to 60p, HD up to 120fps (with XDCA-FX9)
- Audio: LPCM 4-channel, 24-bit/48kHz
Optional XDCA-FX9 extension unit enables 16-bit RAW output.
PXW-FS5M2 / FS5M2K
The PXW-FS5M2 is a compact Super 35mm 4K camcorder offering high-speed shooting capabilities and HDR recording with S-Log2/S-Log3. It supports 4K 120fps and 2K 240fps RAW recording.
Key Features:
- Super 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor
- 4K 120fps / 2K 240fps RAW recording capability
- HDR recording with S-Log2/S-Log3
- Recording formats: XAVC Long MPEG HD422, MPEG HD420, AVCHD, RAW
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (3840x2160) up to 60p, HD up to 240fps
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 24-bit/48kHz (XAVC Long), LPCM 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz / Dolby Digital 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz (AVCHD)
Compatible with Sony E-mount lenses, including via LA-EA4 adapter.
PXW-FS7M2 / FS7M2K
The PXW-FS7M2 is a Super 35mm 4K camcorder designed for professional filmmaking, featuring a new electronic variable ND filter and improved lens mount. It supports 4K 60fps (4:2:2 10-bit) and Full HD 180fps.
Key Features:
- Super 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor
- Electronic Variable ND filter
- 4K 60fps (4:2:2 10-bit) and Full HD 180fps recording
- Recording formats: XAVC Intra, XAVC Long MPEG HD422, RAW (with XDCA-FS7)
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (4096x2160) up to 60p, HD up to 180fps
- Audio: LPCM 4-channel, 24-bit/48kHz
Optional XDCA-FS7 extension unit provides additional connectivity and RAW output.
PXW-Z280
The PXW-Z280 is a 4K XDCAM camcorder featuring a 1/2-inch 3CMOS sensor, advanced autofocus, and HDR capabilities (HLG, S-Log3). It offers 4K 4:2:2 10-bit recording.
Key Features:
- 1/2-inch 3CMOS sensor
- 4K XDCAM recording
- 4K 4:2:2 10-bit recording at 59.94p/50p
- HDR support: Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), S-Log3
- Face Priority AF and Face Only AF
- Recording formats: XAVC Intra, XAVC Long MPEG HD422, MPEG HD420, DVCAM
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (3840x2160) up to 59.94p/50p, HD up to 59.94p/50p
- Audio: LPCM 4-channel, 24-bit/48kHz
PXW-Z190
The PXW-Z190 is a 4K XDCAM camcorder equipped with a 1/3-inch 3CMOS sensor, offering 4K 50p/60p recording and 4:2:2 10-bit HD. It supports wireless networking via optional dongles.
Key Features:
- 1/3-inch Exmor R 3CMOS sensor
- 4K XDCAM recording
- 4K 50p/60p and HD 4:2:2 10-bit recording
- Supports MPEG 2 HD
- Recording formats: XAVC-L, MPEG HD422, MPEG HD420, DVCAM (MXF)
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (3840x2160) up to 59.94p/50p, HD up to 59.94p/50p
- Audio: LPCM 4-channel, 24-bit/48kHz
Optional CBKZ-SLNW1 and CBKZ-SLMP provide wireless and MPEG HD capabilities.
HXR-NX5R
The HXR-NX5R is a Full-HD camcorder featuring a 1/2.8-inch Exmor R 3CMOS sensor and advanced networking capabilities, including 3G-SDI and Wi-Fi.
Key Features:
- 1/2.8-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Full-HD recording
- Supports XAVC S, AVCHD, DV formats
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 1920x1080 up to 60p/60i
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz
- Connectivity: 3G-SDI, Wi-Fi
HXR-MC88
The HXR-MC88 is a compact Full-HD camcorder featuring a 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor and advanced autofocus capabilities.
Key Features:
- 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- Full-HD recording
- Supports AVCHD format
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 1920x1080 up to 60p/60i
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz / Dolby Digital 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz
HXR-NX200
The HXR-NX200 is a 4K camcorder with a 1.0-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, offering 4K and Full-HD recording with low-light performance.
Key Features:
- 1.0-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor
- 4K and Full-HD recording
- Supports XAVC S, AVCHD, DV formats
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (3840x2160) up to 50p, HD up to 50p
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz
HXR-NX100
The HXR-NX100 is a compact Full-HD camcorder featuring a 1.0-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, offering versatile recording options and excellent low-light performance.
Key Features:
- 1.0-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Full-HD recording
- Supports XAVC S, AVCHD, DV formats
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 1920x1080 up to 60p/60i
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz
- ND Filters: Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
PXW-Z90 / HXR-NX80
The PXW-Z90 and HXR-NX80 are compact 4K XDCAM camcorders featuring a 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, fast autofocus, and HDR capabilities (HLG, S-Log2/S-Log3).
Key Features (PXW-Z90):
- 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- 4K XAVC QFHD and XAVC HD recording
- 120fps Full HD XAVC 10-bit 4:2:2 recording
- HDR: HLG Gamma, S-Log2, S-Log3
- Recording formats: XAVC QFHD, XAVC HD, MPEG HD422, MPEG HD420, AVCHD
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (3840x2160) up to 60p, HD up to 120p
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 24-bit/48kHz
Key Features (HXR-NX80):
- 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- 4K XAVC S 4K recording
- HDR: HLG Gamma, S-Log2, S-Log3
- Recording formats: XAVC S 4K, XAVC S HD, AVCHD
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (3840x2160) up to 60p, HD up to 120p
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz / Dolby Digital 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz
PXW-Z150
The PXW-Z150 is a compact 4K XDCAM camcorder featuring a 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, offering versatile recording options, including 120fps Full HD and 5x optical zoom.
Key Features:
- 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- 4K XDCAM recording
- 120fps Full HD and 5x optical zoom
- Recording formats: XAVC Long MPEG HD422, MPEG HD420, AVCHD
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 4K (3840x2160) up to 60p, HD up to 120p
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 24-bit/48kHz
- Connectivity: 3G-SDI, FTP, QoS
HXR-MC2500
The HXR-MC2500 is an entry-level HD/SD camcorder with a 1/4-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, featuring SteadyShot™ Active stabilization and AVCHD/DV recording.
Key Features:
- 1/4-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor
- HD/SD recording
- Supports AVCHD, DV formats
- Resolutions/Frame Rates: 1920x1080 up to 60p/60i, 720x576 up to 50p/50i
- Audio: LPCM 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz / Dolby Digital 2-channel, 16-bit/48kHz
- Stabilization: SteadyShot™ Active
Switchers and Accessories
MCX-500 Multi-Camera Live Production Switcher
The MCX-500 is a compact, all-in-one live production switcher designed for multi-camera events. It supports up to 9 inputs, including SDI, HDMI, and CVBS, and offers features like PGM/PVW display and tally output.
It can be controlled remotely via the RM-30BP remote control unit.
RM-30BP Remote Control
The RM-30BP is a remote control unit for Sony switchers like the MCX-500, offering LANC control and tally functionality.
PMW-PZ1 4K SxS Deck
The PMW-PZ1 is a 4K SxS deck that supports playback of various formats including XAVC-Intra, XAVC-Long, XAVC-S-Long, and XDCAM MPEG. It features USB, HDMI, and 3G/HD-SDI connectivity.
Supported Formats:
- 4K XAVC-Intra (Class480, Class300)
- 4K XAVC-Intra QFHD
- XAVC-Long (.MXF)
- XAVC-S-Long (.MP4)
- 2K XAVC-Intra Class100
- XDCAM MPEG-422 / MPEG-420
- XDCAM EX MPEG-420
Memory Media
Sony offers a range of memory media for its professional cameras, including SxS cards (SxS Pro X, SxS Pro+, SxS-1) and XQD cards (XQD-G series). These media support high transfer speeds crucial for high-bitrate recording formats like XAVC Intra.
Media Types:
- SxS Pro X (SBP-120/240): Up to 1250Mb/s
- SxS Pro+ (SBP-64): Up to 440Mb/s
- SxS-1 (SBS-32G1/64G1/128G1): Up to 440Mb/s
- XQD-G Series (XQD-G32/G64/G120/G240): Up to 440MB/s
These cards are compatible with various recording formats like XAVC Intra 422 and XAVC Long 420.
Wireless Microphones (UWP-D Series)
The UWP-D series wireless microphone systems (UWP-D21, D22, D26) offer digital audio transmission with DSP and FM modulation for reliable wireless audio capture. They are compatible with Sony camcorders via MI (Multi-Interface) Shoe.
URX-P03D receiver is also available for UWP systems.
Lenses
Sony offers professional cinema lenses designed for its camcorders, including:
- FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G: A wide-angle cinema zoom lens with a T3.1 aperture.
- FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM: A G Master series wide-angle zoom lens with F2.8 aperture.
- FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM: A G Master series standard zoom lens with F2.8 aperture and Direct Drive SSM autofocus.
Other Accessories
The catalog also lists various accessories such as Wi-Fi/3G/4G/LTE dongles (CBK-WA100, CBK-WA02, IFU-WLM3), remote controls (RM-1BP, RM-VPR1, RM-30BP), lighting (HVL-LBPC, HVL-LEIR1, HVL-LE1), batteries (NP-F series, BP-U series), and media adapters (MEAD-SD02, QDA-EX1).
