Sony PXW-Z280 4K XDCAM Camcorder
Redefines Handheld Production Image Quality and Workflow
World-leading handheld 4K 50p/60p* performance
The PXW-Z280 features an all-new 4K 3CMOS 1/2-type sensor, delivering a deep depth of field, high resolution, and high sensitivity (F12 at 59.94p). Its wide dynamic range and 4K 4:2:2 10-bit recording provide vivid imagery and delicate color gradation. (*59.94p)
Image of the Sony PXW-Z280 camcorder.
Instant HDR workflow
Shoot, edit, and view HDR content in HLG without the need for additional color grading. The camcorder supports Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording, enabling easy file-based workflows while achieving HDR image quality alongside S-Log3. This simplifies post-production for HDR content.
Built-in electronic variable ND filters
Sony's electronic variable ND filters allow for fast, agile shooting in varying light conditions, from shadows to bright sunlight. Unlike conventional optical ND filters, the PXW-Z280's electronic ND filter can be controlled linearly from 1/4ND to 1/128ND, with a fully auto option. Users can also manually adjust Depth of Field using the iris lens ring while maintaining constant exposure without changing gain or shutter speed.
17x professional zoom lens
Equipped with a 17x optical servo/manual zoom lens, the PXW-Z280 offers a focal range from 30.3mm to 515mm (35mm equivalent). The 1/2-inch type lens features three independent control rings with end-stops for precise manual control of focus, zoom, and iris. An HD mode allows picture enlargement without degradation, and sensor cropping extends the zoom equivalent to 34x.
Face Detection Autofocus (AF)
This feature is crucial for demanding 4K shooting, such as interviews or lectures, ensuring a specific subject remains in pin-sharp focus automatically.
Diagram illustrating Face Detection AF, showing three faces with focus indicators.
Revolutionary networking capabilities
Leveraging Sony's cloud-based ENG service, “XDCAM air,” the camcorder uses Quality of Service (QoS) for live distribution of high-quality broadcast content via a Dual Link connection (two cellular networks). It supports Planning Metadata, browsing, and clip retrieval from remote broadcast stations via the cloud. An integrated Wi-Fi module and Ethernet connector enable hybrid wireless/wired data transfer, remote control, and monitoring from smartphones, tablets, or PCs.
The complete package for professional use
The PXW-Z280 supports advanced XAVC-Long and XAVC Intra for 4K QFHD and HD, along with MPEG HD422, MPEG HD, and DVCAM formats to suit any workflow. It accepts SxS cards and SD cards (with an adapter) as recording media. Four-channel audio recording with independent volume dials offers precise control of external audio inputs. 12G-SDI enables 4K 50p/60p transfer over a single BNC cable, and dual MI shoes allow cable-less connection with Sony's UWP-D series wireless microphone receivers and video lights.
Dual SxS media slots
The camcorder features two SxS memory card slots supporting Simul, Relay, or Back-up recording modes. Simul mode allows simultaneous recording to both cards, ideal for archival purposes. Relay mode automatically switches to the second card when the first is full, extending recording time. Back-up mode allows users to set independent Start/Stop buttons on the grip and body to control recording on different cards simultaneously.
Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mass | Approx. 2.6 kg (body); Approx. 3.0 kg (with lens hood, eyecup, BP-U30 battery, one SxS memory card) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 178.4 x 202.0 x 426.3 mm (with accessories, excluding grip belt, including projecting parts) |
| Power Requirements | DC In: 12V; Battery: 14.4 V |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 24W (LCD/EVF Off); Approx. 36W (LCD/EVF On) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) |
| Battery Operating Time | Approx. 1 hr 5 min (BP-U30), 2 hr 10 min (BP-U60), 3 hr 15 min (BP-U90) (LCD/EVF On, external device connector not used) |
| Recording Format (Video) | XAVC-I QFHD (Max. 600 Mbps), XAVC-I HD (Max. 222 Mbps), XAVC-L QFHD (150 Mbps), XAVC-L HD (50/35/25 Mbps), MPEG HD422 (50 Mbps), MPEG HD420 HQ (35 Mbps), DVCAM (25 Mbps) |
| Recording Format (Audio) | XAVC-I/L: LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels; MPEG HD422: LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels; MPEG HD420/DVCAM: LPCM 16-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels |
| Recording Frame Rate | XAVC-I QFHD: 3840x2160/59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p; XAVC-I HD: 1920x1080/59.94p, 59.94i, 50p, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P, 1280x720/59.94P, 50P; XAVC-L QFHD 150: 3840x2160/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P; XAVC-L HD 50: 1920x1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P, 1280x720/59.94P, 50P; XAVC-L HD 35: 1920x1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P; XAVC-L HD 25: 1920x1080/59.94i, 50i; MPEG HD422: 1920x1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P, 1280x720/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P; MPEG HD420 HQ: 1920x1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P, 1440x1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P, 1280x720/59.94P, 50P; DVCAM: 720x480/59.94i, 29.97PsF, 720x576/50i, 25PsF |
| Recording/Playback Time (with SBP-128GB card) | XAVC-I QFHD: Approx. 22 min; XAVC-I HD: Approx. 57 min; XAVC-L QFHD 150: Approx. 86 min; XAVC-L HD 50: Approx. 230 min; XAVC-L HD 35: Approx. 310 min; XAVC-L HD 25: Approx. 420 min; MPEG HD422: Approx. 215 min; MPEG HD420 HQ: Approx. 330 min; XAVC Proxy: Approx. 405 min |
| Lens Mount | Fixed |
| Zoom Ratio | 17x (optical), servo/manual |
| Focal Length | f=5.6 - 95.2 mm (35mm equivalent: 30.3 - 515 mm) |
| Iris | F1.9 - F16 and close |
| Focus | Auto/manual selectable |
| Image Stabilizer | On/Off selectable, shift lens |
| Filter Diameter | M77 mm, pitch 0.75mm |
| Imaging Device (Type) | 1/2 type back-illuminated Exmor R 3CMOS sensor |
| Effective Picture Elements | 3840 (H) x 2160 (V) |
| Optical System | F1.6 prism system |
| Built-in Optical Filters | ND filters OFF: CLEAR, 1/4ND, 1/16ND, 1/64ND; Linear variable ND (Approx. 1/4ND to 1/128ND) |
| Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% reflectance) | F12 (typical, 1920x1080/59.94p); F13 (typical, 1920x1080/50p); F12 (typical, 3840x2160/59.94p, High Sensitivity); F13 (typical, 3840x2160/50p, High Sensitivity) |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.0013lx (typical) |
| S/N Ratio | 63 dB (Y) (typical) |
| Horizontal Resolution | 2,000 TV lines or more (3840x2160p); 1,000 TV lines or more (1920x1080p) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/24 sec to 1/8,000 sec |
| Slow Shutter (SLS) | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 32, 64-frame accumulation |
| Slow & Quick Motion Function | XAVC Intra/Long: 2160P (1-60 fps), 1080P (1-60 fps), 720P (1-60 fps); MPEG HD422: 1080P (1-30 fps), 720P (1-60 fps); MPEG HD420 HQ: 1080P (1-30 fps), 720P (1-60 fps) |
| White Balance | Preset (3200K), Memory A, Memory B/ATW |
| Gain | -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 dB, 42dB (Turbo Gain ON), AGC |
| Gamma Curve | Selectable |
| Audio Input | XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), line/mic/mic +48 V selectable (LINE: +4, 0, -3dBu/10kΩ; MIC: -80dBu to -30dBu /3kΩ) |
| Video Output | BNC (x1), HD-Y/ HD-SYNC/Composite, 1.0Vp-p, 75Ω (switchable to Genlock in) |
| SDI Output | BNC (x1), 12G/3G/HD/SD selectable |
| Timecode Input/Output | BNC (x1) (switchable to TC out/in), 1.0Vp-p, 75Ω |
| Genlock Input | BNC (x1) (switchable to Video out), 1.0 V-p, 75Ω |
| USB | USB device (Multi/Micro USB jack x1); Host (USB 3.0/2.0 type A x1); USB 2.0 type A (x1) |
| Headphone Output | Stereo mini jack (x1), -16dBu, 16Ω |
| Speaker Output | Monaural Output: 500mW |
| DC Input | DC jack (x1) |
| Remote | Stereo mini-minijack (Φ2.5 mm) |
| HDMI Output | Type A (x1) |
| Wired LAN | RJ-45 (x1), 1000BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 10BASE-T |
| Viewfinder | 1.3 cm (0.5 type), Approx 2.36M dots |
| LCD | 8.8cm (3.5 type), Approx 1.56M dots |
| Built-in Microphone | Omni-directional stereo electret condenser microphone |
| Media Type | ExpressCard/34 slot (x2) |
| Wi-Fi/NFC | Supported format: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Frequency band: 2.4 GHz; Security: WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK; NFC: NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compliant |
Diagram showing the dimensions of the PXW-Z280 camcorder in millimeters and inches.
Available Accessories
- BP-U60/BP-U90 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack
- BC-U1A/BC-U2A Battery Charger/AC Adaptor
- UWP-D11/UWP-D12 Wireless Microphone Package
- SMAD-P3 MI Shoe Mount Adaptor (required for cable-free operation with UWP-D11/UWP-D12)
- URX-P03D UWP-D two-channel portable receiver
- SMAD-P3D MI Shoe Mount Adaptor (required for cable-free operation with URX-P03D)
- ECM-VG1 Wired Microphones
- HVL-LBPC Battery Video Light
- SBP-256E/SBP-128E SxS PRO+ Memory Cards
- SBS-128G1C/SBS-64G1C SxS-1 Memory Cards
- MEAD-SD02 SD Card Adaptor for XDCAM Series
- MCX-500 Multicamera Live Producer
- RM-30BP Remote Commander
