Sony has introduced three new 4K HDR1 camcorders—the XDCAM PXW-Z90, the NXCAM HXR-NX80, and the Handycam FDR-AX700—all featuring Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF system.

Source: Sony. Sony launches new 4K HDR camcorders.

These compact camcorders all share the same fast and dependable autofocus system, designed specifically for their 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor. This allows them to capture high-quality footage with excellent clarity and offer a variety of shooting options. These new models streamline professional video production with instant HDR workflow, enabling the creation of HDR content with minimal post-production.

The Fast Hybrid AF system utilizes 273 phase-detection autofocus points, strategically covering around 84% of the image area, to achieve highly precise focus and subject tracking. This extensive autofocus coverage, combined with a newly developed AF algorithm, greatly minimizes focusing challenges, especially when shooting 4K2 video, which demands pinpoint accuracy.

When recording movies, the camcorder displays phase-detection AF frames to clearly indicate the focus area, allowing users to easily monitor the focus on their subject. The new models are equipped with a high-resolution OLED viewfinder (0.39-type OLED, 2,359k dots) and a sizable 3.5-type LCD screen (1,555k dots). Users can also customize the AF drive speed, tracking depth range, and subject switching sensitivity.

The new camcorders offer 4K HDR1 recording using HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), which provides an Instant HDR workflow. This simplifies post-production, allowing users to effortlessly generate high-quality HDR content without the need for color grading, a process that usually requires specialized skills and expertise. These models come equipped with:

• 4K2 full-pixel readout without pixel binning for exceptional image quality using an upgraded BIONZ X image processing engine
• Super Slow Motion3 recording up to 960fps4, the highest among palm-sized camcorders, as well as Slow & Quick Motion5 Full HD recording up to 120fps6
• S-Log3/S-Gamut3 features for professional color grading
• 29mm7 wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens and 18x Clear Image Zoom8 for versatile framing
• Significantly reduced image distortion, also known as the rolling shutter phenomenon, compared to traditional models, especially when filming moving objects

These new camcorders offer dual memory card slots, enabling features like proxy recording, relay recording, and simultaneous backup recording for greater workflow efficiency. They also support multi-camera operation thanks to their TC (time code)/UB (user bit) capabilities. For enhanced operability, they come equipped with REMOTE terminals, multi-interface shoes, and HDMI type A connectors.

“We are dedicated to providing our customers, whether they are journalists covering breaking news or freelancers on tight deadlines, with the tools to tell captivating stories,” stated Hiroyuki Takahama, Assistant General Manager, Content Creation Solutions Marketing, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong Kong. “Our new palm camcorders achieve precisely that. By minimizing the effort needed to maintain focus and streamlining post-production, we empower users to concentrate on their strength—storytelling.”

The XDCAM PXW-Z90 and NXCAM HXR-NX80 include additional features such as dual XLR audio inputs for professional sound recording, a detachable handle for comfortable handling, and compatibility with Content Browser Mobile, a smartphone application for Wi-Fi monitoring, remote control, and wireless timecode synchronization9 between multiple cameras.

Specifically designed for broadcast applications, the PXW-Z90 boasts features like XAVC format recording, offering high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit (HD) and 4:2:0 8-bit (QFHD) recordings, in addition to standard MPEG2HD9 broadcast-quality recording; a 3G SDI connector for seamless integration with existing broadcast infrastructure; and networking features such as compatibility with XDCAM air, Sony’s cloud-based ENG subscription service, to support newsgathering workflows.

The NXCAM HXR-NX80 and Handycam FDR-AX700 utilize XAVC S10 recording, a consumer-oriented version of the XAVC format, to capture high-definition 4K video.

The XDCAM PXW-Z90 and NXCAM HXR-NX80 are scheduled for release in December 2017, while the Handycam FDR-AX700 is expected to launch in October 2017.

1 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.

For the FDR-AX700 and HXR-NX80: Connect to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR movies is required.

For the PXW-Z90: Connect to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a HDMI cable and TV setting change required when displaying HDR movies.

2 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.

3 4K recording is not available. Sound cannot be recorded. A class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required.

4 960fps in NTSC, 1000fps in PAL.

5 Sound cannot be recorded. A UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC memory card is required.

6 120fps in NTSC, 100fps in PAL.

7 35mm equivalent.

8 18x(4K), 24x(HD).

9 Optional licenses required.

10 A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps.