Sony’s Camcorders have always been excellent for news gathering and now the company has released two new models with AI-based subject recognition autofocus, tracking and auto framing.
The new 4K NXCAM HXR-NX800 and XDCAM PXW-Z200 have a newly designed 20x optical zoom lens, a variable neutral-density (ND) filter, and assignable lens ring.
“The new HXR-NX800 and PXW-Z200 build upon Sony’s rich legacy and expertise in broadcast and production and marries it with the latest transformative technology trends including AI and all in one streaming,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics.
“As we continue to strengthen our portfolio, we’re pleased to combine some of our most sought-after and beneficial features into a handheld form factor to accommodate professionals at all levels with the options and capabilities to make their work more impactful, visually appealing, and efficient.”
The HXR-NX800 and PXW-Z200 are expected to be available next month (September 2024) for a suggested retail price of A$6,250 (NX800) and A$7,550 (Z200).
It’s amazing how impressive the image quality is from these cameras given the small sensors. The NX800 and PXW-Z200 use a 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS stacked sensor that still provides high-sensitivity and low-noise capability. When you combine AI subject recognition, auto focus (AF), and support for 4K 60p/120p recording, you have a camera that can handle more tasks automatically. The cameras also feature a BIONZ XR image processing engine and a specialised AI-processing unit for accurate, real-time recognition, tracking, and framing of subjects.
One of the best features is auto-ND. The Electronic Variable ND Filter enables users to toggle between 1/4 to 1/128 density and when in auto mode the operator can leave their settings in place while moving quickly between indoor and outdoor environments.
The cameras are equipped with Sony’s G Lens with a newly designed optical 20x power zoom that covers 24mm wide angle to 480mm telephoto and a maximum aperture of F2.8-F4.5. The models can achieve 30x (4K) and 40x (HD) zoom with no noise using Sony’s Clear Image Zoom technology.
There are two rings for focus and zoom and two dials for IRIS/ND Variable are located side-by-side, for ease of use. Twelve assignable buttons provide further customisation. Active mode combines electronic correction with optical image stabilisation to provide smoother shots on the run.
Both cameras feature a newly designed foldable viewfinder, a removable microphone holder, and a foldable 3.5-inch LCD monitor that allows users to check images and focus in bright environments. The new models are compact and lightweight (HXR-NX800: approximately 1.93 kg (4 lb 4.1 oz.), PXW-Z200: approximately 1.96 kg (4 lb 5.1 oz)).
The NX800 and Z200 integrate nicely into Sony’s ecosystem. Presets like S-Cinetone ITU709, 709tone, HLG Live, HLG Mild and HLG Natural, can be easily adjusted to colour match the footage captured on Sony’s other broadcast, Cinema Line, and Alpha cameras.
Recording formats include XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC SI, and XAVC HS Proxy (up to 16 Mbps). The PXW-Z200 will also support XAVC (MXF) recording through a future firmware update expected in 2025.
The cameras include a range or I/O including HDMI Type A, USB Type-C LAN, and REMOTE terminals. The PXW-Z200 supports SDI (12G, 6G, 3G [Level A/B], HD) input/output, and TC input/output. Connecting the cameras to a network, like Wi-Fi, enables live streaming of recorded footage to streaming services and video sites via RTMP/RTMPS or SRT.
File transfer options include HEVC (H.265) and AVC (H.264) codecs, automatic upload to the cloud or an FTP server, and the ability for proxy chunk for high-quality and secure file transfer. Combined 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, including the camera linking cloud service, C3 Portal (paid service), XDCAM pocket, and the cloud broadcast system, M2 Live.
We’ll have a Z200 to test very shortly.