NAB 2018: Sony Announces PXW-Z190 and PXW-Z280 4K Camcorders
Vlady Radev
April 9, 2018
Alongside the
FS5 II announcement
, at their official NAB 2018 press conference in Las Vegas earlier today, Sony have also unveiled two new smaller camcorders – the
PXW-Z190
and
PXW-Z280
. Even though the new arrivals both shoot 4K video at 50p/60p and have identical design and form factor, their internals seem to be a bit different.
While the PXW-Z190 comes equipped with three 1/3″-type CMOS sensors, the PXW-Z280 sports a brand new 1/2″-type Exmor R CMOS image sensor which according to Sony, makes the Z280 the world’s first 4K 3-chip camcorder. Additionally, both cameras feature Sony’s electronic variable ND system, but unlike the PXW-Z-190 that records 4K video at up to 60p in 4:2:0 8-bit, the Z280 is capable of shooting 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 video at up to 60fps.
Beyond that, the PXW-Z190 supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) which allows users to shoot and deliver footage compatible with both HDR (high dynamic range) and SDR (standard dynamic range). The unit can also capture both 4K and HD video simultaneously.
The camera records in XAVC-Long, MPEG HD, DVCAM, Proxy 1080i up to 9Mbps, and in MPEG2 HD422 (with optional license) to SD cards. The PXW-Z190 also features built-in 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and has a 25x optical zoom lens and face detection autofocus feature.
Sony PXW-Z190 Highlights
Three 1/3″ Exmor R CMOS Sensors
4K 60p Recording
Integrated 25x Sony G Optical Zoom Lens
Electronic Variable ND Filter
Optional MPEG HD License
Supports HLG for an HDR Workflow
Optional Simultaneous 4K/HD Recording
Built-In 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
Price: $4,000
The Sony PXW-Z280, on the other hand, captures 4K at up to 60p relying on three 1/2″ Exmor R sensors that provide improved low-light capability when compared to standard sensors. It also supports XAVC Intra/Long, MPEG HD422/MPEG HD, and DVCAM codecs while recording to SxS or SD cards. Unlike the PXW-190, the bigger counterpart supports S-Log 3 and can output 4K 60p via the built-in 12G-SDI output.
The camera also integrates a 17x optical zoom lens and an electronic variable ND filter and has three independent rings for focus, iris and zoom, so you can control everything manually thus eliminating the necessity to switch between different controls.
Sony PXW-Z280 Highlights
Three 1/2″ Exmor R CMOS Sensors
4K 60p Recording
Integrated 17x Optical Zoom Lens
Electronic Variable ND Filter
Supports XAVC Intra/Long, MPEG HD, DVCAM
Supports S-Log 3
Supports HLG for an HDR Workflow
Simultaneous 4K/HD Recording
12G-SDI Output Supports 4K 60p
Built-In 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
Price: $6,950
The Sony PXW-Z190 release is scheduled for September 2018 whereas the PXW-Z-280 should be available in July 2018 selling for $4,000 and $6,950 respectively.
[source:
Sony
]
B&H Pre-Order Links:
Sony PXW-Z190 4K 3-CMOS 1/3″ Sensor XDCAM Camcorder
Sony PXW-Z280 4K 3-CMOS 1/2″ Sensor XDCAM Camcorder
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About The Author
Vlady is extremely passionate about the latest technology in the world of 4K cameras, 4K workflows, 4K delivery, and beyond. He is an independent filmmaker who shot his first micro-budget feature film back in 2010. Before contributing to 4K Shooters, he has also been working on a variety of creative projects in the niche.
