Sony PXW-X200 XDCAM XAVC HD422 Handheld Camcorder with 17x Zoom Lens

The Sony PXW-X200 XDCM XAVC Camcorder uses three 1/2 inch-type CMOS sensors and MPEG HD422 (50 Mbps) recording capability which results in high-quality Full HD resolution pictures without pixel interpolation, high sensitivity, low noise and a wide dynamic range. It is optimized for professionals shooting under challenging lighting conditions in applications ranging from news-gathering, broadcast productions and documentaries, to events, weddings, education, corporate productions, and more.

The camera also includes new wireless/NFC (Near Field Communication) functions, live streaming audio and video, two SxS media card slots for Simultaneous Recording, a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, and GPS data recording.*

Features:

• High Picture Quality from 1/2 inch-type Exmor 3CMOS Sensor
• 17x optical zoom lens with manual control rings
• Wireless streaming and file transfer functions
• Multi-format support including high-quality XAVC and MPEG HD422
• Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe for connecting accessories such as lights and mics
• GPS data recording as Metadata
• 3G-SDI Interface for 1080/59.94P, 50P output of full HD uncompressed signal
• Slow & Quick Motion function (available for XAVC Intra, XAVC Long GOP, MPEG HD422 & MPEG HD420)

* A firmware update is required to activate these functions.

Sensor & Recording

The three 1/2" style Full HD Exmore CMOS sensors provide the PXW-X200 with a high sensitivity range of F12 at 1080/59.94o and F13 at 1080/50i. This sensitivity should boost your image capture abilities in challenging lighting situations.

The PXW-X200 supports not only MPEG HD422 50Mbps in MXF (Material eXchange Format), which is widely accepted by major broadcasters worldwide, but also XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP codecs. XAVC technology is based on the H.264 standard, which provides an exceptional performance compression technology. XAVC Intra (frame) compression means that every frame is encoded independent of the other frames - providing a better quality picture, without compromises. With a Long GOP codec, only certain frames are encoded individually. This allows the codec to squeeze the video into a much smaller bitrate than Intra technology. Sony states the main benefit is faster ingest and editing.

XAVC Long GOP files also require less storage space than XAVC Intra files, providing budget savings on recording media. The XAVC codec adopts 4:2:2 10-bit sampling for high definition recording with rich grading expression.

17x Optical Zoom Lens

The included 17x optical zoom lens for the Sony PXW-X200 is able to zoom from 29.3mm to 499mm (35mm equivalent). It has three independent control rings with end-stops, which allows manual control of focus, zoom and iris.

An 8-pin lens remote connector is located on the lens grip. This enables you to use third-party controlers such as Libec, VariZoom, and Bebbob.

Dual SxS Media Slots

The PXW-X200 is equipped with two SxS memory card slots. The camcorder is compatible with SxS PRO+, SxS-1 memory cards. Also, SDXC** and SDHC** cards can be used with the optional adapter MEAD-SD02. If you prefer an XQD** card you will need the optional adapter QDA-EX1. Two media slots can record in either Simultaneous or Relay Mode. Simultaneous Mode** permits recording the same content to two memory cards at the same time, while Relay Mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full.

** Some selected recording mode and salvage feature are not supported.

SDI, HDMI, and iLINK

The SDI interface allows the PXW-X200 to interface with third-party, professional products and other Sony products. The SDI connector is 3F, HD, and SD switchable in all its outputs. A simple signal convesion function exists to output for monitoring while the camcorder is set to 1080/59.94P, 50P.

You can also connect via HDMI to HD displays to perform your monitoring. 

The iLINK connector can be used for HDV when SP 1440 (FAT) mode is selected and for DV when DVCAM (FAT) mode is selected.

NOTE: Not all products with iLINK will connect with each other. Please refer to documentation provided with your device with an i.LINK connector for details.

Cache Recording

Once activated, the PXW-X200 continuously records audio and video into its internal memory. When the REC START/STOP button is pressed, content buffered in the camcorder's memory is recorded onto the memory card at the start of the recording clip. The caching period can be set at up to 15 seconds. This function is useful when shooting a developing situation such as at a live event or when news gathering. In this manner, you will not miss a critical moment.

Wireless Streaming & File Transfer

Users can attach the supplied Wireless LAN module to activate the wireless function on the PXW-X200. If you connect with separately sold internet routers, then proxy or high-resolution files can be transferred to a cloud server. In this manner, the editing process can be started while location shooting continues.

The PXW-X200 also has a streaming capability. By attaching a separately sold LTE USB module, live video and audio can be streamed, watched, and recorded at a remote location***.

Packet loss during streaming can degrade image quality, cause image freezing and disrupt the audio. The PXW-X200 camera uses Sony's unique QoS (Quality of Service) technology to maintain video and audio integrity during transmission. Users can be confident of high-quality streaming without concerning themselves with bandwidth settings and other technical issues. In particular, the Sony's QoS live streaming technology includes Real-time ARQ (automatic repeat request), adaptive rate control (ARC) and forward error correction (FEC). To further enhance this, add the optional PWS-100rX1 Network Rx Station which features original Sony algorithms that automatically adjust bandwidths and buffer sizes to match the characteristics of the wireless transmission. 

A Near Field Communication (NFC) function allows easy, one-touch wireless LAN connection to a smartphone or tablet device without manual setting of the network parameters.NFC allows close-range wireless communication between the PXW-X200 and an NFC-equipped smartphone or tablet device.  A Content Browser Mobile**** application enables users to monitor the currently shot video and to wirelessly control camcorder settings such as focus, zoom, iris, white balance, REC START/STOP, and more.

*** A firmware upgrade to the latest version is required to activate these functions.
**** This application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store.

Proxy Recording on SD Card

The PXW-X200 can record proxy video H.264 on an SD card.Proxy video files are generated separately from the main line recording and recorded to SD cards for quick sharing of content over low-bandwidth mobile networks. Change your resolution and bitrate of proxy video to create a more flexible workflow. Proxy files are recorded in MP4 format for better compatibility with broadcast systems. 

• Video - AVC/H.264 Main Profile, 4:2:0, MP4
• Audio - AAC-LC, 2ch, 48KHz, 128kbps

Multi Interface Shoe

A Multi Interface Shoe (MI Shoe) is provided with the PXW-X00. This MI Shoe features an electric interface in its mechanical attachment which allows the camcorder to communicate with an attached accessory. Accessories attached to the MI Shoe can be controlled by the camcorder.

You may use a MI Shoe connection with the optional adapter SMAD-P3, the audio signal from a UWP-D series wireless microphone package can be input from the wireless microphone receiver to the PXW-X200 without an XLR cable. Power can be supplied from the PXW-X200 to the receiver and a battery is not required for the receiver operation. When the battery is attached to the LED video light HVL-LBPC, the light can be switched on and off from the camcorder which syncs with recording trigger.

Be sure to upgrade your firmware to access all the latest functions of the camera and its accessories.

Timecode & Genlock

The PXW-X200 is equipped with timecode input/output (selectable) and genlock input interfaces. These interfaces improve your metadata when shooting with multiple camcorders. Video signal timing and timecode can be synchronized among the camcorders to improve your post production workflow.

Free Clip Management

Sony offersa free clip softare management tool for both PC & Mac called Catalyst Browse. It supports Sony professional formats. You can review footage on location, add metadata, and review color corrections. If you prefer a more complex tool, Sony offers a paid upgrade option to the advanced Catalyst Prepare media preparation tool.