Sony PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM Camcorder

The PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM Memory Camcorder broadens professional 4K capabilities to new markets and applications beyond motion picture or high-end television production to houses of worship, educational facilities, corporate and live events.  It makes acquisition in HD, QFHD and 4K (4096x2160) more affordable and easier. 

The ergonomics of the PXW-Z100 are based on Sony's popular handheld camcorders so an upgrade to this sytem will feel familiar. With 4K recording capabilities the camera will be ready for future technologies, too.

4K (4096 x 2160) 50fps or 60fps
The camcorder provides good sensitivity due to the back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. With 8 million effective pixels, the 1/2.33" sensor captures 4K images at 50fps or 60fps. The inbuilt high-performance G Lens offers maximum shooting flexibility, including a wide angle of 29.5mm (equivalent to 35mm) and 20x powerful optical zoom.

Sony states this camera delivers impressive low-light performance.

Included 20x Lens

The sophisticated optics of Sony's 4K-rated G Lens provides a generous 20x zoom, plus a versatile 30mm wide angle. In 4K mode the lens is 35mm full frame equivalent.

XAVC Recording Format
The PXW-Z100 uses Sony’s XAVC recording format first employed in the PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K camera. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression is used for HD (1920 x 1080), QFHD (3840 x 2016) and 4K (4096 x 2160) content. Image sampling is 4:2:2 10-bit, with an intra-frame system that compresses each frame individually at a maximum bit rate of 500Mbps or 600Mbps during 4K 50fps or 60fps recording respectively and 223Mbps during HD 50fps or 60fps recording. The XAVC format is ideal for those looking to implement a high-quality, secure and worry-free workflow. A free firmware update is planned for the middle of 2014 to support the LongGOP mode for extended 4K recording time and to add support for AVCHD recording.

Also, XAVC recording is compatible with leading dailies, editing, and color correction tools. Be sure to visit the Classes & Workshops calendar to signup for upcoming color workshops to use these optional tools.

Dual Slot XQD Memory Cards
The XQD Memory Card* is a new standard of solid state memory, which was recently defined by several industry leading companies. XQD uses the ultra-fast PCI Express interface and Sony’s unique camera processor to enable stable video recording at 500Mbps or 600Mbps. The PXW-Z100 features two XQD Memory Card slots. 

The system takes advantage of the familiar PCI Express interface and a Sony developed controller to support stable recording at up to 600 Mbps. 

Multiple cards can be used in various ways, such as for relay recording. When the first card becomes full, recording continues on the second card without a break. You can even switch out the first card to another one and then switch back to it. A maximum session duration is 13 hours.(With current NLEs, spanned clips cannot be combined. Depending on NLE, audio may be discontinuous at the breaks.)

* XQD cards have a write speed of up to 800Mbps. The use of S Series cards with 180MB/s writing speed is recommended.

Microphones

High-quality audio Two XLR connectors support professional microphones such as the Sony ECM-680S and wireless microphone systems such as the UWP-V1. Use the built-in stereo microphone or the use the external XLR inputs to record two channels of 24-bit 48kHz audio.

HDMI Interface for 4K Output and 3G HD-SDI Interface for HD Output
The HDMI interface on the PXW-Z100 can output 4K as a 50fps/60fps signal. When the PXW-Z100 is connected to a Sony 4K-compatible BRAVIA TV, the recorded 4K image can be displayed in 4K 50fps/60fps quality. A future firmware upgrade is planned to provide compatibility with the new HDMI 2.0 standard and enable 4K 50fps/60fps output to a wider range of devices. Other features include a 3G HD-SDI interface that supports output to an SDI of up to HD 60fps. It also supports HD output during 4K recording.

Paint Function for Creative Freedom
The PXW-Z100’s paint function enables multiple image parameters to be adjusted including gamma curve, black level, skin detail and colour. The range of settings is similar to those in the PMW-F55. Together with other setting options, parameter settings can be recorded as a camera profile onto a memory card. The recorded camera profile can then be used to set the same parameters in another PXW-Z100 to enable the matching of quality and image tones when using a multi-camera setup.

Remote Control with WiFi
Focus, zoom, aperture settings and record start/stop can be remote controlled using the browser function of a smartphone or tablet. 

Timecode

The PXW-Z100 can provide timecode in/out so you can use multiple cameras or provided a smoother workflow for your post production team.

Focus Assist

Focus is critical on 4K content. Sony provides both autofocus and one-touch autofocus on the PXW-Z100 camcorder. In addition, Sony includes manual focus support with color peaking and focus magnifier tools.

Other Features

The PXW-Z100 is 60Hz and 50Hz system switchable.