Sony has debuted its latest XDCAM camcorder.
Designed to enhance operational efficiency for newsgathering and production, the PXW-Z300 features a new articulating Flexible LCD Arm,17x optical zoom lens with F1.9 constant maximum aperture and three independent manual control rings, optical zoom lens and Electronic Variable ND filter that adjusts transmission from 1/4 to 1/128. A digital extender function allows users to achieve 1.5x zoom in 4K mode and up to 4x zoom in HD mode. Smartphones or data transmitters can be securely attached with a Side V-mount, said Sony.
AI-driven subject recognition enables precise autofocus performance and provides high precision human subject recognition based on face, eye, skeletal structure and posture. The system is able to maintain autofocus even when subjects are facing away from the camera or wearing facial coverings, said the company. An auto-framing facility ensures subjects are centred in the frame.
The 1/2-inch back-illuminated 4K 3-CMOS Exmor R sensors and the BIONZ XR image processing engine provide colour separation, F12 sensitivity, and 4K 60p recording.
To meet growing demand for content authenticity, the PXW-Z300 embeds Digital signatures directly into video files, which, said Sony, makes it the first camcorder in the world to provide the facility.
Improved communication device integration provides enhanced network functionality to support 5G production workflows and cloud technologies, enabling live streaming from shooting locations and network file transfer. The camera supports the HEVC codec and can transfer clips in chunk format during shooting, eliminating the need to remove media and transfer material after shooting. Common streaming protocols including RTMP/RTMPS and SRT are supported.
Utilising cloud services such as Ci Media Cloud, the PXW-Z300 enhances collaboration across production workflows and live streaming with multiple cameras when combined with Sony’s M2 Live Cloud Switcher, added the company.
Various recording formats designed for a wide range of applications are supported, including news footage and documentaries. The camera offers standard support for MXF file recording in formats adopted by the XDCAM series, such as MPEG HD422, XAVC Intra (4K/HD 4:2:2 10bit), and XAVC Long (4K 4:2:0 8bit/HD 4:2:2 10bit), as well as MP4 proxy recording in HEVC, said Sony.
Up to four channels of audio can be recorded, including shotgun microphones and Sony’s UWP-series of wireless microphones, via XLR inputs and the Multi Interface shoe. Future support will provide proxy 4-channel audio recording.
Anthony Kable, CCS group manager, Sony Australia, commented, “This latest camcorder has new enhancements, including content authenticity capabilities, that will be very beneficial for those in the news and production industry, whether they’re capturing action-packed content, breaking stories, or producing educational documentaries.”
