Sony is to launch a lighter, palm-sized version of its XDCAM camcorder in response to market demand, writes Adrian Pennington The PMW-100 will be available in May for around €4,000 and will capture to solid state memory including SD card, memory sticks, SxS and the new XQD format. The 1.8kg camcorder sports a new sensor design and a single 1/3-inch chip and records 50Mbps HD422. It comes with a fixed 10x zoom lens and the same battery system as other cameras in the XDCAM range. According to Bill Drummond, Sony’s strategic marketing manager, “We have shown the PMW-100 to broadcasters and they are pleased with its weight and balance. It is compatible with our larger shoulder-mounted cameras and a broadcaster’s existing workflow. Many broadcasters across Europe have standardised on 50Mbps for HD so this model offers that capability as well as the option to shoot SD but in a run and gun design.” Recording onto a 50Mbps HD422 codec is currently available on larger XDCAM shoulder-mount models including the PDW-F800, PDW-700 and the PMW-500. www.sony.co.uk/biz
