Sony has introduced both a handheld consumer and professional camera to its product range: the FDR-AX1E and PXW-Z100 (pictured). They feature a professional-grade 1/2.33” Exmor R CMOS sensor, single HDMI connection, and record onto dual XQD media cards, making them compliant with the newest cross-manufacturer standard for solid state memory.
The professional 4K handheld camcorder features a sensor with 16 million pixels, and is able to acquire 4K content at 50p or 60p. Weighing less than 3kg, It uses the XAVC recording format first used in the PMW-F55 CineAlta camera. 4K is possible at a high bitrate of 500Mbps or 600Mbps, and QFHD (3840×2160) and HD (1920×1080) resolutions can also be selected, both of which are compatible with most 4K TVs.
“This incredible new camcorder is capable of capturing stunning 4K content, making 4K acquisition accessible to a wider range of professional users than ever before,” said Bill Drummond, strategic marketing manager, Entry Level Production. “Corporate and Event camera operators can deliver 4K today for distribution via an emerging number of 4K platforms including online, digital signage and large venue projection applications, and will be able to take advantage of the greater flexibility in post production that 4K acquisition offers when delivering in HD”.
Sony has also unveiled the new FDR-AX1 Handycam, which uses 4:2:0, Long-GOP and MP4 file format. Key features include 4K (4096×2160) 50p or 60p shooting, XAVC recording format at 4K 50p/60p, 4:2:2 10-bit at 500/600Mbps, HD at up to 223Mbps and XQD Memory Card recording. In addition, the Handycam features an HDMI interface for 4K output, an 3G HD-SDI interface for HD output and settings which can be remote controlled using the browser function of a smartphone or tablet.
