Sony launches the PXW-Z100 professional compact 4K camcorder

Integrated into the 4K by the Japanese multinational.

One of the stars in the booth Sony at IBC 2013 it will, without a doubt, be the new PXW-Z100 4K camcorder. With a high-performance Fika G lens compatible with 4K, this camera weighs less than 3 kilos and uses the XAVC recording format, initially used by the CineAlta PMW-F55.

Like the F55, it works at 4K (4096 x 2160, 50fps or 60fps, 4:2:2, Intra-frame, 10-bit recording in the MXF file format) and can operate at a high bit rate of 500Mbps. or 600Mbps. QFHD (3840x2160) and HD (1920x1080) resolutions can also be selected and are compatible with most 4K TVs.

The PXW-Z100 is based on the same principles as a conventional compact professional model, making it now possible to record 4K content with a device of reduced weight and dimensions. Furthermore, in editing, 4K to HD conversion offers a new possibility for HD content productions.

In this way, camera operators can offer 4K content through multiple distribution platforms, including video wall applications or large projections, capturing 4n 4K and offering images in very high HD resolution.

In parallel, Sony has also announced the new FDR-AX1 handycam at IFA 2013 for consumers who want to have 4K images. This camera records QFHD (3840 x 2160) in an XAVC S based format generating a 4:2:0, Long GOP and MP4 file format.

Main features of the PXW-Z100

• Recording at 4K (4096x2160) 50fps or 60fps. It offers high sensitivity due to its back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, even in 4K shooting. With 8.8 million effective pixels, the 1/2.3″ sensor captures 4K images at 50fps or 60fps. The attached G lens offers great shooting flexibility, including a wide angle of 30mm in 4096x2160 mode or 31.5mm in 3840x2160 and 1920x1080 modes as well as 20x optical zoom (35mm equivalent).
• Recording format XAVC 4K 50fps/60fps, 4:2:2 10 bits at 500/600Mbps, HD up to 223Mbps. The camera uses Sony's XAVC recording format, initially offered by the CineAlta 4K PMW-F55 camera. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression is used for HD (1920×1080), QFHD (3840×2016) and 4K (4096×2160) content. Image sampling is at 4:2:2 10 bits, with an intra-frame system that compresses each frame individually to a maximum rate of 500Mbps or 600Mbps during 4K 50fps or 60fps recording respectively, and 223Mbps during HD 50fps or 60fps recordings. . Sony is planning a free firmware update in mid-2014 that will allow LongGOP to be used for extended 4K recording time and support for AVCHD recording.
• Recording on XQD memory cards. This new solid-state standard uses a high-speed PCI Express interface and Sony's exclusive camera processor to enable stable video recording at 500 Mbos or 600 Mbps. The PXW-Z100 features two inputs for in relay activating the second card when the first is complete in a continuous recording without interruptions. XQD cards offer a recording speed of up to 800 Mbps. Sony recommends using the new S series cards (at 180 MB/s transfer speed, QD-S32E, QD-S64E).
• HDMI interface for 4K output and 3G HD-SDI for HD. The HDMI interface on the PXW-Z100 can output 4K as a 50fps/60fps signal. When the PXW-Z100 is connected to a 4K compatible Sony Bravia TV, the image can be displayed in 4K at 50fps/60fps. A future firmware update will offer support for the latest HDMI 2.0 standard enabling 4K 50fps/60fps output for various devices. Other features include a 3G HD-SDI interface that supports SDI output up to HD 60fps. It also supports HD output during 4K recording. Note that the camera does not have simultaneous 4K (HDMI) and HD (3G HD-SDI) output.
• Paint function. This function enables various image parameters to be adjustable, including gamma curve, black level, skin detail and color. Along with other setting options, these parameters can be saved in a user profile on the memory card itself.
• Remote control with WiFi. Focus, zoom, aperture and recording start/pause settings can be controlled remotely from a smartphone or tablet.

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