SONY PXW-Z100 4K HANDHELD XDCAM CAMCORDER

The Sony PXW-Z100 4K Handheld XDCAM Camcorder provides professional-quality 4K recording in a familiar handheld form factor. It is capable of recording true 4K 4096×2160 resolution video at up to 50 and 60fps. Utilizing Sony’s XVAC 4:2:2 10-bit intra frame recording format, the same found in the PMW-F55 CineAlta camera, the PXW-Z100 records 4K video at a maximum bit rate of 600Mbps. The camcorder features a G lens with 20x optical zoom and three control rings, dual XQD memory card slots, and 4K HDMI and 3G/HD-SDI interfaces.

The PXW-Z100 brings 4K shooting to the hands of the single-operator. Its traditional camcorder controls and ergonomics make adding the PXW-Z100 to your existing workflow seamless. Familiar features include XLR audio, ND filters, ASSIN button, white balance presets, and gain control settings. The PXW-Z100 makes professional-quality 4K images a reality for markets and applications such as educational and corporate videos, live events, and houses of worship. An NP-F970 L-Series battery, charger, and ECM-XM1 shotgun microphone come included.

Exmor R CMOS Sensor

The PXW-Z100 provides high-sensitivity and good low-light performance due to the back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. With over 8.8 million pixels, the 1/2.3″ sensor captures 4K images at frame rates of 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, and or 59.94p.

High-Performance G Lens & Four-Stage ND Filters

The built-in, 4K optimized G lens provides a 30mm wide angle view (35mm equivalent) in 4K 4096×2160 mode or 31.5mm in QFHD 3840×2160 and Full HD 1920×1080 modes. It also offers a 20x optical zoom range and high-speed servo zoom controls. When shooting in sunny conditions, the built-in Neutral Density filters are available in clear, 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64.

XAVC Recording Format

The PXW-Z100 uses the same professional-quality XAVC recording format found in Sony’s PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K camera. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression is used to record Full HD (1920×1080), QFHD (3840×2016), and true 4K (4096×2160) content. Image sampling is 4:2:2 10-bit with intra frame recording at a maximum bit rate of 600 Mbps during 4K 60p recording, and 223 Mbps at Full HD 60p. Future upgrades are planned for 2014 to support XAVC LongGOP for extended recording time, AVCHD codec recording.

XQD Recording Media

XQD solid-state memory cards use the fast PCI Express interface to provide recording speeds up to 600 Mbps. The PXW-Z100 has two XQD slots, which can be set up in a variety of ways depending on your shooting needs. Relay recording mode will continue recording onto a second XQD card when your first card becomes full, without any break in recording. You can even replace the first card and switch back, for maximum recording sessions of 13 hours. Sony recommends their S Series XQD cards, which support transfer speeds up to 180 MB/s, for use with the PXW-Z100. The PXW-Z100 also supports Memory Stick Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

4K HDMI and 3G/HD-SDI Interfaces

The HDMI interface can output 4K as 50/60p signals and, when connected to a Sony PVM-X300 4K professional monitor or a 4K-compatible Sony BRAVIA TV, the recorded 4K image can be displayed at full 4K 50/60p quality. A future firmware update is planned to upgrade the HDMI interface from 1.4a to 2.0, enabling 4K 50/60p output to a wider range of devices. Other interfaces include 3G/HD-SDI, which outputs up to Full HD 60p signals, even during 4K recording. Simultaneous 4K HDMI and 3G/HD-SDI output in not supported.

Creative “Paint Function” for Multiple Parameter Adjustment

Adjust multiple image parameter settings using the “paint function” on the PXW-Z100, including gamma curve, black level, skin tone, detail, and color. These parameter settings can be saved as a profile onto a memory card, allowing you to use these settings in other PXW-Z100 camcorder. This is useful for matching images during multi-camera setups.

Wi-Fi Control

Remotely control focus, zoom, aperture, and record functions using the browser on your smartphone or tablet. Simply plug the supplied Wi-Fi adapter into the camcorder’s USB port to enable the wireless control feature.

XLR Audio Inputs

Two XLR inputs support the use of professional-quality microphones. A Sony ECM-XM1 shotgun microphone comes included. Use the built-in stereo microphone or the use the external XLR inputs to record two channels of 24-bit 48kHz audio.

Additional Features

One-touch auto focus

Color peaking and focus magnifier for manual focus assist

Time code input/output

60Hz and 50Hz system switchable