Alongside the FS5 II announcement, at their official NAB 2018 press conference in Las Vegas earlier today, Sony have also unveiled two new smaller camcorders – the PXW-Z190 and PXW-Z280. Even though the new arrivals both shoot 4K video at 50p/60p and have identical design and form factor, their internals seem to be a bit different.
While the PXW-Z190 comes equipped with three 1/3″-type CMOS sensors, the PXW-Z280 sports a brand new 1/2″-type Exmor R CMOS image sensor which according to Sony, makes the Z280 the world’s first 4K 3-chip camcorder. Additionally, both cameras feature Sony’s electronic variable ND system, but unlike the PXW-Z-190 that records 4K video at up to 60p in 4:2:0 8-bit, the Z280 is capable of shooting 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 video at up to 60fps.
Beyond that, the PXW-Z190 supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) which allows users to shoot and deliver footage compatible with both HDR (high dynamic range) and SDR (standard dynamic range). The unit can also capture both 4K and HD video simultaneously.
The camera records in XAVC-Long, MPEG HD, DVCAM, Proxy 1080i up to 9Mbps, and in MPEG2 HD422 (with optional license) to SD cards. The PXW-Z190 also features built-in 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and has a 25x optical zoom lens and face detection autofocus feature.
Sony PXW-Z190 Highlights
- Three 1/3″ Exmor R CMOS Sensors
- 4K 60p Recording
- Integrated 25x Sony G Optical Zoom Lens
- Electronic Variable ND Filter
- Optional MPEG HD License
- Supports HLG for an HDR Workflow
- Optional Simultaneous 4K/HD Recording
- Built-In 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
- Price: $4,000
The Sony PXW-Z280, on the other hand, captures 4K at up to 60p relying on three 1/2″ Exmor R sensors that provide improved low-light capability when compared to standard sensors. It also supports XAVC Intra/Long, MPEG HD422/MPEG HD, and DVCAM codecs while recording to SxS or SD cards. Unlike the PXW-190, the bigger counterpart supports S-Log 3 and can output 4K 60p via the built-in 12G-SDI output.
The camera also integrates a 17x optical zoom lens and an electronic variable ND filter and has three independent rings for focus, iris and zoom, so you can control everything manually thus eliminating the necessity to switch between different controls.
Sony PXW-Z280 Highlights
- Three 1/2″ Exmor R CMOS Sensors
- 4K 60p Recording
- Integrated 17x Optical Zoom Lens
- Electronic Variable ND Filter
- Supports XAVC Intra/Long, MPEG HD, DVCAM
- Supports S-Log 3
- Supports HLG for an HDR Workflow
- Simultaneous 4K/HD Recording
- 12G-SDI Output Supports 4K 60p
- Built-In 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
- Price: $6,950
The Sony PXW-Z190 release is scheduled for September 2018 whereas the PXW-Z-280 should be available in July 2018 selling for $4,000 and $6,950 respectively.
[source: Sony]
B&H Pre-Order Links:
Sony PXW-Z190 4K 3-CMOS 1/3″ Sensor XDCAM Camcorder
Sony PXW-Z280 4K 3-CMOS 1/2″ Sensor XDCAM Camcorder
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