At the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Sony has released three new 4K cameras. The FS5 II is an upgrade from the existing FS5 and shoots 4K HDR and 120fps in RAW and has new color science. The PXW-Z280 camcorder has 3 1/2-type Exmor R CMOS sensors outputting 4K 4:2:2 10-bit video while the PXW-Z190 compact camcorder has 3 1/3 type CMOS sensors offering 4K 50/60p footage.

The FS5 II will be available from June at $4,750, the Z280 from July at $6,950 and the Z190 from September 2018 with “pricing below $4,000.”

Press releases

Sony Introduces FS5 II with 4K HDR, 120fps RAW and New Color Science

Sony’s Popular Super 35 mm handheld Camcorder Adds New Functionality Based on User Demand

Sony’s new Large Format Sensor lineup is expanding with the introduction of the FS5 II (Body: PXW-FS5M2, Lens Kit: PXW-FS5M2K). Complete with stunning 4096 x 2160 4K HDR and 120fps performance at 60Hz mode (and 100fps at 50Hz mode), as well as RAW capabilities, the new Super 35 mm camcorder marries outstanding image quality with an ergonomic modular frame, offering content creators ultimate creative flexibility.

In addition to S-Log 2/3, the FS5 II offers Instant HDR Workflow to produce HDR content, when shooting in HLG/BT.2020 mode, for quick post-production without the need for grading.

The FS5 II interchangeable lens, E-mount camcorder offers flexibility for applications including web commercials, music video production, dramas, corporate and event videography and documentaries.

Designed to meet the requirements of today’s content creators, the FS5 II features an all-new look with a refined picture tone to capture natural highlights, subtle, alluring and well rendered facial tones and a softer tonal look, for capturing lifelike portrayals. Using the accumulated expertise of Sony’s digital cinematography camera VENICE, the FS5 II promises a fresh and vivid look while still retaining plenty of creative options in post-production, as a result of its high performance 4K Super 35 Exmor® CMOS sensor.

Takuro Ema, product manager for Sony Professional Solutions Americas explains, “When Sony develops new camera technologies we gather feedback from all ends of the production chain – from DOPs to post production professionals. This camera was no exception. We’ve evolved and developed our hugely popular FS5 with default shooting capabilities and the FS5 II is now a powerful addition to the Large Format Sensor line-up which promises even more flexibility and creative choices.”

High Frame Rate shooting including 4K 120fps RAW output and HDR features

The FS5 II builds on Sony’s heritage for image quality, delivering stunning High Frame rate shots supporting four seconds of 120fps in 4K and continuous 240fps at 60Hz mode and 200fps at 50Hz mode in 2K (2048X1080) RAW output when used in conjunction with a compatible external recorder. Continuous 4K 60fps RAW output at 59.94p is fully supported, with 50fps supported at 50Hz mode.

The camcorder also offers High Frame Rate (HFR) recording to an internal SD card at Full HD 10bit 4:2:2 image quality and a frame rate of up to 240 fps of 8-second cache recording, allowing up to 10 x slow motion and capturing 239.76fps at HD or 2K, and playback at 23.98p. Continuous recording of 120fps in Full HD is also supported.

With an Instant HDR Workflow users can now reduce time in post-production and produce high-quality HDR content quickly without the need of grading. For productions of longer lead-times, S-Log 2/3 allows the HDR image to be fine-tuned via color grading.

Grab and Shoot Capabilities

Lightweight but robust, theFS5 II’s well balanced 0.8kg body, adaptability and creative features make it a perfect fit for movie shooting, while its modular design makes it easy to reconfigure for any application including mounting on a gimbal or drone. Sony’s unique Electronic Variable ND filter with Auto ND function covers a wide range of exposure adjustment, as well as creating a wide range of shallow Depth of Field control.

Now with ten Picture Profile settings, the FS5 II allows users to instantly and easily configure the camera for different shooting styles, such as cinematic and online content creation.

The FS5 II is planned to be available in June, with expected pricing as follows:

PXW-FS5M2, body only — $4,750 US and $5,940 CA
PXW-FS5M2K, with lens — $5,250 US and $6,560 CA

For further information, please visit www.sony.com/pro.

Sony’s PXW-Z280, World’s first 4K 3-chip Camcorder with new 1/2-type Exmor R CMOS Image Sensors Redefines Handheld Production Image Quality and Workflow

The XDCAM Model Has 4K 50p/60p, 4:2:2 10bit, HDR capabilities, supports direct-to-air broadcasting with advanced network features

Sony is expanding its XDCAM line of professional camcorders with its new flagship handheld PXW-Z280. The new model boasts three 1/2-type Exmor R CMOS sensors, ideal for high sensitivity of F12 (59.94p), long zoom ratio and deep depth of field, ideal for news gathering. Its 3-chip sensors and 4K 4:2:2 10-bit adds vivid imagery and delicate color gradation. Enhanced network features, versatile formats and interfaces enable direct-to-air workflows, making this model ideal for broadcasters, production companies and documentary creation.

The PXW-Z280 is designed for easy use, with features such as advanced Face Detection Autofocus (AF) function. Users can select “Face Priority AF,” convenient for automatic face detection and optimization, or the newly introduced “Face Only AF” for more demanding 4K shooting applications. The camera detects a specific person automatically, keeping them in pin-sharp focus. A 17x zoom lens and three independent control rings with end-stop allow manual control of focus, zoom, and iris for quick and precise adjustment.

Sony’s unique Electronic Variable ND filter allows greater exposure control by varying the density of the ND filter during shooting while maintaining resolution and depth of the field. The camera also supports S-Log3 and Sony’s Instant HDR workflow.

The PXW-Z280 includes advanced network features to enable a secure, seamless wireless Electric News Gathering (ENG) workflow.

Based on the technology developed for Sony’s cloud-based ENG service, “XDCAM air,” the new camcorder uses Sony’s Quality of Service (QoS) for live distribution of high-quality broadcast content using a Dual Link connection multiplexing two cellular networks, assigning Planning Metadata and browsing and getting clips to and from via the cloud. In addition, an integrated Wi-Fi module and Ethernet connector enable hybrid Wireless/Wired data transfer, remote control and monitoring from devices such as a smartphone, tablet or PC.

A range of formats including XAVC Intra/Long, MPEG HD422, MPEG HD and DVCAM are available to support established workflows. The camera records to SxS cards, and SD cards with optional adapters. Four-channel audio recording with independent volume dials enable precise control of external input audio and an attached MI shoe microphone. Dual MI shoes provide cable-less connection with Sony’s UWP-D series wireless microphone receiver and simultaneous use of a video light at the same time. 12G-SDI enables 4K 50p/60p transfer between long distances, using only one BNC cable.

The PXW-Z280 camcorder is planned to be available in July 2018 for $6,950 in the U.S. and $8,695 in Canada.

Sony’s New PXW-Z190 XDCAM Handheld Camcorder Delivers 4K 50p/60p Imagery with Three 1/3-type Exmor R CMOS Image Sensors

Integrated 25x zoom lens and advanced Face Detection Autofocus function in a compact body offer optimal choice for corporate, events and education

Sony’s PXW-Z190 is a 4K compact camcorder with enhanced usability for independent shooters in corporate, event production and education applications. The camcorder’s newly developed three 1/3-type Exmor R CMOS image sensors capture RGB light independently and delivers 4K 50p/60p imagery with high resolution and a wide range of gradation. 4:2:2 10-bit ensures vivid and rich color content in HD.

The new model incorporates a 25x optical zoom lens to cover a wide focal range for multiple shooting requirements, with three independent lens rings to support intuitive operation. Using optical zoom lens with Digital Extender in an HD mode, a 50x zoom equivalent image without any picture degradation can be captured thanks to its 4K resolution sensor. Advanced Face Detection Auto Focus (AF) features include the “Face Priority AF” and newly added “Face Only AF,” which help to ensure a specific person within a group automatically stays in pin-sharp focus, ideal for shooting interviews or lectures.

Sony’s Electronic Variable ND filter ensures greater exposure control by smoothly varying the density of the ND filter during shooting while maintaining resolution and depth of field.

The PXW-Z190 combines advanced usability and network solutions for enhanced workflow efficiency. It is HLG compatible to support Sony’s Instant HDR workflow, delivering beautiful HDR content quickly, without the need for additional color grading. In addition, “Content Browser Mobile” software allows the camera to be operated remotely via smartphone. With an optional license, the camcorder can be used with Sony’s cloud-based ENG service, XDCAM air. File transfer and streaming is also possible using a wired or wireless LAN or LTE modem connection, enabling immediate editing and live monitoring.

Dual MI shoes enable the use of a wireless microphone and video light at the same time to achieve further flexibility. When using Sony’s UWP-D series wireless microphone, audio signals can be delivered without cabling – eliminating the risk of accidental disconnection and battery loss of the wireless audio receiver. Enhanced 4-channel audio recording is supported by a combination of 2 XLR inputs and audio input via an MI shoe.

The camera records to widely available SD memory cards, with dual card slots allowing simultaneous, relay and back-up recording.

The PXW-Z190 covers a wide range of main formats including XAVC-Long, DVCAM. In addition to these formats, MPEG HD 422 and MPEG HD are available with an optional license. Proxy 1080i up to 9Mbps can be used for 4K and HD simultaneous recording. Other features include 3G-SDI output and a remote terminal for compact multi-camera operation using Sony’s MCX-500 production switcher and RM-30BP controller.

The new PXW-Z190 camcorder is planned to be available in September 2018 with pricing below $4,000 in the US and $5,200 in Canada. For more information, please visit www.sony.com/pro.