Sony PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 unveiled - more AI, more streaming functions
[09:33 Tue,20.August 2024 by blip]
After the video market was opened up to prosumers almost 30 (!!) years ago (1995) with the DCR-VX1000 and the MiniDV format introduced at the same time, the corresponding “handle men” enjoyed great demand, which has only slowly but steadily declined again in the last 15 years or so due to filming DSLR/DSLMs.
However, there is still interest in professional cameras with a rather small sensor, a fixed zoom lens and all conceivable buttons and connections on the outside - as an all-in-one counter-concept to a DSLM rigged from many individual parts. According to some manufacturers, demand has even picked up again since the coronavirus turmoil - as a particularly easy-to-use streaming tool.
Sony PXW-Z200
It is therefore not surprising that Sony is now equipping the successor to the PXW-Z190 with a particularly high level of streaming functionality: not only are the RTMP/S and SRT protocols supported, but there is also USB/WiFi tethering. Native support for Creators& Cloud Services is of course also integrated.
The simple operation in the event area with the help of AI functions is also particularly emphasized. For example, the camera is already capable of auto-framing people moving back and forth in a long shot during recording.
The technology used, however, remains fairly typical for this device class. The built-in “1.0-type image sensor” is relatively small, which in return enables a powerful 20x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 24mm to 480mm (the Z190 started at 28.8mm). Professionals will certainly appreciate the zoom rockers built into the body, the larger of which above the hand strap allows very sensitive focal length adjustments. No fewer than 14 buttons, some of which can be freely assigned, allow in-depth customization of the camera to your own working style.
The sensor itself has a native 5K resolution (4992 x 2808 sensors), which can be used for oversampling when recording up to 4K60p. For high-speed recordings up to 120p, there is also a 1:1 sensor readout, which crops the image accordingly (according to Sony approx. 40%).
Sony PXW-Z200
The camera also has active, optical image stabilization (Optical SteadyShot / Active Mode), which made a very good impression on us when we saw the first prototype. The autofocus also made a very reliable impression, especially as it is supported by a separate AI coprocessor.
Sony PXW-Z200
The camera itself has a 3.5 inch display (approx. 2.76M dots) and an OLED viewfinder with 2.36 million dots. The latter can be folded down to save space during transportation.
The lens has two independent lens rings for focus and zoom, as well as a separate aperture wheel. The integrated, variable (!!) ND filter can be inserted as an option. For environments with little light, there is also the option of clear glass (“Clear”) in the light path.
As in the best days of the Henkelmänner, Sony is also bringing this model onto the market in two versions. The basic version, the HXR-NX800, offers all the functions described above for €3,000, but “only” records in XAVC S-I 10-bit 4:2:2 QFHD 4K in an MP4 container.
Sony PXW-Z200
The top model PXW-Z200 for 3,750 euros also offers XAVC (.mxf) support, 12G SDI and TC BNC connections and is compatible with the CBK-RPU7 Remote Production Unit.
Both cameras will be available from September at IBC 2024.
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