Sony introduces the PXW-X160

Sony has recently introduced the PXW-X160the latest model to join the line of professional XDCAM camcorders.

It is an upgraded version of its companions HXR-NX5E and PMW-150, and is designed primarily for news, documentary, program or event production. One of its differences with the PXW-X180, also announced recently, is that it does not have wireless, NFC and GPS functions. In this way, Sony has managed to reduce the price of the camera without affecting its overall performance.

Main characteristics

The new camera has three 1/3″ Exmor Full HD CMOS sensors, each with 2.07 effective megapixels (16:9).

For the lens, the company has designed a new 25x optical zoom lens, part of the G series, starting from a wide angle of 26mm. If we were to compare it to a 35mm lens, it would be the equivalent of 26-650mm.

Independent manual zoom and focus rings with iris stop and iris control are included. In addition, a sliding mechanism on the focus ring allows easy switching between manual and automatic modes.

In terms of physical characteristics, it has a 3.5-type QHD LCD panel (960 x 540 x RGB, 16:9) and a 0.5-type OLED display (1024 x 768 x RGB, 3:4).

Recording formats and media

Sony wanted to make recording a flexible subject, so it has added two SxS card slots and the ability to record to XQD or SD memory cards using the necessary adapters for each.

If we choose to record in XAVC we will be using the MXF format with 10-bit 4:2:2:2 sampling and either intraframe compression at 112 Mbps or Long-GOP compression at 50, 35 or 25 Mbps. It is also possible to record in MPEG2, 4:2:2:2 at 50 Mbps or 4:2:0 at 35 Mbps, as well as in AVCHD and DV (*If you got lost in this paragraph take a look at this).

Filters and accessories

This is the first professional Sony camcorder to incorporate a continuously variable neutral density filter. A system electronically controls the density and allows continuous adjustment from ¼ ND to 1/128 ND, although the standard four-position switch is also available.

Accessories attached to the multi-interface hot shoe can be controlled from the camera. For example, the lux of the HVL-LBPC torch could be turned on or off.

The UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 wireless microphones connect directly through the wireless microphone receiver, eliminating the need for cables or batteries.