Sony announces new PXW-Z100, with 4K recording

Sony has just unveiled its new PXW-Z100 camera, with full 4K recording and a sub-$6,500 price tag.

The PXW-Z100 contains a 1/2.3″ 4K Exmor R CMOS sensor and a 20x Sony G. fixed lens. It is capable of capturing images in full 4K (4096×2160), Ultra HD (3840×2160), and of course HD, up to 60p.

Its recording format is MXF files with the XAVC codec, originally introduced in the Sony F5 and F55. It is a codec with Intra-frame compression, 10-bit, 4:2:2, with a rate of 240 Mbps (in 4K, at 24fps). A forthcoming firmware update (expected in mid-2014) will include the XAVC-S long-GOP codec, as well as the AVCHD standard, to achieve a balance between image quality and bandwidth consumption.

It contains two XQD slots that work with Sony’s new XQD series of memory cards, which support write speeds of up to 180 MB/sec. Each 64 GB card would hold about 15 minutes of footage at 60p and would be priced under $300. In addition, the fact that there are two slots provides continuous recording capability.

Its 3G-SDi output allows monitoring at 50p and 60p in 4K, using the Sony PVM-X300 monitor or a compatible Bravia television. A future update is expected to include the recently introduced HDMI 2.0, which will make this camera one of the first devices to carry it and provide the ability to monitor 4K at 60fps via a single HDMI cable.

It uses an L-series battery, either the NPF-770 or -970 (as does the Sony FS700) and weighs less than 3 kilograms.

Additional features include 2.5x “slow-motion” and 60x “fast-motion” recording; and remote control of focus, aperture, zoom, start and stop recording via Wi-Fi through a smartphone or tablet.

In addition, Sony has also announced the FDR-AX1, a consumer camera with the same sensor and lenses but a much more limited feature set that will retail for less than $5,000. Although it lacks the remote control and 3G-SDI output, its main differences are in resolution and recording codec. The FDR-AX1 only goes up to Ultra HD (3840×2160), without reaching full 4K. Unlike the codec used in the PXW-Z100, this one works with XAVC S MP4 (GOP and 4:2:0 instead of 4:2:2:2).

Although Sony has not yet given a release date for the new PXW-Z100, it is expected to be ready later this year and priced below $6,500.

If you want more information you can consult the official Sony website and if you want to learn more about Sony cameras you might be interested in this course about the F5 and F55 that will take place in October.