Sony released portable smart 4K cameras PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800

On August 20, 2024, Sony (China) Co., Ltd. unveiled the XDCAM4K camcorder PXW-Z200 and the NXCAM4K camcorder HXR-NX800. Both new models are equipped with AI intelligent chips, featuring subject recognition and AI auto-framing capabilities, and come with a 20x optical zoom lens for high-precision autofocus shooting. The new products are fitted with a 1-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor, allowing for easy capture of 4K high-quality images that align with Sony's cinematic camera system color science, with 4K HFR recording capabilities up to 120 FPS. Additionally, the new models include a continuously variable ND filter, active image stabilization, and newly added NIGHTSHOT black and white night vision mode, among other practical features, providing more convenience for creators. The Sony PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 support various network protocols to meet different live streaming application needs. For instance, by connecting the camcorder to Wi-Fi, users can transmit the captured video in real-time to live streaming platforms and video websites via RTMP/RTMPS and SRT, enabling a single person to easily complete the entire process from shooting to publishing.

Sony's Portable Smart 4K Camcorders: From Content Creation to Live Streaming, One Device to Handle It All

The introduction of Sony's portable smart 4K camcorders, the PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800, allows image professionals to easily achieve high-quality image recording and live streaming from shooting to broadcasting through a single device. This meets diverse needs ranging from news reporting, program production, solo interviews, to live streaming, further enhancing production and broadcasting efficiency.

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4K High-Quality Images and Intelligent Focusing to Improve Shooting Efficiency

To meet creators' demands for image quality, latitude, and production efficiency, Sony has been continuously refining and innovating. In terms of image quality and focusing, the new models PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 are equipped with a 1-inch approximately 14-megapixel Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor, supporting 4K 60p and 4K 120p high-quality video recording. This enables high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting, making 4K images clearer and more delicate. At the same time, Sony has equipped the new models with AI intelligent chips developed based on deep learning functions, allowing the camcorders to achieve high-precision subject recognition and autofocus based on information such as human body structure and posture. With the support of AI auto-framing, even solo shooting can achieve lively and natural compositions, significantly increasing shooting efficiency.

AI Intelligent Chip Developed Based on Deep Learning Functions

Demonstration of AI Autofocus and AI Auto-Framing

The Sony PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 also feature a variable ND filter, allowing image professionals to continuously adjust the ND filter value between 1/4 and 1/128 ND, and with an automatic ND function, enabling fast and flexible shooting.

20x Optical Zoom Lens Adapts to Various Shooting Scenarios

The Sony PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 4K camcorders are equipped with a 20x optical zoom lens and a customizable lens ring. They utilize Clear Image Zoom technology based on proprietary image processing, allowing for high-speed, quiet 30x (4K) and 40x (HD) high-magnification zooming. The Sony G-series electric zoom lens with an equivalent focal length of 24mm-480mm and an aperture of f/2.8-f/4.5, with the widest end reaching 24mm, can be extended to 960mm with digital zoom, offering a broader shooting range. The independently controlled zoom ring allows for more convenient operation, and combined with optical image stabilization and built-in enhanced stabilization mode, it enables image professionals to achieve more stable images while walking or hand-holding during tracking shots, which is very practical for scenarios requiring a lot of mobile shooting, such as documentary and variety show production.20x Optical Zoom Lens Expands Shooting Field of View

Professional Interfaces Rich Color Modes Support for Multi-Camera Application Scenarios

In addition to outstanding picture quality, Sony's PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 also feature a rich array of interfaces to meet the expansion needs of professional users. When shooting SDR (BT.709), the new models support ITU709, 709tone standards, and are compatible with multiple specifications such as S709, S-Cinetone, and S-Log3. Utilizing the same color science as Sony's Cinema Line, when used in conjunction with Sony's broadcast cameras, Sony's Cinema Line products, or Sony Alpha cameras, not only does the image have a cinematic texture, but the color transition of the materials is natural and complementary. Moreover, the post-production editing and integration process is more in line with the professional operational habits of image workers. Additionally, both new models support the NIGHTSHOT shooting function, which has practical and extensive applications in the production of reality shows, documentaries, and other content creation fields.

Matching the Color Science of Sony's Cinema Line

In addition to XAVC HS, XAVC S, and XAVC S-I, the new models also support up to 16 Mbps XAVC HS Proxy recording, and the PXW-Z200 also supports XAVC (MXF) recording②. With standard HDMI, USB Type-C, LAN interfaces, the PXW-Z200 also supports 12G SDI and TC input/output, and supports proxy recording. At the same time, the new models also support TC/UB recording, making post-production easier and greatly improving the control efficiency when multiple cameras work together.

Sony PXW-Z200 Rich Professional Interfaces Meet Diverse Broadcasting Needs

Flexible Operation Strong Compatibility From Shooting to Live Streaming One-Stop Solution

From organizations to self-media influencers, live broadcasting applications are becoming more widespread, and the forms are increasingly diverse. Live broadcast users require cameras that can not only clearly, truly, and vividly display live scenes but also have operational flexibility and compatibility, making live control smoother and more convenient. Sony's PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 cameras support a variety of network protocols to meet different live broadcasting application scenarios: by connecting the camera to Wi-Fi, the recorded video can be transmitted in real-time to major live streaming platforms and video websites through RTMP/RTMPS and SRT, from shooting to publishing, one person can also achieve high efficiency. Through the cloud service system "M2 Live" (paid service③), stable streaming transmission and multi-camera live broadcasting can be achieved. At the same time, users can use the Monitor & Control APP for wireless monitoring and remote control operations. Not only is it a powerful tool for image shooting, but Sony's PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 are also professional tools for live broadcasting, easily handling everything from shooting to streaming, live broadcasting, and streaming with a single smart 4K camera.

Wireless Monitoring and Remote Control Can Be Done Through the Monitor & Control APP

Compact and Portable Easy to Carry and StoreSony's 4K camcorders PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 feature compact bodies, with the PXW-Z200 weighing approximately 1.96 kilograms (body only) and the HXR-NX800 weighing approximately 1.93 kilograms (body only). Both new models adopt an innovative compact and collapsible design, eliminating the microphone holder and incorporating a foldable viewfinder and LCD screen, making them more portable.

Compact and Collapsible Design for Easy Storage

Barrier-free Design and Environmental Initiatives

Sony has equipped both new models with a text-to-speech function and a screen magnification feature. The text-to-speech function can read out text and other information on the menu screen, with the ability to adjust volume and reading speed. The screen magnification feature allows for the enlargement of the capture image, playback image, and menu screen, with the option to change the magnification ratio. Additionally, the main body of the new products uses a recyclable flame retardant resin material "SORPLAS"④, with a recyclability rate of up to 99%. The packaging, except for materials such as tape used to secure the main unit, has achieved plastic reduction. Over the past approximately 12 years, Sony has replaced about 426 tons of virgin plastic in cameras and camcorders with recycled plastic, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.

Supporting Environmental Protection and Moving Towards Zero Burden

Sony has been committed to supporting the development of image production through innovative technology. Sony's portable smart 4K camcorders PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800, with their 4K high-quality imaging, advanced autofocus, intelligent control, and a rich array of interfaces, meet the needs of news reporting, program production, conference applications, and live broadcasting, enhancing production efficiency and propelling the camcorder industry to accelerate its development. The new models are scheduled to be released in September 2024, with a suggested retail price of 35,500 yuan for the PXW-Z200 and 29,000 yuan for the HXR-NX800.