Sony launches profeional XDCAM camcorder with XAVCTM recording capability and a newly developed zoom lens

Sony has launched the PXW-X180 Handheld Solid-State Memory Camcorder, the latest addition to the XDCAMTM Series with ultimate solution. Ideal for broadcast and professional video production applications, it features three 1/3 Full HD Exmor CMOS sensors and a newly developed 25x optical zoom Sony G Lens with 26 mm wide angle.

The PXW-X180 records in MPEG HD422 at 50 Mbps, a format widely preferred by broadcasters and production houses today, and XAVC Intra and Long GOP, which enables 10-bit sampling for high-definition recording with rich tonal expression. It can also record in MPEG HD420 at 35 Mbps, AVCHDTM and DV.

As well as recording on professional SxS memory cards, the camcorder can record on XQD cards, SD cards and Memory Sticks with the use of an optional adaptor. Enabling selection of a variety of recording formats and recording media, the camcorder is ready to support a wide range of video production applications.

The PXW-X180 is the first Sony professional camcorder to feature a new variable neutral density (ND) filter. This new device has been developed to electronically control density and enable continuous setting adjustment from 1/4ND to 1/128ND with simple dial operation. Using the filter in conjunction with different iris and shutter speed settings, depth of field and brightness can be adjusted. This allows the use of shooting techniques such as slow shutter shooting as desired in daylight and other bright light conditions.

The PXW-X180 represents the next step in the deployment of our new XAVC line-up, offering high quality, high bit rate, 10-bit intra-frame HD recording for ultimate picture performance said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Entry Level Production. Coupled with a new wide angle 25x Sony G zoom lens, an innovative electronic ND system and support for existing MPEG-2, AVCHDTM and DV CODECs, this product not only offers the flexibility to respond to todays varying acquisition requirements, but also provides a future proof purchase for future requirements

A wireless LAN module is included to enable the use of wireless functions*. Easy, one-touch operation is all that is required for wireless connection to a smartphone or tablet, which can then be used to confirm the angle of the shot before shooting, monitor recording and operate the camcorder by remote (field angle setting/white balance adjustment/iris adjustment, etc.). Using separately sold mobile routers and other mobile devices also allows transmission of files after shooting.

Sony continues to develop camcorders that deliver the high image quality and ease of use required by professionals for recording everything from news footage and documentaries to corporate and education productions.

*Wireless operation cannot be guaranteed with all smartphones and tablet devices.

Major features of the PXW-X180

1. Newly developed 25x optical zoom Sony G Lens with 26.0 mm wide angle

The new camcorders lens offers Sony G Lens quality, a 26 mm wide-angle view, and a 25x zoom range (35 mm equivalent 26 mm to 650 mm), which make it versatile enough to handle a wide range of shooting situations. Independent manual zoom and focus rings with end-stop and iris control are provided, and a slide mechanism on the focus ring enables easy switching between auto and manual focusing. If desired, the focus indicator can be displayed even when focusing manually.

2. Sonys proprietary sensor, processor and lens technology for exceptional image quality

Three 1/3 Exmor CMOS sensors with a total of about 2.07 million effective pixels (16:9) independently capture red, blue and green light. Combined with the camcorders high resolution, high-sensitivity and wide dynamic range, brings outstanding colour rendition. Featuring noise reduction and anti-shake to assure high image quality, the processor provides fine image quality settings for detailed, beautifully textured results.

3. Compatible with XAVC and a wide range of other recording formats

In addition to XAVC Intra/Long GOP, the PXW-X180 records in MPEG2, AVCHD and DV. When recording in XAVC, it uses the MXF file format, efficiently compressing full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 CODEC. Image sampling is 4:2:2 10-bit with Intra-frame compression at 112 Mbps or high-efficiency Long-GOP compression at 50 Mbps, 35 Mbps or 25 Mbps.

4. Compatible with SxS memory card, XQD card, SD card and Memory Stick

To meet the needs of various workflows, the PXW-X180 features two SxS memory card slots offering high-speed write and read. Using the optional XQD card adaptor also allows recording to XQD memory cards. Using the SD card adaptor enables recording to SD memory cards, which helps to keep costs down during extended recordings.

Simultaneous recording* onto two memory cards is possible (in the same recording mode only). With two record buttons, the operator can choose which card to record to, so one card can be used for recording while the other card serves as a backup. Continuous relay recording* is also possible from the card in the A slot to the card in the B slot.

*In AVCHD recording mode, simultaneous recording and relay recording between the two memory cards is not possible.

5. Variable ND filter

The PXW-X180 is Sonys first professional camcorder to feature a variable ND filter. A new filter device has been developed to electronically control density and enable continuous setting adjustment from 1/4ND to 1/128ND with simple dial operation. Using this filter in conjunction with different iris and shutter speed settings to adjust depth of field and brightness allows the use of shooting techniques such as slow shutter shooting in daylight and other bright light conditions.

6. Wireless functions*1 for file transmission and remote control

Near Field Communication (NFC*2) functions allow easy, one-touch wireless LAN connection to a smartphone o

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