Sony has introduced two new handheld video cameras, the PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800. These are touted to feature professional-grade features offered by the brand’s Alpha FX-series, packed into an all-in-one camcorder form factor. Oh, and they also come with several AI-powered capabilities.
Even though the two camcorders share many similarities, they differ in terms of connectivity and target audience. According to Sony, the HXR-NX800 is positioned as a more affordable option for semi-professional and consumer-oriented use, while the PXW-Z200 is tailored for professional workflows, including broadcast production.
In terms of design, the PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 are almost identical, both weighing just under two kilograms and featuring a top handle and foldable electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD screens. The 3.5-inch LCD monitor is designed to rotate and swing out for flexible shooting angles, while the 0.39-type OLED EVF provides 2.36 million dots for high-quality monitoring, effectively blocking out stray light.
Both the HXR-NX800 and PXW-Z200 are equipped with a dedicated AI processing unit, which enhances Sony’s Fast Hybrid autofocus technology. This AI-based system ensures accurate subject recognition and focus tracking, similar to the advancements made in the Sony a7R V. Additionally, AI also improves auto white balance performance, ensuring more accurate colour representation. The camcorders are powered by the brand’s latest Bionz XR image processors, providing faster image processing and greater efficiency.
Central to both camcorders is a 14-megapixel Type 1.0 Exmor RS CMOS image sensor. This stacked sensor allows for 4K recording at 60p (5K oversampled) and 4K at 120p with a slight crop of 23%. They also come with a 24-480mm f/2.8-4.5 equivalent zoom lens, offering 20x optical zoom for versatility in different shooting scenarios. With Sony’s Clear Image Zoom technology, both the HXR-NX800 and PXW-Z200 can achieve 30x zoom in 4K and up to 40x zoom in Full HD, without compromising on resolution.
In terms of video recording, both camcorders offer a variety of advanced modes, including HLG, S-Cinetone, and Rec709 profiles. They record 10-bit 4:2:2 4K video in multiple XAVC formats, meeting the demands of professional videographers. Sony has also integrated beginner-friendly features, like AI-powered Auto Framing, which automatically tracks and adjusts the framing for a recognised subject. With 475 autofocus points covering approximately 81% of the image sensor, the Fast Hybrid AF system offers comprehensive coverage for most shooting conditions.
Other notable features include advanced image stabilisation and an electronic variable neutral density (ND) filter, offering smoother handheld footage and seamless adjustments to exposure in different lighting situations, respectively. The latter has a strength range from 1/4 to 1/128, enabling users to maintain their desired aperture and shutter speed, even in bright, outdoor settings.
According to Sony Malaysia, the NXCAM HXR-NX800 and XDCAM PXW-Z200 will be available in Malaysia from mid-September 2024. There’s no local pricing just yet, but for your reference, both cameras are offered at US$3,300 (~RM14,448) and US$4,000 (~RM17,513) respectively in the US.
(Source: Sony Malaysia [1] [2])
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