Sony’s new PXW-X180 handheld solid-state memory camcorder is the latest addition to the XDCAMTM Series. Ideal for broadcast and professional video production applications, it features three 1/3” Full HD Exmor® CMOS sensors and a new 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 Chiyoko Yannette, XDCAM Marketing Manager for Sony Electronics. “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 today’s 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.
Key features of the PXW-X180 XDCAM Camcorder
Newly developed 25x optical zoom Sony G Lens with 26.0 mm wide angle
The new camcorder’s 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 makes 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. The focus indicator can be displayed even when focusing manually.
Sony’s 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. This combined with the camcorder’s high resolution, high-sensitivity and wide dynamic range delivers outstanding color rendition. Featuring noise reduction and anti-shake to assure high image quality, the processor provides fine image quality settings for detailed, beautifully textured results.
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.
Compatible with SxS memory card, XQD card, SD card and Memory Stick
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.
Variable ND filter
The PXW-X180 is Sony’s 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.
Wireless functions* for file transmission and remote control
Near Field Communication (NFC*) functions allow easy, one-touch wireless LAN connection to a smartphone or tablet. The Content Browser Mobile* application enables confirmation of the angle of the shot before shooting, monitor recording and operation of the camcorder by remote (field angle setting/white balance adjustment/iris adjustment, etc.). The use of separately sold mobile routers and other mobile devices also allows transmission of files after shooting.
In addition, lightweight proxy video files can be generated separately from the main line recording and recorded to SD cards for quick sharing of content over low-bandwidth mobile networks.
Multi-Interface shoe
Accessories attached to the Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe can be controlled by the PXW-X180. For example, if the new HVL-LBPC video light is attached to the MI shoe, video light power can be switched on and off from the camcorder. Also, if an optional UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 wireless microphone receiver is connected, power supply and cable-free audio signal input are possible, minimizing the need for extra batteries and removing the need for additional cabling.
HVL-LBPC High Power LED Battery Video Light
Introduced simultaneously with the PXW-180, the optional accessory HLV-LBPC is a flexible, yet powerful LED lighting solution. It features flexible color temperature settings from 3200K to 5600K with high power 1800lux/1m brightness. 2100 lux/1m brightness boost mode even enhances its rich lighting capability. Newly incorporated Multi Interface shoe enables light on/off control from PXW-X180.
The PXW-X180 camcorder is planned to be available in August 2014 at a suggested list price of less than $6,000.
The HVL-LBPC is planned to be available in August 2014 for a suggested list price of $620.
Notes:
* Wireless operation cannot be guaranteed with all smartphones and tablet devices.
* NFC, or Near Field Communication, allows close-range wireless communication between the PXW-X180 and an NFC equipped smartphone or tablet devices.
* The Content Browser Mobile smartphone application can be downloaded from the
Google Play Store or App Store. A version upgrade (Timing TBD) is required.
*In AVCHD recording mode, the simultaneous recording and relay recording between the two memory cards are not possible.