Sony introduces the PXW-Z300, a high-end camcorder, suitable for demanding ENG and documentary filming tasks.
In an exciting development for the video production industry, Sony has announced the release of the PXW-Z300 camcorder, set to hit the shelves this fall. Rob Redman, Editor of ImagineFX magazine and creative director of Pariah Studios, has had the opportunity to work with the new device, praising it as one of the best cameras for video.
The PXW-Z300 boasts three 1/2-type 4K Exmor R CMOS sensors and the powerful BIONZ XR image processor, delivering exceptional image quality with excellent color separation and 4K at 60p recording capability. A 17x optical zoom lens with a constant F1.9 aperture, coupled with a digital extender offering up to 4x zoom in HD, ensures close shots even when physical proximity is limited.
The camcorder is equipped with an Electronic Variable ND filter, adjustable smoothly between 1/4 and 1/128, and optical image stabilization, making it capable of handling rapidly changing lighting conditions without compromising image quality.
One of the standout features of the PXW-Z300 is its high-precision subject recognition autofocus. The dedicated AI processor enables the camera to track people even if they turn away or wear masks, ensuring critical subjects stay in sharp focus during unpredictable scenes.
The innovative Flexible LCD Arm facilitates versatile shooting styles, while three independent manual rings for focus, zoom, and iris, plus professional connectivity options (SDI, HDMI, USB-C, TC in/out, genlock) support traditional and versatile workflows.
Advanced network functionality supports 5G and cloud integration, enabling live streaming from the field and efficient file transfer, critical for timely news delivery and remote production workflows. The camera also supports content authenticity with embedded digital signatures (C2PA standard), enhancing the reliability and trustworthiness of recorded material, addressing the growing demand in news organizations for verified media.
The PXW-Z300 will be available later this year at a price of around £9,600 in the UK and approximately $10,799 in the US. With its robust features and versatile capabilities, the PXW-Z300 is poised to become a valuable tool for documentary and news production, offering high image quality, operational flexibility, robust autofocus, dependable handling in diverse lighting, and modern connectivity for fast, reliable workflows.
Rob Redman, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in photography, 3D animation, film, and visual effects, is among those eager to explore the PXW-Z300's potential. His clients range from Blackmagic Design and HMV to Games Workshop and Royal Mail, demonstrating his versatility and expertise in the field.
When not working, Rob Redman enjoys building and playing guitars or spending time in the wilderness with his dog. It's clear that, for him, the passion for creating and capturing moments extends beyond the professional realm.
For more information about the best cameras for video or the best Netflix approved cameras, further resources can be found. The PXW-Z300's innovative features and capabilities make it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance camcorder for documentary and news production.
- The camcorder Sony PXW-Z300, due for release this fall, boasts three top-notch 1/2-type 4K sensors and the powerful BIONZ XR image processor, making it one of the best cameras for video.
- The PXW-Z300's 17x optical zoom lens features a constant F1.9 aperture, offering a great advantage when physical proximity to the subject is limited, and a digital extender offering up to 4x zoom in HD.
- The PXW-Z300 is equipped with an Electronic Variable ND filter and optical image stabilization, enabling the device to handle rapidly changing lighting conditions without sacrificing image quality.
- One of the standout features of the PXW-Z300 is its high-precision subject recognition autofocus, allowing the camera to track people even if they turn away or wear masks, ensuring critical subjects stay in sharp focus during unpredictable scenes.
- The PXW-Z300 is versatile, featuring a Flexible LCD Arm, three independent manual rings for focus, zoom, and iris, and professional connectivity options that support traditional and versatile workflows.
- Advanced network functionality supports 5G and cloud integration, enabling live streaming from the field and efficient file transfer, crucial for timely news delivery and remote production workflows.
- Rob Redman, a seasoned professional in the field of photography, 3D animation, film, and visual effects, is eager to explore the PXW-Z300's potential, with its robust features, versatile capabilities, and modern connectivity offering a great tool for documentary and news production.
