Sony just launched a new professional camcorder duo—the PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800. Quite similar inside and out, these 1″ sensor video cameras are aimed at various creative use cases and scenarios. Though it seems like a large sensor, interchangeable systems are all the rage these days, and there are still some projects and workflows in which the all-inclusive Sony camcorder design is immensely valuable. Let’s take a deep breath and see what this duo is all about. The raw spec list on both Sony camcorders is quite impressive. Oversampled 4K60P capture, cropped 4K120P (Pixel: Pixel capture), 20x zoom 24-480mm equivalent f/2.8-4.5 lens, Sony’s current AI-based hybrid autofocus system, an internal electronic ND filter ranging from 1/4 to 1/128 with Sony’s signature smooth ND racking, multiple codecs and recording options in camera, and if you opt for the PXW-Z200, you’ll also get 12G-SDI in/out, timecode, and future MXF wrapper support (available in 2025), and that’s just the headlines. But isn’t the sensor too small? The short answer is “No.” The longer, more interesting answer is “It depends.” To figure this out, we’ll have to weigh the advantages and compromises associated with a 1″ sensor. Let’s start by saying that a 1″ sensor may be small compared to S35 or full-frame sensors. Still, it’s actually quite large compared with what camcorders usually use. This will mostly affect light-gathering capabilities such as dynamic range and high ISO shooting. Another meaningful field is the depth-of-field, or “Bokeh.” While the PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800 offer some background...
Published By: CineD - Monday, 26 August