Sony has today launched the PXW-X160, the latest addition to the Sony XDCAM Series of professional camcorders. The PXW-X160 features three 1/3” Full HD Exmor CMOS sensors and a newly developed 25x optical zoom G-Lens that extends from a 26mm wide angle. It can record in XAVC Intra and Long GOP, enabling 10-bit sampling for high-definition recordings with rich tonal expression, as well as MPEG HD422 at 50 Mbps, a format widely preferred by today’s broadcasters and production houses. It can also record in MPEG HD420 at 35 Mbps, AVCHD and DV formats.
PXW-X160
This advanced camcorder has been created to satisfy the needs of broadcasters, production houses and corporate and event productions, with performance and features that are ideally suited for documentaries, reality programming, events, corporate work and more. The PXW-X160 is a follow-up to the currently popular Sony HXR-NX5P and PMW-150 models, and is expected to become a strong performer in the handheld professional camcorder market. The PXW-X160 differs from the PXW-X180 announced at this year’s NAB show, in the omission of features such as wireless functionality, NFC and GPS, effectively lowering the price point while maintaining the same high level of performance.
“Our XDCAM line-up is constantly improving – this newest addition incorporates all the latest key Sony features at a very affordable price for a huge variety of users,” said Nick Buchner, Senior Product Manager for Content Creation at Sony Australia and New Zealand.
Main features of the PXW-X160
- Newly developed 25x optical zoom G Lens with 26 mm wide angle
This new lens delivers uncompromised Sony G Lens quality and a 26 mm angle of view at the wide end of its 25x zoom range (35 mm equivalent: 26 mm to 650 mm). That’s more than enough range for a wide variety 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.
- Innovative Sony image sensor, image processor, and lens achieve outstanding image quality
Sony’s Exmor™3CMOS Sensor system provides independent 1/3” CMOS image sensors for the red, blue, and green colour channels, each with 2.07 effective megapixels (16:9). The result is high resolution and sensitivity that contribute to superior colour reproduction. An advanced image processor that features sophisticated noise reduction and distortion compensation is instrumental in delivering superb detail and texture reproduction, with image quality settings rivalling high-end broadcast camcorders.
- Compatible with XAVC and a range of other recording formats
In addition to XAVC Intra/Long GOP, the PXW-X160 can record in MPEG2, AVCHD, and DV formats. The MXF file format is used for XAVC recording, 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 50/35/25 Mbps.
- Support for SxS, XQD, and SD memory cards plus Memory Stick
To provide compatibility with a variety of workflows, the PXW-X160 features two SxS memory card slots for high-speed read/write capability. An XQD card adaptor allows recording to XQD memory cards, and an SD card adaptor enables recording to SD memory cards for maximum economy when shooting for extended periods.
- Variable ND filter
The PXW-X160 is the first professional Sony camcorder to feature a continuously variable ND filter. A new system that electronically controls density enables continuous adjustment from 1/4 ND to 1/128 ND via a simple dial operation. In conjunction with iris and shutter speed settings that control depth of field and brightness, this advanced filter facilitates shooting techniques such as the use of slow shutter in daylight and other bright conditions. For operators who prefer the conventional ND selector interface, the camcorder features a dual ND filter control mechanism that provides both continuous electronic control and the standard four-position switch.
- 3.5” type LCD panel and 0.5” type OLED viewfinder
The PXW-X160 is equipped with a 3.5” QHD LCD panel (960 x 540 x RGB, 16:9) that provides easy viewing in a wide range of lighting conditions, and a 0.5” OLED viewfinder (1024 x 768 x RGB, 3:4). The viewfinder’s high resolution makes precise manual focus easier. Compared to LCOS devices, there is no colour breakup and viewing comfort is significantly improved.
- Multi-Interface Shoe
Compatible accessories attached to the Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe can be controlled from the PXW-X160. The new HVL-LBPC video light, for example, can be switched on and off from the camcorder. Power and audio connections for a UWP-D Series wireless microphone receiver are made when the optional new SMAD-P3 adapter is fitted on the MI Shoe, removing the need for separate batteries and additional cabling.
Both the Sony PXW-X160 and PXW-X180 are expected to be available from September this year.
Excerpts from Press Release
