Sony’s newest addition to its PXW series of shoulder-mount camcorders – model PXW-X400 – delivers stronger network and wireless capabilities, improved weight balance, XAVC-Long 60P recording and pool feed functions to give ENG and field production professionals a versatile and high-performance tool.
“This new camcorder combines all the capabilities pro shooters need – connectivity, ergonomics and high performance – into a true production workhorse,” said Alex Rossi, marketing manager, content creation systems, Sony Electronics. “The addition of features like XAVC 60P recording and pool feed make the PXW-X400 a perfect fit for today’s demanding field content creation requirements.”
When a wireless LAN connection is unstable or unavailable, the new camcorder’s Ethernet interface (RJ45) enables direct connection to a network for file transfer, live streaming and control from a web browser. Near-field communications capability gives users a one-touch link between the camera and a mobile device. A Content Browser Mobile application enables users to preview or remotely control camcorder settings of various menu functions.
The pool feed function (HD/SD SDI) lets users record a 1.5G HD-SDI external signal on SxS cards, useful for recording a distributed signal from another camera on-site without a portable deck.
The camcorder body’s inner structure has a new design that improves the weight balance between the camcorder and lens, resulting in more comfortable shoulder-mount use, especially during long periods of shooting.
The camcorder’s “ONLINE button” lets users bypass a mobile device or the camera’s menu for direct on/off control over: direct streaming transmission of AV signals from a PXW-X400 to assigned destinations; auto-uploading of proxy files to cloud services and FTP servers; and on/off control over Sony’s PWS-100RX1 network server during shooting.
The low-power (22W) camcorder PXW-X400 uses a 2/3” 3-chip CMOS image sensor and supports several HD and SD formats including XAVC.
The new camcorder also supports Sony’s new HDVF-series Full HD OLED viewfinder (model HDVF-EL20/EL30).
The camcorder will come in three versions: PXW-X400, body-only, no lens or viewfinder; PXW-X400KC with a 20x manual focus lens, viewfinder and stereo shotgun mic; and the PXW-X400KF with a 16x auto focus lens, viewfinder and stereo shotgun mic.
All models are planned to be available in February 2016, at the following suggested list prices:
⇒ PXW-X400…. $16,500
⇒ PXW-X400KF… $20,600
⇒ PXW-X400KC…. $21,100
