Sony PXW-Z280 4K Handheld Camcorder

Sony PXW-Z280 (PXW_Z280, PXW/Z280, PXW Z280) 4K CMOS Sensor Camcorder with Built-in Electronic Variable ND Filter

Sony's PXW-Z280 4K 3-CMOS 1/2" Sensor XDCAM Camcorder continues the fine tradition of the XDCAM series of cameras. It captures 4K at up to 60p relying on three 1/2" Exmor R sensors that provide improved low-light capability when compared to standard sensors. The camera integrates a 17x optical zoom lens and an electronic variable ND filter. The camera supports modern codecs such as XAVC, as well as legacy codecs such as MPEG HD and DVCAM, allowing you to use one camera to shoot 4K, HD, or SD video.

The camera supports S-Log 3 for improved performance, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) which allows you to shoot and deliver footage compatible with both HDR (high dynamic range) and SDR (standard dynamic range) without needing laborious post-production work. You can record in both 4K and HD simultaneously, or output 4K 60p via the built-in 12G-SDI output. The camera features built-in 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

World-leading handheld 4K HDR performance

• An all-new 4K 3CMOS 1/2-type sensor with a deep depth of field and class-leading performance provides the pinnacle of 4K HDR performance in your hand. Face Detection AF keeps your subject in focus, while HLG and S-Log3 provide stunning HDR to suit any workflow.

Revolutionary networking capabilities

• Deliver your content faster wherever you are. PXW-Z280 is the world’s first camcorder with built-in Dual Link Cellular connection for double the uplink performance and reliability. Integrated 12G-SDI supports transfers at up to 12Gbps over a standard SDI cable.

The complete package for professionals

• Unpack and shoot from day one. Advanced XAVC-Intra and XAVC-Long for 4K QFHD and HD, plus MPEG HD422, MPEG HD and DVCAM to support any workflow. Familiar Sony control layout and operation minimise training requirements.

World's first 1/2-type 3CMOS Sensor for broadcast 4K

• The Z280’s all-new Exmor R™ imager is custom-designed for broadcast 4K acquisition. Its three 1/2-type Exmor R™ CMOS deliver a deep depth of field with superb image quality. Red, blue, and green light are independently captured by separate image sensors, contributing to high resolution, high sensitivity of F12 (59.94p) and wide dynamic range. An advanced LSI (featuring intelligent noise reduction, enhanced detail reproduction and distortion correction technologies) delivers remarkably lifelike 4K 4:2:2 10-bit images. Even if you’re delivering in HD, your recordings will capture detail and image texture that HD sensors simply cannot see.

17x professional HD zoom lens with three independent rings with end-stop and large focal length

• The PXW-Z280 is equipped with a 17x professional zoom lens able to zoom from 30.3mm to 515mm (35mm equivalent). The 1/2-inch type lens has three independent control rings with end-stop, which allows manual control of focus, zoom and iris, making for better and faster adjustment.
• The image can be enlarged without any picture degradation in HD mode and 34x times zoom equivalent image is captured with sensor cropping extender.

Amazingly fast precision auto focus

• The PXW-Z280 features newly developed Face detection AF. You can choose between Face Priority AF and Face Only AF. Simply keep the person in frame and and however you move to obtain a better angle, you can be confident the PXW-Z280 will keep your subject in pin-sharp focus.

Built-in electronic Variable ND Filters

• Sony’s ground-breaking integration of electronic variable ND Filters into the body of a camcorder enables fast, agile shooting. Moving from shadowy interiors to bright sun-lit exteriors is no problem with PXW-Z280. Unlike conventional optical ND filters, the electronic ND filter on the PXW-Z280 can be controlled from 1/4ND to 1/128ND linearly while ND Filters can be set to fully auto. You can even manually adjust Depth of Field using the iris lens ring, while relying on the PXW-Z280 to maintain constant exposure without changing gain nor shutter speed.

12G-SDI accelerated workflow

• Revolutionise your workflow with 12Gbps content transfer – four times the bandwidth of 3G-SDI over a standard SDI cable and ideal for working with highest quality 4K content or speeding through HD content. Sony is the first broadcast manufacturer to build 12G-SDI into a compact handheld camcorder. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to use anything else.

Accurate OLED viewfinder

• An expansive 0.5-inch high quality OLED viewfinder is perfectly offset for right-eye or left-eye viewing. OLED’s superb accuracy, high contrast and high resolution (2.36M dot) enables precise manual focus and eliminates any colour-breaking phenomenon.

Dual Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

• MI Shoe provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible Sony accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony wireless microphone systems such as the UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 or attach the HVL-LBPC light *Connectors at front and back of camcorder maximise operational flexibility.

Dual XLR and 4 Channel Audio

• The PXW-Z280 offers superior professional audio capabilities with independent volume dials enabling precision control of external audio inputs, including an MI-shoe attached microphone.

Dual SxS media slots

• The camcorder is equipped with two SxS memory card slots, which can record in Simul, Relay or Back up mode. Simul mode permits simultaneous recording to two memory cards, including simultaneous recordings of MPEG HD exFAT and UDF recordings, ideal for archival purposes. Relay mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full to extend recording times. In Back up mode, users can set up the two Start/Stop buttons on the PXW-Z280, one on the grip and one on the camcorder body, to independently start and stop recording on different memory cards while recording in Simul mode.

High quality XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP recordings

• XAVC technology is based on the H.264 standard, which provides an exceptionally robust and efficient compression technology. XAVC Intra (frame) compression means that every frame is encoded independent of the other frames – providing a better quality picture, without compromises. XAVC Long GOP applies compression across multiple frames – reducing file sizes, which can make for fast ingest and editing as well as providing budget savings on recording media. The XAVC codec adopts 10-bit sampling for high definition recording with rich tonal expression.

Broadcast-standard MPEG HD422 and MPEG HD

• High-quality MPEG HD422 50 Mbps is fully compliant with the latest EBU recommendations for long-form broadcast production and is widely accepted in broadcasting stations and production houses. This recording capability makes PXW-Z280 ideal for a wide range of different applications, including newsgathering and documentary production.

DVCAM at 25 Mbps in MXF file format

• Many broadcasters and production houses still utilise the proven DVCAM format and PXW-Z280 provides support at the flick of a switch.

Imaging

• Image Sensor: 3-Chip 1/2" CMOS Sensor
• Effective Sensor Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 63 dB
• Minimum Illumination: 0.0013 lux

Lens

• Focal Length: 5.6 to 95.2mm
• 35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 30.3 to 515mm
• Optical Zoom Ratio: 17x
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.9
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Filter Size: 77 mm
• Control Rings: Focus, Zoom, Iris
• Image Stabilization: Optical
• Focus Control: Autofocus, Manual Focus

Camera

• Shutter Speed: 1/24 to 1/8000 sec
• Built-In ND Filter: Mechanical Filter Wheel with Clear, 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters and a 2 to 7 Stop Electronic ND Filter
• Built-In Microphone Type: Stereo
• Recording Media: 2 x SxS Card Slots

Recording

• Broadcast System Compatibility: NTSC, PAL
• Recording Modes: XAVC-I:3840 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (600 Mb/s), 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (222 Mb/s), 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (222 Mb/s) 
• 1280 x 720p at 50/59.94 fps (222 Mb/s), XAVC-L: 3840 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (150 Mb/s), 1920 x 2160p at 23.98/25/29.97/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s), 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s), 1280 x 720p at 50/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s), XAVC-L:1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (35 Mb/s), 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (35 Mb/s), 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (25 Mb/s), MPEG2 4:2:2: 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps (50 Mb/s), 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s), 1280 x 720p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s), MPEG2 4:2:0: 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps (35 Mb/s), 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (35 Mb/s), 1440 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps (35 Mb/s), 1440 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps (35 Mb/s), 1280 x 1080p at 50/59.94 fps (35 Mb/s), DV 4:2:0 8-Bit: 720 x 576i at 50 fps (25 Mb/s), 720 x 576PsF at 50 fps (25 Mb/s), 720 x 480i at 59.94 fps (25 Mb/s), 720 x 480PsF at 59.94 fps (25 Mb/s) 
• Variable Frame Rates: 1 to 60 fps
• Audio Recording: XAVC: 4-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio

Interfaces

• Video Connectors: 1 x BNC (Component) Output, 1 x BNC (12G-SDI) Output, 1 x HDMI Output
• Audio Connectors: 2 x 3-Pin XLR Mic Level Input, 1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) Stereo Headphone Output
• Other I/O: 1 x BNC Timecode Input, 1 x BNC Timecode Output, 1 x BNC Genlock Input
• 1 x 2.5 mm LANC Control, 1 x USB Micro-B Data, 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x RJ45 LAN Data 
• Wireless Interfaces: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Wi-Fi, NFC
• Global Positioning: GPS

Display

• Display Type: LCD
• Screen Size: 3.5"
• Screen Resolution: 1,560,000 Dots

EVF

• Screen Size: .5"
• EVF Resolution: 2,360,000 Dots

Power

• Battery Type: Sony BP-U Series

General

• Accessory Mount: 1 x Multi-Interface Shoe
• Dimensions: 7.02 x 7.95 x 16.78" / 178.4 x 202 x 426.3 mm (With Protrusions)
• Weight: 6.6 lb / 3 kg

In the box

• 1x Sony PXW-Z280 4K CMOS Sensor Camcorder
• 1x Lens Hood
• 1x EVF Eyecup
• 1x Battery Pack BP-U30
• 1x AC Adapter/Charger BC-U1A
• 1x Power Code
• 1x USB Cable
• 1x Shoulder Strap
• 1x Warranty Booklet
• 1x "Before Using this Unit
• 1x CDROM "Operating instructions