Side-view of PXW-Z90 palm-sized camcorder

PXW-Z90

The PXW-Z90 offers broadcast quality 4K with advanced features such as high-speed auto focus, Instant HDR workflow, up to 960fps*/1000fps** super-slow motion and streaming via Wi-Fi.

Simple Live Streaming to major online services – free upgrade available now.

*60Hz: 960fps. **50Hz: 1000fps

Logo strip with 4K HDR, XAVC, Exmor RS and WiFi
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Share the moment now with Simple Live Streaming

With the PXW-Z90, it’s easy to share high quality video in real time with your online audience. Stream live footage directly to major online platforms with easy set-up.*

*Free of charge upgrade available now.

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Ultimate mobility with high-speed autofocus

The PXW-Z90 is palm-sized, ultra-lightweight to shoot in any situation and its advanced Fast Hybrid AF system is designed to provide pin-sharp image quality at all times with complete creative control.

Brightly lit building at night

First professional palm camcorder with 4K HDR

The PXW-Z90 is the first professional palm-sized camcorder to deliver stunning 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) content with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) file-based workflows. S-Log3 is also supported, enabling you to create beautiful imagery with a wide colour gamut and colour range.

  • 3840 x 2160 pixels. Connect this product to HDR (HLG) compatible TV via HDMI cable and turn to HDR (HLG) mode by TV when displaying 4K QFHD movies
PXW-Z90 shooting music video in studio

Stream directly to major online platforms

Live streaming instantly connects you with your audience, wherever you are. From weddings and live events to interviews and seminars – capture high-quality images and share them in real time on major online video platforms. Set up your own streaming channel with your smartphone or tablet, connect via Wi-Fi – and you’re ready to go.

  • Free of charge upgrade available now
  • For Ethernet connection, separate accessories (VMC-UAM2, CBK-NA1) are required
Diagram showing wireless and wired options for streaming to Internet

Revolutionary imaging performance with Exmor RS

To deliver imaging performance previously impossible for a compact camcorder, a large 14.2-megapixel (effective) 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor delivers beautiful background bokeh defocus effects and superior sensitivity for capturing high-quality images with less noise, even under dark or bright conditions. This sensor integrates up to 273 phase-detection AF points that densely cover approx. 84% of the image area, for precise tracking of subjects throughout the shooting frame.

The sensor gives you low noise and less blur because more light reaches the sensor, offering clear and steady pictures even in a dark scene with minimum illumination 1.7 lux*.

*LOW LUX mode.

Exmor RS sensor
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Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus captures action

Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus (AF) is comprised of a number of features: Phase-detection AF with up to 273 reference points covering approximately 84% of the image area, face detection and lock-on auto focus technology to estimate subject movement. They all work together seamlessly to capture fast-moving subjects with amazing sharpness.

Auto Focus Creative Control

AF Drive Speed means you set the speed at which focus switches – rapid for a sports event and slow for a drama production. It’s easy to get the results you need. AF Track Depth allows you to choose a Wide depth of field when a subject is fast moving, while Narrow fine tunes performance for a subject at a consistent distance. AF Switching Sensitivity lets you lock tight to a single subject or fluidly switch focus – such as when shooting a line of runners.

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Instant HDR workflows

Shoot, edit and view HDR content in HLG without the need for additional colour grading.

As the expanding need for HDR content continues, internet video platforms and professionals producing corporate or event content are paying more attention to the added value of HDR. They need to deliver content quickly, without compromising on imaging expression and quality of content. To meet this demand, the PXW-Z90 offers Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording, in addition to S-Log3, for easy file-based workflows, whilst achieving the image quality of HDR. This simple workflow enables the shooting, editing and viewing of HDR content in HLG, without devoting a lot of time to post-production work and additional colour grading.

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Express your vision beyond realtime motion

High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet and the PXW-Z90 delivers a stunning 120 frames* per second (fps) in Full HD XAVC 10bit 4:2:2, giving you continuous five-times slow motion expression. Higher frame rates** are also possible for even greater creative flexibility.

*50Hz: 100fps. 60Hz: 120fps

**50Hz: 250, 500, 1000fps. 60Hz: 240, 480, 960fps

Broadcast quality 4K (QFHD) and HD

The PXW-Z90 allows you to record a wide range of 4K (QFHD) and HD formats for maximum flexibility from this stunning palm-sized camcorder. The Z90 supports XAVC QFHD 100Mbps recordings at 30p/25p/24p, XAVC HD Long GOP 422 50Mbps, MPEGHD422 50Mbps*, MPEGHD420 35Mbps and AVCHD.

*MPEG HD recording requires optional licence (CBKZ-SLMP) upgrade.

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Networked for high mobility

The PXW-Z90 comes with 5GHz* and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as standard – simply turn on and log onto your preferred network to enable a host of advanced wireless production features:

*5GHz support dependent on country/regional regulation. Only PXW-Z90V supports 5GHz.

  • QoS Streaming to XDCAM air allows images to be streamed live from the camcorder for viewing at a remote location
  • FTP Transfer allows content files recorded with MPEG HD 422/420 proxy feature (CBKZ-SLMP required) and other content files shot in XAVC (QFHD/FHD) and AVCHD formats to be sent over the internet for remote storage on an FTP server
  • XDCAM air can upload proxy footage to the cloud from multiple camera operators in the field, so editing can start immediately. Uploaded content can be accessed securely from any location. News teams can even start logging clips while shooting’s still going on, saving even more valuable time when a story’s breaking
  • Wi-Fi/NFC (Near Field Communication) with Content Browser Mobile™ allows the PXW-Z90 to be remotely controlled from a smartphone or tablet computer (iOS 9.0 – 10.3 or Android 4.4 through 7.1) via a Wi-Fi connection.* One-touch authentication is also possible with smartphones that offer NFC connectivity
  • Wired LAN connection allows the PXW-Z90 to be connected to the internet over a wired connection via the separately available VMC-UAM2 USB adapter cable and network adaptor kit (CBK-NA1), allowing files to be streamed or transferred by FTP

*The Content Browser Mobile™ application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store. Wi-Fi operation cannot be guaranteed with all smartphones and tablet computers.

PXW-Z90 with Sony Xperi phone for remote operation
Front view of PXW-Z90 with images representing capability of fixed wide-angle zoom lens

Wide-angle zoom lens with great control

The PXW-Z90 is supplied with a fixed 29mm wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens, ideal for capturing panoramic landscapes. The 12x optical zoom can be increased to 18x with Clear Image Zoom, maintaining QFHD resolution using Super Resolution Technology or 24x in HD. In addition, the digital extender can double this range again, up to 48x zoom.

The camcorder’s lens ring enables smooth, natural adjustment of focusing or zooming, depending on which mode is selected, while the manual dial and buttons on the side of the body allow swift and easy adjustment of IRIS (aperture), ISO/GAIN and shutter speed.

Optical Zoom

Clear Image Zoom (QFHD)

Superb quality monitoring with enhanced OLED viewfinder

You have superb monitoring options with the Z90, an enhanced 0.39-type 2359K dot OLED viewfinder and 3.5-type 1550K dot LCD. The super high resolution OLED viewfinder offers excellent quality brightness, contrast and response, giving you better precision of manual focus operations and eliminating any colour-breSide view of PXW-Z90 with LCD screen on and media slots openaking phenomenon. The LCD gives you further flexible composition options.

Side view of PXW-Z90 with LCD screen on and media slots open
PXW-Z90 with shotgun microphone

Dual XLR inputs

Robust XLR inputs on the removable handle support professional standard stereo audio recording. Switchable phantom power supports mics that need it, while independent channel input dials provide precision control.

Remote operation

The PXW-Z90 has a featured remote Side-view of PXW-Z90 camcorderinterface (2.5 mm stereo mini-mini jack) wired interface. Using a wired remote controller such as the RM-1BP or RM-30BP the focus, zoom, rec start/stop and rec review can be controlled remotely.

Side-view of PXW-Z90 camcorder
Close-up of dual media slots on PXW-Z90

Dual media slots

To extend recording time and workflow flexibility, the PXW-Z90 is equipped with two memory card slots and is compatible with SDXC and SDHC cards as well as Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) / PRO-HG Duo*.

Relay mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full; Simul mode allows simultaneous recording to two memory cards (for example to create an immediate back-up version). The PXW-Z90’s two start/stop buttons on the handle grip and camcorder body can independently start and stop recording on different memory cards while recording in Simul mode.

*Memory Card Slot 1 only.

Close-up of Multi-Interface Shoe on PXW-Z90

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

The PXW-Z90 takes advantage of Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, which provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible Sony accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony UWP-D wireless microphone systems (sold separately). Please note to use the MI-Shoe the XLR handle must be removed.

Close-up of A/V connectors on PXW-Z90

Wide choice of connections

The PXW-Z90 offers numerous connections to suit the broadcast workflow, including 3G HD-SDI, HDMI®, Multi/Micro USB jack and composite output. The Rec Trigger signal can be sent through SDI and HDMI to link an external recording device. HDMI/SDI/composite output is possible during QFHD recording*.

*HDMI supports up QFHD resolution, 3G-SDI supports up to HD resolution. Composite is SD-only.

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Easily synchronise multiple camcorders

When shooting with multiple camcorders, you can synchronise the timecode of each camcorder using Content Browser Mobile™ (CBM) smartphone application* with optional CBKZ-WTCL upgrade. With this feature, all camcorders can synchronise to the primary camcorder you select or to a manually set time – whichever you prefer.

*Version 3.0 Content Browser Mobile™ required which is compatible with iOS 9.0 – 10.3 or Android 4.4 through 7.1.

Specifications

General
Important Note
PXW-Z90 is available from Sony as two SKUs. PXW-Z90V supports both 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi. PXW-Z90T supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Availability is determined by country/regional regulations.
Mass
Approx 1020g (with lens hood, eyecup)
Approx. 2 lb 4.0 oz (with lens hood,eyecup)
Approx. 1390g (with lens hood, handle, eyecup, NP-FV70A battery)
Approx. 3lb 1oz (with lens hood, handle, eyecup, NP-FV70A battery)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
121.0mm×104.0mm×274.5mm (With the accessories (lens hood, large eyecup) ,excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
4 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 10 7/8 inches (With the accessories (lens hood, large eyecup) ,excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
130.0 x 181.5 x 287.0 mm (With the accessories (lens hood, large eyecup, XLR handle unit) , excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
5 1/8 x 7 1/4 x 11 3/8 inches (With the accessories (lens hood, large eyecup, XLR handle unit) , excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
Power Requirements
DC In: 8.4V
Battery: 7.4V
Power Consumption
Approx. 6.5 W(while recording with viewfinder and XAVC QFHD 2160/30p 60Mbps)
Approx. 6.9 W (while recording with LCD and XAVC QFHD 2160/30p 60Mbps)
Operating Temperature
0°C to 40°C
32°F to 104°F
Storage Temperature
-20°C to +60°C
-4°F to +140°F
Battery Operating Time
Approx. 140min. with NP-FV70A battery (while recording with LCD, XAVC QFHD 2160/30p, 60Mbps)
Approx. 265 min. with NP-FV70A battery (while playing with LCD, XAVC QFHD 2160/30p, 60Mbps)
Recording Format (Video)
XAVC QFHD : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 4:2:0 Long profile
XAVC HD : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 4:2:2 Long profile
XAVC Proxy : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 4:2:0 Long profile
MPEG HD422 (CBKZ-SLMP required) : MPEG-2 422P@HL 4:2:2 Long profile
MPEG HD420 (CBKZ-SLMP required) : MPEG-2 MP@HL 4:2:0 Long profile
MPEG HD Proxy (CBKZ-SLMP required) : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 4:2:0 Long profile
AVCHD : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 AVCHD 2.0 format compatible
Recording Format (Audio)
XAVC QFHD : Linear PCM 2ch, 24bit, 48kHz
XAVC HD : Linear PCM 2ch, 24bit, 48kHz
XAVC Proxy : AAC-LC 2ch、16bit、48kHz
MPEG HD422 (CBKZ-SLMP required) : Linear PCM 2ch, 24bit, 48kHz
MPEG HD420 (CBKZ-SLMP required) : Linear PCM 2ch, 16bit, 48kHz
MPEG HD Proxy (CBKZ-SLMP required) : AAC-LC 2ch、16bit、48kHz
AVCHD : Linear PCM 2ch, 16bit, 48kHz / Dolby Digital 2ch, 16bit, 48kHz
Recording Frame Rate
XAVC QFHD (3840 x 2160) @29.97p, 25p, 23.98p 100Mbps/60Mbps
XAVC HD (1920 x 1080) @59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, 50Mbps/35Mbps
XAVC HD (1920 x 1080) @59.94i, 50i, 50Mbps/35Mbps/25Mbps
XAVC HD (1280 x 720) @59.94p, 50p, 50Mbps
XAVC Proxy (1280 x 720) @59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, 9Mbps
XAVC Proxy (640 x 360) @59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, 3Mbps
MPEG HD422 (1920 x 1080) (CBKZ-SLMP required) @59.94i, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, 50Mbps
MPEG HD422 (1280 x 720) (CBKZ-SLMP required) @59.94p, 50p, 50Mbps
MPEG HD420 (1920 x 1080) @59.94i, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, HQ mode(35Mbps)
MPEG HD420 (1440 x 1080) (CBKZ-SLMP required) @59.94i, 50i, HQ mode(35Mbps)
Recording Frame Rate (Cont.)
MPEG HD420 (1280 x 720) (CBKZ-SLMP required) @59.94p, 50p, HQ mode(35Mbps)
MPEG HD Proxy (1280 x 720) (CBKZ-SLMP required) @59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, 9Mbps
MPEG HD Proxy (640 x 360) (CBKZ-SLMP required) @59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p 3Mbps
AVCHD (1920 x 1080)@59.94p, 50p, PS mode (28Mbps)
AVCHD (1920 x 1080) @59.94i/50i FX mode (24Mbps) FH mode(17Mbps)
AVCHD (1920 x 1080) @29.97p/25p/23.98p, FX mode (24Mbps)
AVCHD (1440 x 1080)@59.94i, 50i LP mode (5Mbps)
AVCHD (1280 x 720)@59.94p, 50p, HQ mode (9Mbps)
Recording/Playback Time
XAVC QFHD @LPCM 2ch 100 Mbps
Approx. 65 min with 64 GB memory card
XAVC QFHD @LPCM 2ch 60 Mbps
Approx. 100 min with 64 GB memory card
XAVC HD @LPCM 2ch 50 Mbps
Approx. 120 min with 64 GB memory card
XAVC HD @LPCM 2ch 35 Mbps
Approx. 170 min with 64 GB memory card
XAVC HD @LPCM 2ch 25 Mbps
Approx. 220 min with 64 GB memory card
MPEG HD422 (CBKZ-SLMP required) @LPCM 2ch 50 Mbps
Approx. 110 min with 64 GB memory card
MPEG HD420 (CBKZ-SLMP required) @LPCM 2ch HQ Mode
Approx. 170 min with 64 GB memory card
AVCHD @LPCM 2ch PS Mode
Approx. 305 min with 64 GB memory card
AVCHD @LPCM 2ch FX Mode
Approx. 360 min with 64 GB memory card
Recording/Playback Time (cont.)
AVCHD @LPCM 2ch FH Mode
Approx. 495 min with 64 GB memory card
AVCHD @LPCM 2ch HQ Mode
Approx. 880 min with 64 GB memory card
AVCHD @LPCM 2ch LP Mode
Approx. 1540 min with 64 GB memory card
Lens
Lens Mount
Fixed
Zoom Ratio
12x (optical), servo
Focal Length
f=9.3 - 111.6mm
equivalent to f=29.0 - 348.0mm on 35 mm lens(16:9)
equivalent to f=32.8 - 393.6mm on 35mm lens(3:2)
Iris
F2.8 - F4.5
auto/manual selectable
Focus
AF/MF selectable
10 mm to ∞ (Wide)
1000 mm to ∞ (Tele)
Image Stabilizer
ON/OFF selectable, shift lens
Filter Diameter
M62 mm
Camera Section
Imaging Device (Type)
1.0-type (13.2mm x 8.8mm) back-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS sensor
Effective Picture Elements
Approx.14.2M pixels(16:9)/Approx.12.0M pixels(3:2)
Built-in Optical Filters
OFF: Clear, 1: 1/4ND, 2: 1/16ND, 3: 1/64ND
Minimum Illumination
Standard [60i] 3lux(1/60 Shutter Speed, gain 33dB)
Standard [50i] 3lux(1/50 Shutter Speed, gain 33dB)

LowLux [60i] 1.7lux(1/30 Shutter Speed, gain 33dB)
LowLux [50i] 1.7lux(1/25 Shutter Speed, gain 33dB)
Shutter Speed
[60i]: 1/8 - 1/10,000
(1/6 - 1/10,000 when shooting with 24p)
[50i]: 1/6 -1/10,000
Slow & Quick Motion Function
[60i]:2160p:Frame rate selectable 1,2,4,8,15,30fps
[50i]:2160p:Frame rate selectable 1,2,3,6,12,25fps
[60i]:1080p:Frame rate selectable 1,2,4,8,15,30,60,120fps
[50i]:1080p:Frame rate selectable 1,2,3,6,12,25,50,100fps
Super Slow Motion
[60i]1080p:Frame rate selectable 240,480,960fps
[50i]:1080p:Frame rate selectable 250,500,1000fps
White Balance
Preset(Indoor:3200K, Outdoor:5600K±7 steps, Color temparature set range:2300-15000K)
Onepush A, B, Auto selectable
Gain
-3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12,15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 dB, AGC
Gamma Curve
Selectable
Streaming
Protocol
AVC / RTMP / RTMPS
1280x720 at 3Mbps
640x360 at 1Mbps
Input/Output
Audio Input
XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), line/mic/mic +48 V selectable
Video Output
Integrated into Multi/Micro USB jack(×1), Composite 1.0Vp-p, 75Ω
Audio Output
Integrated into Multi/Micro USB jack
SDI Output
BNC (x1), 3G/HD/SD
SMPTE 424M/292M/259M standards
USB
Multi/Micro USB jack (x1)
Headphone Output
Stereo mini jack (x1)
Speaker Output
Monaural
DC Input
DC jack
Remote
Integrated into Multi/Micro USB jack
Stereo mini-mini jack (Φ2.5mm)
HDMI Output
Type A (x1)
Monitoring
Viewfinder
1.0cm(0.39 type)OLED
Approx. 2.36M dots
LCD
8.8cm(3.5 type)
Approx. 1.56M dots
Built-in Microphone
Built-in Microphone
Omni-directional stereo electret condenser microphone
Media
Type
Memory Stick Pro Duo™ and SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible x1 SD/SDHC/SDXC x1
Wi-Fi/NFC
Supported format
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Frequency band
2.4 GHz bandwidth
5.2/5.3/5.6/5.8 GHz bandwidth*

* Depending on country / regional regulation and only on PXW-Z90V SKU.
Security
WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
NFC
NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compliant
Supplied Accessories
Supplied Accessories
XLR handle unit (1)
Lens hood (1)
Lens cap (1)
Large eyecup (1)
Accessory shoe kit (1)
USB cable (1)
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70A) (1)
AC Adaptor (AC-L200D) (1)
Power cord (mains lead) (1)
Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-845) (1)
Lithium battery (CR2025 for the Wireless Remote Commander) (1), Pre-installed to the Wireless Remote Commander
Operating Guide (2)
CD-ROM “Manuals for Solid-State Memory Camcorderr” (1)
Warranty (1)
Notes
*
[60i]: when [60i/50i SEL] is set to 60i
[50i]: when [60i/50i SEL] is set to 50i
Product contains pre-installed software
This product contains pre-installed software and requires the purchase of licence keys to activate some functions.