Skip to main content
Sony HDC-3500RV system camera with lens mounted on a tripod, shown alongside the R Series logo on a black background.

HDC-3500RV

2/3-type 4K 3-CMOS sensor portable system camera

Refined 4K with powerful exposure control

Expand your creative horizons with the HDC-3500RV, offering smooth handling and precision image technologies for simultaneous HDR and SDR production. The HDC-3500RV also features Extended Range Capture*¹ and Selectable Video Sensitivity*¹ for flexibility in challenging lighting conditions. This 2/3‑type 4K 3‑CMOS image sensor portable system camera delivers direct 4K output*² with outstanding image quality, in addition to HD 4x HFR. The built-in Variable ND filter enables seamless exposure control and creative depth-of-field expression. It also supports wireless operation, with a choice of optional outside panels for added versatility.

*1 Availability: planned via software update in December 2026 or later.
*2 Options on both the camera and the connected CCU are required.

Band performing live on stage.

Enhanced Imaging

Rear view of a HDC series system camera capturing a presenter in a green screen studio environment.

Efficient Data Transmission

Hand adjusting controls on the rear panel of a Sony HDC-R series camera.

Improved Operability

Enhanced Imaging

High-Precision Imaging with 2/3-type 3-CMOS Sensor with Global Shutter

The high-performance 2/3-type 4K 3-CMOS image sensor at the heart of the HDC-3500RV delivers extremely high sensitivity. Sony’s class-leading Global Shutter Technology eliminates rolling shutter distortion and the risk of banding under artificial light, allowing the HDC-3500RV to capture clear 4K images even with fast-moving subjects.

Multiple 2/3-type 3-CMOS image sensor
Side-by-side comparison of the same band performance, illustrating differences in dynamic range.

Extended Range Capture for Enhanced Detail

Extended Range Capture reduces highlight clipping, delivering richer detail and improved expression in high-contrast scenes such as music concerts and outdoor sports.

Band performing under low stage lighting, captured with excellent image clarity to highlight high sensitivity performance.

High S/N Performance with Selectable Video Sensitivity

An improved signal-to-noise performance of -64 dB ensures clean, high-quality images even in low-light conditions. The Selectable Video Sensitivity additionally enables switching between multiple predefined sensitivity profiles while maintaining low noise and consistent image quality even as lighting conditions change.

Colored Variable ND filter highlighted within a transparent Sony HDC-3500RV series camera body.

Variable ND Filter for Smooth Exposure Control and Seamless Operation

Thanks to seamless ND filter switching, without any visible physical filters, you can achieve smooth transitions between different lighting conditions without disruption to the broadcast. Additionally, the system supports high frame rates (HFR) and is switchable between deep/shallow depth of field, making it well-suited to sports applications where capturing fast-paced action and dramatic shots is essential. The variable ND filter is pre-installed, allowing smooth exposure adjustment without affecting image quality and the filter unit also supports additional creative and optical filters. Available filters include the EXTRA OLPF filter to reduce moiré when capturing LED screens, and the BLACK MIST filter, which creates a blurred effect by diffusing soft light onto the subject and diffusing light sources and highlights to give the image a fantastical feel.

Simplified Brightness and Depth of Field Control

Take complete control over your exposure settings with our camera system’s Virtual Iris, enabling effortless adjustments to brightness between lens iris, variable ND, or master gain using a single iris control action. Capture stunning visuals in any lighting condition with precise and seamless control, while taking advantage of the intuitive and user-friendly interface.

Additionally, the DoF (Depth of Field) control feature allows you to freely adjust depth of field through aperture operation while the image brightness is automatically maintained, achieving beautiful bokeh tailored to your scene.

Live band performance with the subject in sharp focus and the background rendered with soft, natural bokeh.
Gymnast performing parallel bars, captured with exceptional clarity to highlight high frame rate imaging.

HD 4x HFR for High-Quality Slow Motion

When used with HDCU-3000 Series Camera Control Units, the HDC-3500RV supports HD 4x*.

For live sports, HD HFR delivers smooth slow motion that reveals every critical moment.

* Optional software or hardware is required.

Color gamut diagram comparing coverage across multiple color spaces.

Wide Colour Space for HDR, Cinematic, and Multi-Format Production

The HDC-3500RV supports wide colour spaces including ITU-R BT.2020, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine, as well as SG3 (LIVE GRADE) and SG3.Cine (LIVE GRADE), for HDR and cinematic workflows.

Operator checking footage with a custom LUT applied on a monitor.

3D LUT Function for Consistent Colour

When used with the HDCU-3500R/3500 and the optional HKCU-LUT35, the HDC-3500RV provides 3D LUT functionality to streamline colour management across the camera system*. LUTs can be recalled with scene files.

* Optional software is required.

Efficient Data Transmission

Video Trunk connection diagram illustrating signal flow between broadcast system components.

Video Trunk for Simplified Connectivity and Seamless System Integration

Simplify system design with reduced cabling and flexible integration of HD HDR or dual interlaced signals, for efficient and future‑ready production workflows.

[1] Camera1 Video Signal [2] Camera2 Video Signal [3] Camera3 Video Signal [4] Camera1 [5] Camera2 [6] Camera3 [7] CCU [8] Monitor1 [9] Monitor2 [10] Monitor3 

Multiple Prompter Line for Flexible, Low-Latency Multi-Signal Return

A Multiple Prompter Line provides dedicated SDI return paths between the camera and CCU for teleprompter feeds, floor‑monitor signals, or AR/virtual‑studio graphics over existing cabling. It supports flexible configurations, ensuring stable, low‑latency delivery for live and studio productions.

[1] Prompter [2] Monitor [3] Prompter Video [4] Rendered CG Video [5] System Camera [6] CCU [7] Prompt Generator [8] CG Render

Multi Prompter Line connection diagram illustrating signal flow between broadcast system components.
Network Trunk connection diagram illustrating signal flow between broadcast system components.

Network Trunk for High-Speed Data Transfer and Scalable IP Workflows

The HDC-3500RV offers high-speed data transmission with Network Trunk (via LAN port), supporting up to 1 Gbps.

[1] Camera Tracking Data [2] Video Signal [3] System Camera [4] OCCELUS [5] CCU [6] CG Render

IP Remote Production for CCU-less Integration

Adding the optional HDCE-TX50/TX30 IP camera extension adaptor allows the HDC-3500RV to output ST 2110 signals without requiring a separate CCU (Camera Control Unit), simplifying connection to IP-based remote production systems and supporting visually lossless JPEG XS capability*.

* Optional software or hardware is required.

Find out more > HDCE-TX50

Find out more > HDCE-TX30

Find out more > Networked Live

IP remote production workflow showing a camera connected to a broadcast facility through an IP network.
Band performing live on stage.

Simultaneous HDR and SDR Production for Efficient Workflows

The HDC-3500RV can capture High Dynamic Range images, and supports Sony’s SR Live workflow for simultaneous HDR/SDR production.

Download >

Networked Control and Monitoring for Efficient Workflows

Adding the optional CNA-2 camera control network adaptor enables network-based control and monitoring. This allows efficient centralised management of multiple cameras while simplifying system configuration and streamlining workflows.

Find out more > CNA-2

Sony CNA-2 camera control network adaptor in the foreground with a computer displaying its web-based user interface in the background.
Product Image of HKC-WL50 wireless transmission adaptor

Wireless Transmission for Flexible and Cable-Free Operation

Replacing the side panel with the optional HKC-WL50 wireless transmission adaptor enables wireless 4K signal transmission directly from the camera, reducing cable dependency and enhancing operational mobility in live production environments.

Find out more > HKC-WL50

Improved Operability

Side view of HDC-3500RV, with the viewfinder slide sliding.

Pre-installed VF Slide for Comfortable Operation and Stable Shooting

With the pre-installed viewfinder slide mechanism, camera operators can improve shooting comfort by minimising their body movements during panning.
This feature is especially useful in cramped spaces like tracked dollys, stadium platforms, and scaffolding, where limited mobility can hinder the desired shots. The pre-installed slide mechanism enhances shooting flexibility and usability, with a smoothly-sliding viewfinder that can be moved closer to the axis of tripod rotation to reduce changes in the viewing angle.

Unified Intercom Panel for Intuitive and Reliable Operation

The integrated design of the intercom panel boasts controllable PGM3, TRACKER VR, and earphone MIC across all models, ensuring a consistent layout for customers worldwide. The controllable settings encompass PROD/ENG/OFF, while TRACKER and PGM3 can be easily assigned to different functions.

Rear view of HDC-3500RV

Shooting Assist Features for Enhanced Operation and Accuracy

The HDC-3500RV integrates Rich Focus Assist, ARIA, RBF, and UMBRA, providing advanced on-screen assist tools for accurate focusing, exposure control, and intuitive operation, enhancing shooting precision and efficiency across diverse production environments.

Rich Focus Assist

Three focus positions can be assigned to preset buttons, making it quick and easy to select preset focal positions during live shooting.

ARIA (Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation)

Maximum aperture reduction (F-drop) and peripheral light loss are unwanted physical phenomena especially in long-distance object shooting at telephoto focal lengths. Camera processing automatically compensates for these effects with supported lenses.

RBF (Remote Back Focus)

The back focus of supported lenses can be adjusted remotely from the Sony Master Setup Unit or Remote Control Panel. This ensures precise focus adjustment and shortens preparation time during production.

UMBRA (VF Dynamic Contrast)

For an improved shooting experience, this setting increases the visibility of subjects in low-light areas on the viewfinder (VF). Effective for framing and focusing in dark situations.

ARIA: Viewfinder displaying a live music performance. UMBRA: Viewfinder maintaining scene visibility during a dark stage transition.

Right: Rich Focus Assist / Left: UMBRA

Road to Zero Logo

Environmentally conscious

Sony’s environmental plan “Road to Zero”*1 aims for a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The HDC-3500RV is designed with consideration for reducing its environmental impact, including a transition to non-plastic packaging materials*2.
 
*1 For Sony’s environmental activities, refer to https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/eco/sustainable-development
*2 Materials used in coatings and adhesives are not included.

Specifications