09/11/2015
Sony expands line of XDCAM HD 422 shoulder camcorders
New PXW-X400 model has enhanced network functions and improved weight balance
Asia Pacific, 9 November 2015: Sony’s latest addition to its PXW series of shoulder mount camcorders, PXW-X400, delivers stronger network and wireless capabilities, improved weight balance, XAVC 60p recording* and pool feed functions, giving electronic news-gathering (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 Mr. Hiroyuki Takahama, Assistant General Manager, Content Creation Solutions Marketing, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited. “The various additions of features like XAVC 60p recording and pool feed make the PXW-X400 a perfect fit for today’s demanding field content creation requirements.”
The new PXW-X400’s Ethernet interface (RJ45 connector) enables direct connection to a network when wireless LAN is unstable or unavailable for file transfer, live streaming and control from a web browser. A near-field communications (NFC) feature gives users a one-touch link between the camcorder 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) is capable of recording 1.5G HD-SDI external signal on SxS card, a useful function to record a distributed signal from another camera on-site without portable deck.
Redesigning the inner structure of PXW-X400’s body, Sony has drastically improved the weight balance and handling capabilities compared to its predecessor models. Combining the newly introduced manual lens with the well-balanced body resolves any front-heavy issues and dramatically reduces the load for users on the right-hand.
‘The PXW-X400’s “ONLINE button” lets users bypass a mobile device or the camcorder’s menu for direct on/off control over: direct streaming transmission of AV signals from the 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 while shooting.
The low-power (22W) PXW-X400 uses a 2/3” 3-chip CMOS image sensor and supports several HD and SD formats including XAVC. Lens options include a 20x Manual Focus Lens (PXW-X400KC model) and a 16x Auto Focus Lens** (PXW-X400KF model). The PXW-X400 model is body-only with no lens or viewfinder. The new camcorder also supports Sony’s new HDVF-series Full HD OLED Viewfinder (model HDVF-EL20/EL30).
The PXW-X400 camcorder is scheduled to release in Asia Pacific from February 2016.
‘*60p recording will be supported on only XAVC-Long format.
**Auto Focus capability will be available in May 2016.