PXW-Z280

World's first 4K Handheld Camcorder with 1/2-type 3CMOS with 4K 50p/60p recording capability, 12G-SDI, Dual Link Cellular capability, 17x zoom lens, advanced Face Detection AF
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Side-view of PXW-Z280 handheld camcorder

PXW-Z280

Setting the standard for handheld image quality and direct-to-air broadcasting in the IoT era.

4K HDR, Duallink, 12G-SDI, XDCAM logos
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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 Dual Link Cellular capability for double the uplink performance and reliability.

*Requires PWS-110RX1A/110RX1.

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 minimize training requirements.

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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 and enhanced detail reproduction) 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.

Front view of PXW-Z280

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 30.3 mm to 515 mm (35 mm 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 in HD mode up to 34x zoom equivalent while maintaining Full HD resolution, thanks to digital extender.

Illustration of PXW-Z280 17x professional zoom

Spectacular HDR performance

Demand for HDR content is increasing and Z280 offers you a choice of two powerful workflows.

  • S-Log3 is the proven choice for premium applications where you wish to capture as much data as possible for the ultimate flexibility in grading
  • Instant HDR Workflow is all about speed. Shoot, edit and view content in Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) to deliver content quickly without compromising on imaging expression and quality of content
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HDR/SDR dual production support*

When shooting HDR content, the Z280’s EVF is easily switched between HDR and SDR emulation modes. In addition, if you adjust the brightness of the image when in SDR emulation, the SDR gain dB is recorded into metadata so it can be used in post-production for the SDR content. Together these changes make it easier to shoot in HDR while also achieving a quick turnaround for SDR content.

*Requires firmware V4.0 or higher.

Download SDR Preview for HDR: Quick Start Guide >

PXW-Z280 HDR/SDR Workflow Diagram

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, however you move to obtain a better angle, you can be confident the PXW-Z280 will keep your subject in pin-sharp focus.

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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.

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Stream directly to major online platforms*

Live streaming instantly connects you with your audience, wherever you are. From breaking news and live events to interviews and seminars—capture high-quality images and share them in real time on major online video platforms such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Mudu.tv, and more. Set up your own streaming channel with your smartphone or tablet, connect via Wi-Fi—and you’re ready to go. You can even import streaming account details from your PC or Mac via an SD card using our StreamingSettingTransfer app.

*Version 4.0 or higher firmware required.

PXW-Z280 Camcorder with SD Card
PXW-Z280 Streaming Workflow diagram

12G-SDI accelerated workflow

Revolutionize your workflow with 12 Gbps content transfer—four times the bandwidth of 3G-SDI over a single 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.

Rear view of PXW-Z280 handheld camcorder

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 color-breaking phenomenon.

PXW-Z280's OLED viewfinder

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 maximize operational flexibility.

*Accessories sold separately. HVL-LBPC light does not draw power from PXW-Z280.

PXW-Z280 with MI Shoe

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.

PXW-Z280 rear view showing ports and connectors

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.*

*Simul and back-up recording are limited to HD operation

3/4 view of PXW-Z280 showing dual SxS media slots

Networked for high mobility

The PXW-Z280 comes with 5 GHz* and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi as standard—simply turn on and log onto your preferred network to enable a host of advanced wireless production features:

  • Dual Link Cellular—use two cellular networks in combination to provide an even more reliable network connection. The PXW-Z280 is compatible with standard USB cellular dongles from most networks. (Please check for the most appropriate service provider for your region. Standard network fees will apply.)
  • High-quality Sony QoS Streaming to Network RX station (sold separately) and C3 Portal** allow images to be streamed live from the camcorder for viewing at a remote location
  • RTMP/RTMPS live streaming supports sharing to major online video platforms such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Mudu.tv, and more (with version 4.0 or higher firmware)
  • FTP Transfer allows content files recorded with MPEG HD 422/420 proxy feature and other content files shot in XAVC (QFHD/FHD) to be sent over the Internet for remote storage on an FTP server even while shooting. In case of signal interruption, the system will automatically resume as soon as connection is restored
  • Trimming function is available for both proxy and PGM without the need for a PC. Any clip can have its start and endpoints selected to eliminate time wasted transferring unnecessary content
  • C3 Portal** can upload high-res and 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. Production teams can even start logging clips while shooting is 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-Z280 to be remotely controlled from a smartphone or tablet computer (iOS 9.0–10.3 or Android 4.4–7.1) via a Wi-Fi connection. One-touch authentication is also possible with smartphones that offer NFC connectivity
  • Wired LAN port allows you to connect the PXW-Z280 to the Internet with a standard Ethernet cable, allowing files to be streamed or transferred by FTP
  • The next update, planned for later 2021, will support enhanced cloud capability.

*5 GHz support dependent on country/regional regulation. Only PXW-Z280V supports 5 GHz. **Requires V5 firmware or higher. C3 portal is only available in specific countries. ***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.

High performance, proven recording formats

PXW-Z280 offers complete production flexibility with built-in support for a wide variety of production formats.

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 utilize the proven DVCAM format and PXW-Z280 provides support at the flick of a switch.

HDR in HD 120 fps*

Shoot beautiful High Dynamic Range (HDR) content in HD at up to 120 fps (HFR).
*Requires V5 firmware.

Specifications

General
Important Note
PXW-Z280 is available from Sony as two SKUs. PXW-Z280V supports both 5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi. PXW-Z280T supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Availability is determined by country/regional regulations.
Mass
Approx. 2.6 kg (body)
Approx. 5 lb 11.7 oz (body)
Approx. 3.0 kg (with lens hood, eyecup, BP-U35 battery, a SxS memory card)
Approx. 6 lb 9.8 oz (with lens hood, eyecup, BP-U35 battery, a SxS memory card)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
178.4 × 202.0 × 426.3 mm (With the accessories (lens hood, eyecup), excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
7 1/8 x 8 x 16 7/8 inches (With the accessories (lens hood, eyecup), excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
Power Requirements
DC In: 12 V
Battery: 14.4 V
Please use genuine Sony batteries to ensure correct and safe operation*2
Power Consumption
Approx. 24 W
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.)
Approx. 36 W
(while recording with LCD On, EVF On when the external device connector is used.)
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. 1 hours, 20 minutes with BP-U35 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Approx. 1 hours, 5 minutes with BP-U30 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Approx. 2 hours, 10 minutes with BP-U60 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Approx. 3 hours, 15 minutes with BP-U90 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Recording Format (Video)
<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I QFHD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, variable bitrate, Max. 600 Mbps
XAVC-I HD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, CBG, Max. 222 Mbps
<XAVC Long>
XAVC-L Quad Full High Definition mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 150 Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 50 Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
AVC-L HD 35 mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 35 Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 25 Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
<MPEG-2 Long GOP>
MPEG HD422 mode:
Constant bitrate, maximum bit rate 50 Mbps, MPEG-2 422P@HL
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 35 Mbps, MPEG-2 MP@HL
<DVCAM>
DVCAM mode:
CBR, 25 Mbps, DVCAM
Recording Format (Audio)
<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
<XAVC Long>
XAVC-L mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
<MPEG-2 Long GOP>
MPEG HD422 mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
<DVCAM>
DVCAM mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels
Recording Frame Rate
<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I QFHD mode:
3840 x 2160/59, 94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p
XAVC-I HD mode:
1920 x 1080/59, 94p, 59.94i, 50p, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P 1280x720/59.94P, 50P
<XAVC Long>
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode:
3840 x 2160/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P 1280 x 720/59.94P, 50P
XAVC-L HD 35 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
Recording Frame Rate - Continued
XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94i, 50i
<MPEG-2 Long GOP>
MPEG HD422 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1280 x 720/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1440 x 1080/59.94i, 50i
1280 x 720/59.94P,50P
<DVCAM>
DVCAM mode:
720 x 480/59.94i, 29.97PsF
720 x 576/50i, 25PsF
Recording/Playback Time
<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I QFHD mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 22 minutes
XAVC-I HD mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 57 minutes
<XAVC Long>
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 86 minutes
XAVC-L HD 50 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 230 minutes
XAVC-L HD 35 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 310 minutes
Recording/Playback Time — Continued
XAVC-L 25 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 420 minutes
<MPEG-2 Long GOP>
MPEG HD422 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 215 minutes
MPEG HD420 HQ mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 330 minutes
<DVCAM>
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 405 minutes
Recording Format (Proxy Audio)
XAVC Proxy: AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 2 channels
Recording Format (Proxy Video)
XAVC Proxy: AVC/H.264 Main Profile 4:2:0 Long GOP, VBR
1920 x 1080, 9Mbps
1280 x 720, 9Mbps
1280 x 720, 6Mbps
640 x 360, 3Mbps
480 x 270, 1Mbps
480 x 270, 0.5Mbps
Lens
Lens Mount
Fixed
Zoom Ratio
17x (optical), servo/manual
Focal Length
f = 5.6 - 95.2 mm
(35mm equivalent: 30.3 - 515 mm)
Iris
F1.9 - F16 and close
auto/manual selectable
Focus
800 mm to ∞ (Macro Off),
50 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Wide),
800 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Tele)
AF/MF/Full MF selectable
Image Stabilizer
On/Off selectable, shift lens
Filter Diameter
φ3.03 inches, pitch 0.03 inches
Camera Section
Imaging Device (Type)
1/2 type back-illuminated Exmor R 3CMOS sensor
Effective Picture Elements
3840 (H) x 2160 (V)
Optical System
F1.6 prism system
Built-in Optical Filters
ND filters
OFF: CLEAR
1: 1/4ND
2: 1/16ND
3: 1/64ND
Linear variable ND (Approx. 1/4ND to 1/128ND)
Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% reflectance)
F12 (typical, 1920 x 1080/59.94p mode)
F13 (typical, 1920 x 1080/50p mode)
F12 (typical, 3840 x 2160/59.94p, High Sensitivity Mode)
F13 (typical, 3840 x 2160/50p, High Sensitivity Mode)
Minimum Illumination
0.0013lx (typical)
(1920 x 1080/59.94i mode, F1.9, +42 dB gain, High Sensitivity Mode, with 64 frame accumulation)
S/N Ratio
63 dB (Y) (typical)
Horizontal Resolution
2,000 TV lines or more (3840 x 2160p mode)
1,000 TV lines or more (1920 x 1080p mode)
Shutter Speed
1/24 sec to 1/8,000 sec
Slow Shutter (SLS)
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 32, and 64-frame accumulation
Slow and Quick Motion Function
<XAVC Intra>
<XAVC Long>
2160P: 1-60 fps
1080P: 1-60 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
<MPEG HD422>
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
<MPEG HD420 HQ>
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
White Balance
Preset (3200K), Memory A,
Memory B/ATW
Gain
-3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB, 42 dB(Turbo Gain ON), AGC
Gamma Curve
Selectable
Streaming
Protocol *3
AVC / RTMP / RTMPS
1920 x 1080 at 9 Mbps
1920 x 1080 at 6 Mbps
1280 x 720 at 3 Mbps
640 x 340 at 1 Mbps
Input/Output
Audio Input
XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), line/mic/mic +48 V selectable
LINE:+4, 0, -3dBu/10kΩ
MIC:-80dBu to -30dBu /3kΩ
(0 dBu=0.775 Vrms)
Video Output
BNC (x1), HD-Y/ HD-SYNC/Composite
1.0 V p-p, 75 Ω
(switchable to Genlock in)
Audio Output
Integrated into Multi/Micro USB jack(x1)
SDI Output
BNC (x1), 12G/3G/HD/SD selectable
Timecode Input
BNC (x1) (switchable to TC out)
0.5V-1.8Vp-p, 3.3kΩ
Timecode Output
BNC (x1) (switchable to TC in)
1.0 V p-p, 75 Ω
Genlock Input
BNC (x1) (switchable to Video out) 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω
USB
USB device, Multi/Micro USB jack (x1)
Host: USB 3.0/2.0 type A(x1)
USB 2.0 type A(x1)
Headphone Output
Stereo mini jack (x1)
-16dBu 16Ω
Speaker Output
Monaural
Output: 500 mW
DC Input
DC jack (x1)
Remote
Stereo mini-minijack (Φ2.5 mm)
HDMI Output
Type A (x1)
Wired LAN
RJ-45 (x1), 1000BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 10BASE-T
Monitoring
Viewfinder
0.5 type (1.3 cm)
Approx 2.36 M dots
LCD
3.5 type (8.8cm)
Approx. 1.56M dots
Built-in Microphone
Built-in Microphone
Omni-directional stereo electret condenser microphone
Media
Type
ExpressCard/34 slot (x2)
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 GHz bandwidth*1
Security
WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
NFC
NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compliant
Supplied Accessories
Supplied Accessories
Lens hood (1), Pre-installed to the Camcorder
EVF eyecup (1)
Battery pack BP-U30 or U35 (1)
AC Adaptor/charger BC-U1A (1)
Power code (1)
USB cable (1)
Shoulder strap (1)
Warranty booklet (1)
"Before Using this Unit" (1)
CDROM "Operating instructions" (1)
Notes
*1
Depending on country/regional regulation and only on PXW-Z280V SKU.
*2
Sony does not guarantee other manufacturers' batteries to operate properly as noted in operation manual.
*3
Requires V4 or higher firmware.

Z280 in Shangri La / Behind The Scenes

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