PXW-Z90 and HXR-NX80 FAQs
What are the target applications of these models?
Compact camcorders with high image quality, such as the PXW-Z90 and HXR-NX80, are used in various applications. These include:
PXW-Z90
News gathering, interviews, and other applications. The Z90 has 3G-SDI terminal for live event shooting and supports XAVC 4:2:0 8bit in QFHD, 4:2:2 10bit and MPEG2 recording (FHD)* for broadcast workflow.
*Optional license CPKZ-SLMP required
HXR-NX80
Corporate video, promotional video, film school students’ work, and so on. The NX80 has consumer format XAVC S, which is easy to play in any workflow, and it will be useful in various applications.
What is the difference between the two models?
Compared to HXR-NX80, the PXW-Z90 has broadcast standard 3G-SDI plus advanced networking features including FTP, QoS streaming and 5GHz WiFi. It also supports broadcast quality XAVC (HD 4:2:2 10bit, QFHD 4:2:0 8bit) and even MPEG2 HD (with optional CBKZ-SLMP license).
What is the major difference from the X70?
PXW-Z90 and HXR-NX80 both support native 4K as standard and feature stunning Autofocus performance due to Fast Hybrid AF technology with 273-point phase detection AF sensor. 4K (QFHD) HDR recording is supported too. The Simple Live Solution with MCX-500 and RM-30BP gives the same performance as multi camera shooting. Z90 supports the same XAVC format as the X70, and the NX80 supports XAVC S format.
Are the size and weight of these models the same as PXW-X70?
The size is the same, and the weight is slightly lighter.
Instant HDR workflow with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)
Is HLG the same as featured on Z150 and FS5?
Yes, it appears in PP10 (Picture Profile).
Is there a difference in the HDR performance of NX80 and Z90?
Gamma curve and colorspace are the same in these three models.
Auto focus
What is Fast Hybrid AF?
As the name suggests, it is a combination of technologies developed by Sony to deliver high performance with exceptional accuracy at very high speed. Specifically, it combines the benefits of both phase-detection AF and contrast AF to deliver a step-change in real-world performance of tracking and shooting objects for high quality visuals.
How fast is Fast Hybrid AF?
About three times faster than X70 (Sony’s estimation).
Image sensor
What’s the principal advantage of the 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor?
The 1.0-type sensor is approximately the same size as a 16-mm film frame. The key benefit of this large size is low noise, less rolling shutter effect and less blur because more light reaches the sensor, offering clear and steady pictures even in a dark scene. The large sensor size also enables beautiful background defocusing (bokeh) to enable you to focus on what you want to show and defocus the rest of the image with spectacular 4K quality without binning. In addition, Exmor RS achieves faster data readout thanks to its stacked structure which ensures Full HD 120fps high frame rate continuous shooting.
Lens
How much magnification does Clear Image Zoom support?
In 4K (QFHD) shooting, CIZ supports 18x. In HD shooting, CIZ supports 24x.
CODEC/format
What are the key advantages of using the XAVC Long format? (Z90 only)
The XAVC Long format uses the efficient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec to achieve high quality imagery without increasing the level of required storage capacity. Its 4:2:2 10bit (Full HD mode) sampling process ensures detailed expression of tone and high color reproduction. The XAVC Long format also supports the professional MXF standard. This means it can be easily used alongside any standard workflow, from a videographer working alone to a production environment sharing content across multiple users.
What are the key advantages of using the XAVC S format? (NX80 only)
The XAVC S format enables high image quality while supporting various workflow and applications thanks to the flexibility of using an MP4 format. When shooting in 4K, the format supports a bitrate of up to 110Mbps (when shooting in HD the format supports a 50Mbps bitrate). The NX80 supports XAVC S in an MP4 file format, which makes it particularly intuitive for use within consumer equipment.
Network features
What are the Wi-Fi capabilities of the new models?
The PXW-Z90 supports streaming to USTREAM and MPEF2-TS streaming to general servers. It can also stream QoS to XDCAM air and RX1 servers, as well as supporting FTP transfer and Wi-Fi remote control with CBM (Content Browser Mobile). The HXR-NX80 supports streaming to USTREAM and MPEF2-TS streaming to general servers, as well as supporting FTP transfer and Wi-Fi remote control with CBM (Content Browser Mobile). The Z90 and NX80 also support the Wireless Time Code Link which is sold separately as an optional license (CBKZ-WCTL).
How do the camcorders work with a smartphone?
The remote control functions are available for Z90 and NX80 via Content Browser Mobile app.
Accessories
Are the new models compatible with RM-30BP?
Yes they are. The command compatibility chart is available on the RM-30BP product page.
Are these models compatible with MCX-500 (Simple Live Solution)?
Yes.
Additional information
Is HDMI/SDI output possible during 4K recording?
Yes. Customers can select display on VF/LCD or output via SDI/HDMI during 4K recording. Outputting from both SDI and HDMI at the same time is not possible.