Sony Announces New PXW-Z100 4K Camcorder

Sony has just unveiled the new PXW-Z100, a compact 1/2″ single sensor 4K camcorder with a fixed 20x lens. Utilizing the same XAVC codec first introduced with the PMW-F5 & PMW-F55, the PXW-Z100 can record HD, QFHD (3840×2160) and full 4K (4096×2160) up to 60 FPS. XAVC is a versatile 10-bit 4:2:2 intraframe codec with a manageable data rate of 240Mbps at 4K 24FPS, but a future firmware update will also bring a long GOP XAVC-S mode as well as the standard AVCHD codec option. Dual XQD card slots provide a relay recording option for continuous shooting.

In addition to the standard composite and HD-SDI output, the PXW-Z100 will be one of the first devices to support the newly introduced HDMI 2.0 spec, which means you’ll be able to monitor 4K 60fps over a single HDMI cable. The included WiFi module will provide focus, iris, zoom, and start/stop control via any internet browser, which makes the compact PXW-Z100 a great 4K option for mounting on a jib or tight spaces.

The camera is expected to ship by late 2013 and will have a suggested list price of less than $6,500. You can find more information directly from Sony, but stay tuned for more details and for an in-depth look in the near future!

See XAVC video tips: 

Import Sony F5/F55 XAVC file to Avid MC on Mac

Blackmagic drops Cinema Camera price to $1,995

Do you like the prospect of shooting 2.5K video with Blackmagic's Cinema Camera, but turn pale at spending $2,995 for the privilege? We have good news: Blackmagic just dropped the pro video camera's price to $1,995. While that isn't exactly impulse purchase territory, it's low enough to put the greater-than-HD shooter in the same price bracket as semi-pro DSLRs. Think of the discount as consolation for delays in launching the Production Camera 4K.

This Pocket Cinema Camera and is reducing the price of its original, larger Cinema Camera. It is built around a 'Super 16mm' sized sensor (12.5 x 7mm) and can shoot Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) or lossless compressed CinemaDNG 1080 footage at 23.99, 24, 25, 29.97 or 30p. Meanwhile the company has knocked $1,000 off the price of its original, 2.5K resolution Raw-shooting Cinema Camera model.

The original Blackmagic Cinema Camera is available in both Canon EF and passive (non-autofocus) Micro Four Thirds mounts. Both will now cost $1,995. The Pocket Cinema Camera, which uses a smaller sensor but still promises 13-stops of dynamic range, uses a full Micro Four Thirds mount, allowing autofocus in addition to peaking-assisted manual focus. The Pocket Cinema Camera sells for $995.

The company says the 4K-capable Production Camera, announced alongside the Pocket Cinema Camera should begin shipping in 3-4 weeks.

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Sony brings 4K RAW to NEX-FS700 camcorder courtesy of IFR5 add-on

FS700 has plenty going for it regardless of its 4K potential, not least in terms of its super slow motion shooting up to 240fps at 1080p. Nevertheless, if 4K it has to be, then a new NEX-IFR5 interface unit will be out in June to make full use of the camera's big sensor and 3G-SDI output. A couple of things to bear in mind: in addition to this $2,500 interface, you'll need a recorder like the AXS-R5 (around $6,300 plus extra for cards) to store your weighty 4K rushes on, plus you'll find that shooting in this mode will limit slow-mo to a four-second bust at 120 fps. Read the PR for further detail on using 2K with the IFR5, as that format allows continuous slow-mo and ought to be less brutal on the budget.