Sony intros high-end handheld camcorder for broadcasting
updated 01:38 pm EDT, Thu July 26, 2012
Sony's PMW-200 will get Wi-Fi control app, only handheld with three half-inch sensors
Sony on Thursday introduced a new XDCAM HD422-series handheld camcorder, the PMW-200. It's claimed to be the only handheld camcorder with three half-inch Exmor CMOS sensors (others use 1/3-inch sensors) that allow broadcast-quality, 1080p, 4:2:2 50Mbps recordings. Sony touts a very high performance in low-light environments for the camcorder.
Another unique feature is the ability to control the camera through an Android- or iOS-powered mobile device thanks to a Wi-Fi remote control function that will arrive via a firmware update later in the year. It should be handy for studio work or other instances where the camera cannot be moved.
Supported formats include 50Mbps/35Mbps MXF, 35Mbps/25Mbps MP4, and DVCAM. It gets a Slow & Quick motion function that allows capturing 720p videos at between 1 and 60fps, or between 1 and 30fps in 1080p.
Buyers get a 14x zoom lens that has one ring each for adjusting zoom, iris, and focus. The 3.5-inch, 852x480 LCD screen displays the position of each as well. Moments that would otherwise be missed are recorded thanks to a 15-second cache that records before operators even press the record button.
The camera, while still not priced, will ship in mid-September. The Wi-Fi remote control feature will be added in December over a free firmware upgrade.
