Sony has released two new professional 4K Ultra HD video camcorders: Sony PXW-Z200 and Sony HXR-NX800. They have an AI-based object recognition system, fast hybrid autofocus, a completely new high-quality 24-480mm zoom lens, support for 4K 120 fps shooting, an S-Cinetone profile, and a 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor with a resolution of 14 megapixels. At the same time, the NXCAM & XDCAM Sony camcorder models can record 10 bits 4:2:2. Regarding their dimensions, both models are close to the Sony FX6 cinema camera.
Features & Video Recording
The Sony PXW-Z200 lets you shoot, record, and stream 4K HDR video with 20x optical zoom, AI-powered object recognition AF, built-in 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi and 12G-SDI connectivity.
The Sony PXW-Z200 camcorder features a 14-megapixel, back-illuminated, multi-layer sensor. Sony claims that the sensor’s architecture enhances low-light performance by allowing more light to reach it.
The XDCAM Sony camcorder performs 5K oversampling with full pixel readout, enabling 4K (3840×2160) 60fps video recording.
The 1.0-type Exmor RS Stacked CMOS sensor is designed to capture high-sensitivity, low-noise images, supporting up to 120 fps in 4K (with an additional 23% crop factor) and up to 240 fps in FHD.
The 4K cam has full pixel readout via the advanced BIONZ XR processor in real-time and can also use 709tone and S-Cinetone, making it easy to match colors with Cinema Line and Sony cameras.
The new XDCAM Sony camcorder offers a variety of recording format options, including XAVC (MXF), which provides improved compatibility with MXF-based broadcast television workflows.
The XAVC SI variant offers high-quality video recording with 10-bit color depth and 4:2:2 scanning in 4K (QFHD) using post-production-friendly Intra-Frame H.264.
XAVC HS-L (H.265) and XAVC SL (H.264) offer a choice of 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 with Long GOP recording for increased recording time to flash.
It is also possible to record XAVC HS Proxy at up to 16 Mbps simultaneously with higher bit rate formats. It is convenient for editing and previewing.
According to Sony, their AI-based processing unit can recognize people, and the Fast Hybrid AF system tracks the subject and can maintain accurate focus at all times. It has 475 AF points covering approximately 81% of the image sensor.
ND Filter and Streaming Options
The camera includes an electronic variable ND filter with an Auto ND function that automatically optimizes exposure without altering sensitivity, shutter speed, or aperture. This feature, unique to Sony, is also used in film cameras like the Sony FX6.
You can use the built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi module in combination with Sony’s C3 Portal (paid) or XDCAM Pocket apps to stream directly from the camcorder.
A remote control is also possible via the Monitor & Control app, which allows you to check angles and control the shoot from your smartphone or tablet. The Sony PXW-Z200 camcorder also offers built-in 12G-SDI output, TC in/out, and XAVC (MXF).
The camcorder now features an automatic framing function, previously available in Sony Alpha compact cameras.
When Auto Framing is enabled, the camera automatically tracks the detected subject and adjusts the framing so that the subject is always in clear view of the frame. This feature lets solo operators focus on the interviewee without needing to monitor the camera’s position constantly.
New Sony Camcorder Lens
One of the advantages of such cameras is a high-quality built-in lens with a high zoom factor. Both new NXCAM & XDCAM Sony camcorder models (Sony PXW-Z200 and Sony HXR-NX800) have a Sony G 24-480mm F/2.8-4.5 lens (full-frame equivalent). This optics allows shooting at a wide angle (in the required scenes) and close-up from afar (for example, during sports competitions).
Sony’s Clear Image Zoom technology provides 30x zoom in 4K and 40x zoom in FHD.
4K camcorder for streaming has an advanced stabilization system for smoother handheld shooting. In active mode, optical stabilization works together with electronic stabilization.
Stabilization and Display
The camera features a 3.5-inch LCD monitor and a high-quality OLED viewfinder with 2.3 million dots for framing.
The camcorders feature two independent control rings for focus and zoom. Additionally, they include two side-by-side dials for IRIS and ND Variable, which allow for easy adjustment of exposure, focus, and zoom. Furthermore, the Z200 model adds 12 customizable user-assignable buttons, enabling users to control nearly any camera function.
Controls and Battery Life
The two 4K Ultra HD video camcorder models have nearly identical specifications. Sony positions the cheaper Sony HXR-NX800 as a professional camcorder designed for more consumer shooting conditions, while the more expensive model – Sony PXW-Z200 is designed for professional workflows.
The Sony Z200 camcorder includes SDI and timecode support and will add MXF wrapper support in June 2025. Sony says the Z200 is better suited to professional broadcast scenarios than the NX800, which lacks these options.
The camcorders let you record up to four audio channels by using both XLR connectors and a Multi-Interface (MI) connector. You can adjust the levels for the two channels using the audio level dials without opening the device’s menu.
The Sony HXR-NX800 and Sony PXW-Z200 camcorders have two combined memory card slots. You can install CFexpress Type A and SD cards, recording to both simultaneously or continuing on one after the other fills up.
Compatible with BP-U35, BP-U70, and BP-U100 lithium-ion batteries. Continuous operation time with the BP-U35 battery is approximately 90 minutes.
The HXR-NX800 closely resembles the PXW-Z200 in many aspects. It features the same sensor and can shoot 4K at up to 120p and FHD at up to 240p. However, unlike the PXW-Z200, the HXR-NX800 lacks an SDI output. Instead, the camcorder features only a full-size HDMI output and SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2 compatible).
XDCAM Sony camcorder PXW-Z200 price and release date
The new Sony camcorder price is $3,999.99, and it is available for pre-order at Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com online stores.
NXCAM Sony camcorder HXR-NX800 price and release date
The new NXCAM Sony price is $3,299.99 and is available for pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com online stores.
Sony plans to start shipping the new camcorders in mid-September.
