Description
Amazing, Fast Hybrid Auto Focus
Focus is always important. And it’s especially critical in large-sensor 4K production. The PXW-Z90V exceeds the need with Sony’s remarkable Fast Hybrid Auto Focus system. Using 273 focus points covering 84% of the frame, the system combines the strengths of both Phase Detection and Contrast Detection for unsurpassed results. You can hold focus even on fast-moving subjects such as sports, breaking news or children at play. Refinements like 4K face detection and object tracking technology make it easy for a director or journalist to follow a subject.
The detail of 4K, the beauty of HDR
4K High Dynamic Range is sweeping the television market — and gaining the attention of more and more producers. The PXW-Z90V is the first palm-sized broadcast camera to deliver stunning 4K HDR. Sony’s choice of Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) means that your results will look amazing on both HDR and conventional televisions – without additional color correction.
120 fps continuous High Frame Rates
High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet. The PXW-Z90V delivers continuous 1-120 frames per second (fps) Slow & Quick Motion in Full HD XAVC 10-bit 4:2:2. For 24p projects, the result is gorgeous 5x slow motion. There’s more. You also get beautiful time lapse sequences down to 1 fps. In burst mode recording, the camera achieves even higher frame rates: up to 960 fps at specific resolutions.
Every professional needs connections
The PXW-Z90V fits well in broadcast environments with 3G-SDI output, balanced XLR microphone inputs, Sony’s versatile Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, HDMI® terminal and a convenient, wired remote control jack. Wired remote control enables the camera to work beautifully in Sony’s simple live production solution, which includes the MCX-500 live producer and RM-30BP remote control.
Remarkable 1” (1.0-type) Exmor RS® sensor
To deliver unprecedented performance, the camera features an unprecedented 1” (1.0-type) stacked image sensor. The difference is substantial.
- More cinematic. Compared to smaller 1/3 or 1/4 type sensors, the 1” (1.0-type) delivers more beautiful background defocusing (bokeh). So you can focus on what you want to show and defocus the rest.
- Phenomenal low light performance.The sensor features 20 megapixels (14.2 MP effective). Yet thanks to the uncommonly large sensor area and back illumination, low light performance is impressive. Minimum illumination is 1.7 lux (in Low Lux mode).
- Faster.Sony’s “stacked” sensor design incorporates memory, doubling the readout speed compared to a conventional 1” (1.0-type) sensor. This explains the camera’s ability to capture up to 120 fps continuous in Full HD or capture 4K reading out all the pixels without binning. Sony also separates the circuit layer from the pixel layer to optimize high-speed performance. And we matched the sensor to the BIONZ X™ processor and a front-end LSI, both of which help deliver autofocus speed and precision.
Fast Hybrid Auto Focus conquers action
Fast or unpredictable subject motion can trip up the Contrast Detection auto focus of conventional camcorders. The PXW-Z90V stays ahead of the action using Fast Hybrid Auto Focus (AF). This system combines both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection. Some 273 reference points cover 84% of the sensor area to lock onto moving subjects from sports and dance to natural history and breaking news. Selecting the focus area is as simple as touching the camera’s LCD monitor screen. Additional features include 4K face detection, object tracking and adjustments for AF Tracking Depth. They all work together seamlessly to capture fast-moving subjects with consistent sharpness.
Instant High Dynamic Range (HDR)
With the ability to reproduce images from deep shadows to piercing highlights, 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) televisions are sweeping the market and demand for HDR production is booming. While broadcasters recognize the benefits of HDR, they still need to deliver content quickly and effectively. The PXW-Z90V meets this demand with Sony’s Instant HDR workflow. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording captures HDR, yet plays back beautifully on both HDR and conventional monitors and televisions. There’s no need to devote extra time to post-production work and color grading. For added versatility, the camera also provides S-Log3 encoding.
Up to 120 fps continuous High Frame Rates
High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet. The PXW-Z90V delivers continuous 1-120 frames per second (fps) Slow & Quick Motion in Full HD XAVC 10-bit 4:2:2. For 24p projects, the result is gorgeous 5x slow motion. There’s no sacrifice in bit depth and no “windowing” of the sensor. Compared to normal frame rates, there’s no crop factor, no loss in angle of view. You also get beautiful time lapse sequences down to 1 fps. And burst mode recording offers even higher frame rates – 240 fps, 480 fps and 960 fps – at specific resolutions.
Professional 4K and Full HD
The PXW-Z90V records 4K (3840 x 2160) at 100 Mbps using the advanced XAVC-L codec, which also supports Full HD. This advanced recording system combines stunning picture quality with workflow flexibility and storage efficiency. For compatibility with legacy systems, the camera offers AVCHD recording. MPEG HD 422 and MPEG HD 420 recording is also available with CBKZ-SLMP firmware, sold separately.
2.4 / 5 GHz wireless networking
The PXW-Z90V comes with 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi as standard. Simply turn on and log onto your preferred network to enjoy a host of wireless production features.
- Ustream® Direct Streaming enables you to share scenes as they happen with high quality picture and sound. No switcher required.
- Sony’s QoS Streaming achieves high quality and high stability over a single cellphone channel (with carrier dongle and service, sold separately). You get viewing at a remote location with setup controlled from the camera’s menu.
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP) enables you to transfer bit-for-bit copies of camera files over the Internet to an FTP server. It’s perfect for transferring either proxies or full-res content.
- XDCAM air system automatically uploads proxy footage to the cloud so editing can start immediately. Journalists and editors can access uploaded content from any location. When news breaks, teams can even start logging clips when shooting’s still going on, for even faster time-to-air.
- Smartphone or tablet remote control. You can operate the camera – and view the image – from a smartphone or tablet using Sony’s free Content Browser Mobile™ app (requires iOS 9.0 – 10.3 or Android 4.4 – 7.1 operating system). You can even connect compatible devices with one-touch NFC authentication.
- Wired LAN enables you to connect to Ethernet via the VMC-UAM2 USB adaptor and CBK-NA1 network adaptor kit, both sold separately
Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 12x zoom lens
A camera as advanced as the PXW-Z90V deserves an equally sophisticated lens. That’s why Sony fixed a Zeiss® lens of impressive capabilities.
- 29 mm wide-angle zoom (35 mm equivalent) is ideal for capturing panoramic landscapes.
- Zeiss T* coatings. This is a Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® lens with the legendary T* (T-star) coatings, for impressive contrast and resolution.
- 12x optical zoom, 24x with Clear Image zoom, 48x with Digital Extender. The 12x optical zoom increases seamlessly to 18x (in 4K) or 24x (in Full HD) thanks to the Super Resolution technology of Sony’s Clear Image Zoom. The Digital Extender doubles this range yet again, up to 48x in Full HD.
- Lens ring enables smooth, natural adjustment of focus or zoom, depending on mode. A manual dial and buttons on the side of the body enable swift and easy adjustment of iris, ISO/Gain and shutter speed.
Built-in ND filters
The PXW-Z90V makes it easy to take advantage of shallow depth of field even in exterior day shoots. There’s no need to carry and mount external Neutral Density (ND) filters. The built-in ND filter wheel has positions for Clear, 1/4 (2 Stops), 1/16 (4 Stops) and 1/64 (6 Stops).
Wired remote interface
You can control Focus, Zoom, Rec Start/Stop and Rec Review via the LANC wired remote interface and an accessory controller like the RM-1BP or RM-30BP, sold separately. With this interface, the camera forms a powerful, yet simple live solution with the RM-30BP and MCX-500 multi camera live producer, both sold separately.
Simple live solution
Sony had a game-changing idea: enable a single operator to run a multi-camera live production. The result was a robust, cost-effective switcher, the MCX-500 multi camera live producer and the companion RM-30BP remote control. The PXW-Z90V works seamlessly with this system. When used with the MCX-500 and RM-30BP, a Tally indicator will automatically appear on each camera’s LCD panel and viewfinder. A red icon indicates when the shot is live (PGM) while Green indicates preview mode (NEXT). The MCX-500 supports mixing between eight video sources, four stereo embedded audio channels plus two XLR Inputs, and a dedicated Title Input. There are both internal recording and live streaming via Ustream, Facebook Live and YouTube Live. (Facebook Live and YouTube Live require V2.0 firmware.)
You can also synchronize timecode among multiple camcorders using our free Content Browser Mobile™ 3.0 app with optional CBKZ-WTCL upgrade and devices running iOS® (9.0 – 10.3) or Android® (4.4 – 7.1) operating systems. Sync to your choice of camcorder or to a time that you determine.
High-resolution OLED viewfinder
For precise manual focus, Sony’s 0.39-type OLED viewfinder combines high brightness and contrast with the resolution of 2359K dots. The highly responsive viewfinder also eliminates color breaking. For added flexibility in composing shots, Sony supplements the viewfinder with a 3.5-type 1550K dot touchscreen LCD monitor.
Dual XLR inputs
The detachable handle has two XLR mic inputs. And even if you remove the handle, a stereo minijack mic input on the body is still available. It’s ideal for shooting in confined spaces, such as a car interior, or when mounting on a gimbal.
Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe
The PXW-Z90V takes advantage of Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, which provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony’s 2-channel UWP-D Series wireless microphone systems, sold separately.
Dual media slots
To extend recording time and flexibility, the camera provides two slots for SDXC™ and SDHC™ cards. Slot 1 is also compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (Mark 2) / PRO-HG Duo™ cards. To take advantage, Relay mode automatically switches recording to the second memory card when the first is full. Simul mode enables simultaneous recording to two memory cards (for example to create an immediate back-up version). The two Start/Stop buttons on the handle grip and camcorder body can independently start and stop recording on different memory cards while recording in Simul mode.
3G- SDI output and more
To support the broadcast environment, the PXW-Z90V incorporates 3G-SDI output, HDMI® terminal, and a Multi/Micro USB port that accommodates composite video and analog audio output. The camera can send a Rec Trigger signal to an external recorder via 3G-SDI or HDMI connection. For maximum flexibility, all three video outputs – 3G-SDI, HDMI and composite – are active during 4K (3840 x 2160) recording.
