In February 2016, Sony will launch its latest addition to the PXW series of XDCAM shoulder-mount camcorders. The PXW-X400, delivers stronger network and wireless capabilities, improved weight balance, XAVC 60p recording and pool feed functions to give ENG and field production professionals a versatile and high-performance tool.
“This new camcorder combines all the capabilities pro shooters need – connectivity, ergonomics and high performance – into a true production workhorse,’ said Vivian Saldanha, business head, Content Creation Sales and Market development, Sony Professional Solutions MEA. “The various additions of features like XAVC 60p recording and pool feed make the PXW-X400 a perfect fit for today’s demanding field content creation requirements.’
The new camcorder’s Ethernet interface (RJ45 connector) enables direct connection to a network, when wireless LAN is unstable or unavailable for file transfer, live streaming and control from a web browser. A near-field communications (NFC) feature gives users a one-touch link between the camera and a mobile device. The Content Browser Mobile Application enables users to preview or remotely control camcorder settings of various menu functions.
The pool feed function (HD/SD SDI) enables users to record 1.5G HD-SDI external signal on a SxS card, a useful function to record a distributed signal from another camera on-site without a portable deck.
By redesigning the inner structure of the camcorder body, Sony has improved the weight balance and handling capabilities compared to predecessor models. The combination of a newly introduced manual lens and the well-balanced body resolves any front-heavy issues and reduces the load on the right-hand.
The camcorder’s “online button’ lets users bypass a mobile device or the camera’s menu for direct on/off control over: direct streaming transmission of AV signals from a PXW-X400 to assigned destinations; auto-uploading of proxy files to cloud services and FTP servers; and on/off control over Sony’s PWS-100RX1 network server while in shooting.
The low-power (22W) camcorder PXW-X400 uses a 2/3′ 3-chip CMOS image sensor and supports several HD and SD formats including XAVC. Lens options include a 20x Manual Focus Lens (PXW-X400KC model) and a 16x Auto Focus Lens (PXW-X400KF model). The PXW-X400 model is body-only with no lens or viewfinder. The new camcorder also supports Sony’s new HDVF-series Full HD OLED Viewfinder (model HDVF-EL20/EL30).
