Sony has recently introduced its latest addition to the XDCAM HD4:2:2 series, presenting a Full HD camcorder called PMW-200. Distinguished as the sole handheld camcorder in its professional category boasting three 1/2”-type Exmor CMOS sensors and complete HD 4:2:2 50Mbps recording capabilities, the Sony XDCAM PMW-200 incorporates a pair of SxS slots that support high-speed storage. Specifically designed to cater to the demands of professional content creation, these cards not only offer rapid data transfer rates but also exhibit robust shock and vibration resistance. The PMW-200 camcorder is equipped with a 14x zoom lens that features auto-focus and image stabilization functionalities. Furthermore, this lens is outfitted with three distinct rings for adjusting zoom, focus, and iris settings independently.
SONY BRINGS HD4:2:2 WORKFLOW TO ITS XDCAM HANDHELD CAMCORDER LINE
New PMW-200 Model Delivers Three 1/2-inch Sensors and Range of Features for High-quality HD Shooting and Production Experience
PARK RIDGE, N.J., July 26, 2012 – Sony is unveiling the newest addition to its industry-leading XDCAM HD4:2:2 line – the PMW-200 camcorder. This new model is the only professional handheld camcorder in its class with three 1/2-inch Exmor™ CMOS sensors and full HD 4:2:2 50 Mbps recording. The versatile new camcorder is designed for any type of professional shooting, from broadcast and newsgathering to education and corporate production. It inherits the performance, ease of use, and accessories of Sony’s PMW-EX1R camcorder, which has become a de facto standard for professional video production.
“Tatsuro Kurachi, Director of Product Management and Marketing at Sony Electronics, enthusiastically described the PMW-200 as an exceptionally adaptable handheld camcorder. He emphasized its remarkable versatility and advanced recording features, such as HD4:2:2, which have become increasingly crucial for professional videographers across all stages of production due to their significant impact on both workflow efficiency and picture quality. The PMW-200 camcorder demonstrates our commitment to developing the right tools that meet and exceed the needs of professionals.”
The new camcorder is the latest example of Sony’s continually expanding XDCAM HD 4:2:2 line-up both for optical disc and SxS memory card systems. Designed using Sony’s advanced sensor technology and building on decades of experience, the PMW-200 camcorder answers the industry’s desire for a 4:2:2 50Mbps camcorder that uses three 1/2-inch type sensors. With other handheld 50Mbps camcorders on the market featuring 1/3-inch sensors, the PMW-200 camcorder’s 1/2-inch sensors mean it’s designed to perform exceptionally well with excellent sensitivity and great detail even in challenging lighting conditions.
There is a wide selection of recording formats available for diverse applications and workflows, including 50Mbps/35Mbps MXF files, 35Mbps/25Mbps MP4 files, and DVCAM files. The PMW-200 camcorder offers a powerful Slow and quick motion function to capture footage at 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080p mode, giving users enhanced creative flexibility. An immediate playback function lets operators view their shots rapidly and easily without the need for external converters or processing on nonlinear editing systems.
The PMW-200 camcorder is armed with a 14x zoom lens with autofocus and image stabilizing capabilities. The lens is also equipped with three independent rings for zoom, focus, and iris adjustment, plus greater precision through indications of ring positions on the LCD screen to give users a high level of operational comfort and control. Focusing on subjects and reviewing recorded footage is made easy with the full-color 3.5-inch WVGA (852×480) LCD panel.
The PMW-200 camcorder also comes with an invaluable 15-second cache recording feature, a function unique among handheld camcorders. Its internal memory can capture images even before the recording button is pressed (maximum of 15 seconds), allowing users to record important moments that would have otherwise been missed.
The PMW-200 camcorder features Genlock and Timecode interfaces for use in HD studio operations and multi-camera operations. The camcorder also gives users greater flexibility in choosing recording media, operating with Sony’s professional SxS Pro™ and SxS-1 technology (two slots) as well as SD cards, Memory Stick media, and XQD cards (adaptor required). For studio or on-location use, PMW-200 camcorders come with Wi-Fi remote controls (adaptor required). This remote control function is scheduled to be available by December 2012 through a free firmware upgrade.
