Sony PXW-Z280 4K Camcorder

OVERVIEW
The Sony PXW-Z280 offers superb picture quality thanks to its cutting edge CMOS technology, providing 4K resolution and high sensitivity. It also features a newly developed Variable ND Filter, allowing for instant HDR workflow with HLG technology. The camera boasts advanced AF capabilities, including face detection and a face only mode. It also has a dual MI shoe and 4CH audio recording, as well as enhanced network functions for use with XDCAM Air.

The PXW-Z280 has recently received a firmware update (V6.00), which includes the ability to record at 120 fps in Full HD and use the new camera-to-cloud technology with the C3 Portal. The camera is also compatible with UWP-D wireless audio for crisp and reliable audio. With its world-leading handheld 4K HDR performance and revolutionary networking capabilities, the PXW-Z280 is a top choice for professionals in the broadcast industry. The camera also features a 17x professional HD zoom lens, precise auto focus, and built-in electronic variable ND filters. Its 12G-SDI capability allows for accelerated workflow, and the accurate OLED viewfinder ensures precise manual focus and exposure control.

SUMMARY
Max Aperture: f/1.9
Recording Formats: XAVC-I
Internal ND: Yes
Audio Inputs: 2 x 3-Pin XLR Mic/Line
Shutter: Rolling (Electronic)
Focal length (35mm Equivalent): 30.3mm – 515 mm
Lens Zoom: 17x Optical Zoom
Media Type: 2x ExpressCard/34 slot
Resolution and Frame Rate: 4k 60p
Sensor: CMOS
Video Outputs: 1x BNC
Weight: 2-5kg
Wi-Fi: Yes
INCLUDED IN BOX
1x Sony PXW-Z280 4K CMOS Sensor Camcorder
1x Lens Hood
1x EVF Eyecup
1x Battery Pack BP-U30
1x AC Adapter/Charger BC-U1A
1x Power Code
1x USB Cable
1x Shoulder Strap
1x Warranty Booklet

About The Sony PXW-Z280 4K Camcorder
V6.00 Firmware now available click here for more information

With the V5 firmware update, you’ll be able to record at 120 fps in Full HD and utilise our new camera-to-cloud technology with the C3 Portal. Learn more about the PXW-Z280’s class-leading handheld 4K HDR performance.

New Firmware Update: PXW-Z280 Firmware v4.0 now available.

Support for RTMP/RTMPS streaming
*CBKZ-SLNW1 is required for PXW-Z190
– Destination URL and Stream Name (key) can be set using the application software Streaming Setting Transfer. StreamingSettingTransfer software Click here for link
HDR function name change
“SR Live for HDR” metadata support
VF simple SDR display when shooting HDR
Improved network security and stability

Pair your Sony camera with UWP-D Wireless Audio

Light, compact and easy to use, UWP-D brings crisp, dependable audio to all content creators

*Sold separately

World-leading handheld 4K HDR performance
An all-new 4K 3CMOS 1/2-type sensor with a deep depth of field and class-leading performance provides the pinnacle of 4K HDR performance in your hand. Face Detection AF keeps your subject in focus, while HLG and S-Log3 provide stunning HDR to suit any workflow.

Revolutionary networking capabilities
Deliver your content faster wherever you are. PXW-Z280 is the world’s first camcorder with built-in Dual Link Cellular connection for double the uplink performance and reliability. Integrated 12G-SDI supports transfers at up to 12Gbps over a standard SDI cable.

The complete package for professionals
Unpack and shoot from day one. Advanced XAVC-Intra and XAVC-Long for 4K QFHD and HD, plus MPEG HD422, MPEG HD and DVCAM to support any workflow. Familiar Sony control layout and operation minimise training requirements.

World’s first 1/2-type 3CMOS Sensor for broadcast 4K
The Z280’s all-new Exmor R™ imager is custom-designed for broadcast 4K acquisition. Its three 1/2-type Exmor R™ CMOS deliver a deep depth of field with superb image quality. Red, blue, and green light are independently captured by separate image sensors, contributing to high resolution, high sensitivity of F12 (59.94p) and wide dynamic range. An advanced LSI (featuring intelligent noise reduction, enhanced detail reproduction and distortion correction technologies) delivers remarkably lifelike 4K 4:2:2 10-bit images. Even if you’re delivering in HD, your recordings will capture detail and image texture that HD sensors simply cannot see.

17x professional HD zoom lens with three independent rings with end-stop and large focal length
The PXW-Z280 is equipped with a 17x professional zoom lens able to zoom from 30.3mm to 515mm (35mm equivalent). The 1/2-inch type lens has three independent control rings with end-stop, which allows manual control of focus, zoom and iris, making for better and faster adjustment.

The image can be enlarged without any picture degradation in HD mode and 34x times zoom equivalent image is captured with sensor cropping extender.

Amazingly fast precision auto focus
The PXW-Z280 features newly developed Face detection AF. You can choose between Face Priority AF and Face Only AF. Simply keep the person in frame and and however you move to obtain a better angle, you can be confident the PXW-Z280 will keep your subject in pin-sharp focus.

Built-in electronic Variable ND Filters
Sony’s ground-breaking integration of electronic variable ND Filters into the body of a camcorder enables fast, agile shooting. Moving from shadowy interiors to bright sun-lit exteriors is no problem with PXW-Z280. Unlike conventional optical ND filters, the electronic ND filter on the PXW-Z280 can be controlled from 1/4ND to 1/128ND linearly while ND Filters can be set to fully auto. You can even manually adjust Depth of Field using the iris lens ring, while relying on the PXW-Z280 to maintain constant exposure without changing gain nor shutter speed.

12G-SDI accelerated workflow
Revolutionise your workflow with 12Gbps content transfer – four times the bandwidth of 3G-SDI over a standard SDI cable and ideal for working with highest quality 4K content or speeding through HD content. Sony is the first broadcast manufacturer to build 12G-SDI into a compact handheld camcorder. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to use anything else.

Accurate OLED viewfinder
An expansive 0.5-inch high quality OLED viewfinder is perfectly offset for right-eye or left-eye viewing. OLED’s superb accuracy, high contrast and high resolution (2.36M dot) enables precise manual focus and eliminates any colour-breaking phenomenon.

Dual Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe
MI Shoe provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible Sony accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony wireless microphone systems such as the UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 or attach the HVL-LBPC light *Connectors at front and back of camcorder maximise operational flexibility.

Dual XLR and 4 Channel Audio
The PXW-Z280 offers superior professional audio capabilities with independent volume dials enabling precision control of external audio inputs, including an MI-shoe attached microphone.

Dual SxS media slots
The camcorder is equipped with two SxS memory card slots, which can record in Simul, Relay or Back up mode. Simul mode permits simultaneous recording to two memory cards, including simultaneous recordings of MPEG HD exFAT and UDF recordings, ideal for archival purposes. Relay mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full to extend recording times. In Back up mode, users can set up the two Start/Stop buttons on the PXW-Z280, one on the grip and one on the camcorder body, to independently start and stop recording on different memory cards while recording in Simul mode.

High quality XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP recordings
XAVC technology is based on the H.264 standard, which provides an exceptionally robust and efficient compression technology. XAVC Intra (frame) compression means that every frame is encoded independent of the other frames – providing a better quality picture, without compromises. XAVC Long GOP applies compression across multiple frames – reducing file sizes, which can make for fast ingest and editing as well as providing budget savings on recording media. The XAVC codec adopts 10-bit sampling for high definition recording with rich tonal expression.

Broadcast-standard MPEG HD422 and MPEG HD
High-quality MPEG HD422 50 Mbps is fully compliant with the latest EBU recommendations for long-form broadcast production and is widely accepted in broadcasting stations and production houses. This recording capability makes PXW-Z280 ideal for a wide range of different applications, including newsgathering and documentary production.

DVCAM at 25 Mbps in MXF file format
Many broadcasters and production houses still utilise the proven DVCAM format and PXW-Z280 provides support at the flick of a switch.

GENERAL
Mass Approx 2.6 kg (body) Approx. 5 lb 11.7 oz (body) Approx. 3.0 kg (with lens hood, eyecup, BP-U30 battery, a SxS memory card) Approx. 6 lb 9.8 oz (with lens hood, eyecup, BP-U30 battery, a SxS memory card)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 178.4 × 202.0 × 426.3 mm (With the accessories (lens hood, eyecup), excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts) 7 1/8 x 8 x 16 7/8 inches (With the accessories (lens hood, eyecup), excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
Power Requirements DC In: 12V, Battery: 14.4 V
Power Consumption Approx. 24W (while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.) Approx. 31W (while recording with LCD On, EVF On when the external device connector is used.)
Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C 32°F to 104°F
Storage Temperature -20°C to +60°C -4°F to +140°F
Battery Operating Time Approx. 1 hours, 5 minutes with BP-U30 battery (while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.) Approx. 2 hours, 10 minutes with BP-U60 battery (while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.) Approx. 3 hours, 15 minutes with BP-U90 battery (while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.)
Recording Format (Video) XAVC-I QFHD mode: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, CBG, Max.600 Mbps XAVC-I HD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, CBG, Max.222 Mbps
XAVC-L QFHD mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 150Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 50Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
AVC-L HD 35 mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 35Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 25Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
MPEG HD422 mode:
CBR, maximum bit rate 50Mbps, MPEG-2 422P@HL
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 35Mbps, MPEG-2 MP@HL
DVCAM mode:
CBR, 25Mbps, DVCAM
Recording Format (Audio)
XAVC-I mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:
XAVC-L mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:
MPEG HD422 mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:
DVCAM mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels
Recording Frame Rate
XAVC-I QFHD mode:
3840×2160/59,94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p
XAVC-I HD mode:
1920×1080/59,94p, 59.94i, 50p, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P 1280×720/59.94P, 50P
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode:
3840×2160/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
1920×1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P 1280×720/59.94P, 50P
XAVC-L HD 35 mode:
1920×1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
Recording Frame Rate – Continued XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
1920×1080/59.94i, 50i
MPEG HD422 mode:
1920×1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1280×720/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
1920×1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1440×1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1280×720/59.94P,50P
DVCAM mode:
720×480/59.94i, 29.97PsF
720×576/50i, 25PsF
Recording/Playback Time XAVC-I QFHD mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 22 minutes
XAVC-I HD mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 57 minutes
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 86 minutes
XAVC-L HD 50 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 230 minutes
XAVC-L HD 35 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 310 minutes
Recording/Playback Time – Continued XAVC-L 25 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 420 minutes
MPEG HD422 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 215 minutes
MPEG HD420 HQ mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 330 minutes
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 405 minutes
Recording Format (Proxy Audio) XAVC Proxy: AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 2 channels
Recording Format (Proxy Video) XAVC Proxy: AVC/H.264 Main Profile 4:2:0 Long GOP, VBR
1920×1080, 9Mbps
1280×720, 9Mbps
1280×720, 6Mbps
640×360, 3Mbps
480×270, 1Mbps
480×270, 0.5Mbps
LENS
Lens Mount Fixed
Zoom Ratio 17x (optical), servo/manual
Focal Length f = 5.6 – 95.2 mm
(35mm equivalent: 30.3 – 515 mm)
Iris F1.9 – F16 and close
auto/manual selectable
Focus 800 mm to ∞ (Macro Off),
50 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Wide),
800 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Tele)
AF/MF/Full MF selectable
Image Stabilizer On/Off selectable, shift lens
Filter Diameter M77 mm, pitch 0.75mm
CAMERA SECTION
Imaging Device (Type) 1/2 type back-illuminated Exmor R 3CMOS sensor
Effective Picture Elements 3840 (H) x 2160 (V)
Optical System F1.6 prism system
Built-in Optical Filters ND filters
OFF: CLEAR
1: 1/4ND
2: 1/16ND
3: 1/64ND
Linear variable ND (Approx. 1/4ND to 1/128ND)
Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% reflectance) F12 (typical, 1920 x 1080/59.94p mode)
F13 (typical, 1920 x 1080/50p mode)
F12 (typical, 3840 x 2160/59.94p, High Sensitivity Mode)
F13 (typical, 3840 x 2160/50p, High Sensitivity Mode)
Minimum Illumination 0.0013lx (typical)
(1920 x 1080/59.94i mode, F1.9, +42 dB gain, High Sensitivity Mode, with 64 frame accumulation)
S/N Ratio 63 dB (Y) (typical)
Horizontal Resolution 2,000 TV lines or more (3840 x 2160p mode)
1,000 TV lines or more (1920 x 1080p mode)
Shutter Speed 1/24 sec to 1/8,000 sec
Slow Shutter (SLS) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 32, and 64-frame accumulation
Slow and Quick Motion Function
2160P: 1-60 fps
1080P: 1-60 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
White Balance Preset (3200K), Memory A,
Memory B/ATW
Gain -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 dB, 42dB(Turbo Gain ON), AGC
Gamma Curve Selectable
INPUT/OUTPUT
Audio Input XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), line/mic/mic +48 V selectable
LINE：+4, 0, -3dBu/10kΩ
MIC：-80dBu to -30dBu /3kΩ
(0 dBu=0.775 Vrms)
Video Output BNC (x1), HD-Y/ HD-SYNC/Composite
1.0Vp-p, 75Ω
(switchable to Genlock in)
Audio Output Integrated into Multi/Micro USB jack(x1)
SDI Output BNC (x1), 12G/3G/HD/SD selectable
Timecode Input BNC (x1) (switchable to TC out)
0.5V-1.8Vp-p, 3.3kΩ
Timecode Output BNC (x1) (switchable to TC in)
1.0Vp-p, 75Ω
Genlock Input BNC (x1) (switchable to Video out) 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω
USB USB device, Multi/Micro USB jack (x1)
Host:USB 3.0/2.0 type A(x1)
USB 2.0 type A(x1)
Headphone Output Stereo mini jack (x1)
-16dBu 16Ω
Speaker Output Monaural
Output: 500mW
DC Input DC jack (x1)
Remote Stereo mini-minijack (Φ2.5 mm)
HDMI Output Type A (x1)
Wired LAN RJ-45 (x1), 1000BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 10BASE-T
MONITORING
Viewfinder 1.3 cm (0.5 type)
Approx 2.36M dots
LCD 8.8cm (3.5 type)
Approx. 1.56M dots
BUILT-IN MICROPHONE
Built-In Microphone Omni-directional stereo electret condenser microphone
MEDIA
Type ExpressCard/34 slot (x2)
WI-FI/NFC
Supported Format IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Frequency Band 2.4 GHz bandwidth
5.2/5.3/5.6 GHz bandwidth*
Security WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
NFC NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compliant
SUPLIED ACCESSORIES
Suplied Accessories Lens hood (1), Pre-installed to the Camcorder
EVF eyecup (1)
Battery pack BP-U30 (1)
AC Adapter/charger BC-U1A (1)
Power Code (1)
USB cable (1)
Shoulder strap (1)
Warranty Booklet (1)
“Before Using this Unit” (1)
CDROM “Operating instructions” (1)

Superb picture quality by cutting edge CMOS Technology
4K resolution, high sensitivity
Newly developed Variable ND Filter
Instant HDR workflow (HLG)
Face detection AF and newly developed ‘face only’ AF Mode
Dual MI shoe and 4CH Audio recording
Enhanced network functions for use with XDCAM Air