Sony PXW-Z450 4K Camcorder

Overview
The PXW-Z450 is a top-of-the-line camcorder that offers high quality recordings in both 4K and HD formats. With support for various workflow standards, including XVAC Intra and XAVC Long GOP, this camcorder allows for professional level video production. Its specially-developed 4K 2/3-type Exmor R CMOS sensor provides superior image quality and sensitivity, making it compatible with commercially-available B4 4K/HD lens systems without the need for an adapter.

In addition to its impressive recording capabilities, the PXW-Z450 also offers advanced features such as quad link 3G-SDI output, full HD OLED viewfinders, and a built-in wireless module for easy file transfer and live streaming. Its ergonomic design and optimized weight balance make it comfortable to use, while the ability to record a second cameras feed via SDI adds even more versatility to this worlds first 4K HDR shoulder camcorder.

Summary
Lens Mount: B4 Mount
Weight: 2-5kg
Included in box
1X Shoulder Belt
1X Cold Shoe Kit
1X Lens Mount Cap
1X USB wireless LAN module (IFU-WLM3)
2X Protective Cap
1X Operation Guide
1X Operation Manual (CD-ROM)

World’s first 4K HDR shoulder camcorder

Sony’s ground-breaking PXW-Z450 combines 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) with superbly balanced shoulder-mount ergonomics and a versatile 2/3-inch B4 lens mount. It’s a robust, high performance acquisition tool for 4K and HD news, documentaries, live events and general field production.

The PXW-Z450 records 4K QFHD (3840×2160) at 50p/59.94p, with 4K Slow and Quick motion up to 59.94p*, as well as a variety of HD formats including XAVC Intra, XAVC Long GOP, MPEG HD 422 and MPEG HD 420. The Z450 can record and output not only SDR but also HDR pictures as Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and S-Log3 with BT.2020 colour space*.

Thanks to a specially-developed 4K 2/3-type Exmor R CMOS sensor, the PXW-Z450 allows you to use a wide range of commercially-available B4 mount lenses without having to use an adapter. The PXW-Z450 offers the same advanced features as the PXW-X400 Full HD camcorder, with exceptional weight balance and low power consumption, alongside excellent networking features.

The PXW-Z450 is available on its own (PXW-Z450) or with 4K lens, OLED Viewfinder and shotgun microphone (PXW-Z450KC).

4K HDR / HD SDR simultaneous recording

The Z450 can record both 4K HDR and HD SDR simultaneously to support high speed workflows.* No need to spend time converting 4K HDR clips to HD SDR to get on-air quickly.

Advanced picture monitoring*

To make HDR production easier, picture quality can be monitored with BT.709 imagery in the viewfinder while shooting S-Log3 or HLG, while a high quality Focus Magnifier picture can be made from the 4K resolution image.

Versatile B4 ENG lens options

Thanks to a versatile 2/3-type native sensor and B4 lens mount, this camcorder allows you to install a variety of B4 ENG lenses including either 4K or HD. This flexible lens options supports a variety of shooting applications while saving cost.

Low power and ergonomic design

Z450 power consumption is as low as 24W in normal operation (XAVC recording with colour LCD on), extending recording times, while an ergonomically balanced weight distribution eases operator fatigue and enhances stable shooting.

Excellent connectivity and wireless functions [online]

The PXW-Z450 enables robust, high-speed ENG/EFP workflows with high resolution clip or proxy clip transfer via Wired / Wireless LAN or 4G/LTE connection. The camcorder can also stream HD video to a receiver even while shooting in 4K.

Easily connect to the cloud

C3 Portal* can upload high-res / proxy footage to the cloud from multiple camera operators in the field, so editing can start immediately. Uploaded content can be accessed securely from any location. Production teams can even start logging clips while shooting is still going on, saving even more valuable time when a story’s breaking.

* C3 portal is only available in specific countries. C3 portal supported functions vary depending on the camcorder.

GENERAL
Mass Approx. 3.6 kg
(body only without lens, VF, Mic)
Approx. 7 lb 15 oz
(body only without lens, VF, Mic)
Dimensions (W x H x D) *1170x 269 x 332 mm
(excluding protrusions, body only)
6 3/4 x 10 5/8 x 13 1/8 inches
(excluding protrusions, body only)
Power Requirements DC 12 V (11 V to 17.0 V)
Power Consumption Approx. 24 W (while XAVC recording, color LCD on)
Approx. 26 W (while XAVC recording, color LCD on)
Operating Temperature 0° C to 40° C
32° F to 104° F
Storage Temperature -20°C to +60°C
-4°F to +140°F
Continuous Operating Time Approx. 160 min with BP-FLX75
Recording Format (Video) XAVC Intra:
XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max.600Mbps
– XAVC-I HD 100 mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, CBG, Max.223Mbps
XAVC Long:
– XAVC-L QFHD 150 Mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 150Mbps
XAVC Long:
XAVC-L QFHD 100 Mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 100Mbps
– XAVC-L422 HD 50 Mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 50Mbps
– XAVC-L422 HD 35 Mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 35Mbps
– XAVC-L422 HD 25 Mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 25Mbps
Recording Format (Video) MPEG HD422:
– HD422 mode: MPEG-2 422P@HL, CBR, Max.50 Mbps
MPEG HD:
– HQ mode: MPEG-2 MP@HL, VBR, Max.35 Mbps
MPEG IMX:
– MPEG-2 422@ML, CBR, 50 Mbps
DVCAM:
– CBR, 25 Mbps
Recording Format (Audio) XAVC Intra: LPCM 24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels
XAVC Long: LPCM 24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels
MPEG HD422: LPCM 24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels
MPEG HD: LPCM 16 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels
MPEG IMX: LPCM 16/24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels
DVCAM: LPCM 16 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels
Recording Format (Proxy Video) XAVC Proxy: AVC/H.264 Main Profile 4:2:0 Long GOP, VBR
1280 × 720, 9 Mbps (Target Rate)
1280 × 720, 6 Mbps (Target Rate)
640 × 360, 3 Mbps (Target Rate)
480 × 270, 1 Mbps, 500 kbps (Target Rate)
Recording Format (Proxy Audio) XAVC Proxy: AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 2 channels
Recording Time (Continuity) (XAVC Intra, XAVC Long) *2 XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode:
Approx. 20 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94p
XAVC-I HD 100 mode:
Approx. 120 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode:
Approx. 80 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94P
XAVC-L QFHD 100 mode:
Approx. xx min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94P
XAVC-L422 HD 50 mode:
Approx. 240 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
XAVC-L422 HD 35 mode:
Approx. 340 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
XAVC-L422 HD 25 mode:
Approx. 440 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
Recording Time (Continuity) (MPEG-2 HD422/HD420) *2 MPEG HD422 mode:
Approx. 240 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
Approx. 360 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
Recording Time (Continuity)(MPEG IMX 50M) *2 Approx. 240 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
Recording Time (Continuity)(MPEG HD) *2 HD HQ Mode:
Approx. 400 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
HD SP Mode:
Approx. 560 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
Recording Time (Continuity)(DVCAM) *2 Approx. 440 min. with 128 GB SxS card at 59.94i
Recording Frame Rate XAVC Intra (XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode):
– 3840 × 2160: 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
XAVC Intra (XAVC-I HD 100 mode):
– 1920 × 1080: 59.94p, 50p, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
– 1280 × 720: 59.94p, 50p
XAVC Long (XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode):
– 3840 × 2160: 59.94p, 50p
XAVC Long (XAVC-L QFHD 100 mode):
– 3840 × 2160: 29.97p,25p, 23.98p
XAVC Long (XAVC-L422 HD 50 mode):
– 1920 × 1080: 59.94p, 50p, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
– 1280 × 720: 59.94p, 50p
Recording Frame Rate XAVC Long (XAVC-L422 HD 35 mode):
– 1920 × 1080: 59.94p, 50p, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
XAVC Long (XAVC-L422 HD 25 mode):
– 1920 × 1080: 59.94i, 50i
MPEG HD422:
– 1920 × 1080: 59.94i, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
– 1280 × 720: 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
MPEG HD420:
– 1920 × 1080: 59.94i, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
– 1440 × 1080: 59.94i, 50i
– 1280 × 720: 59.94p, 50p
MPEG IMX:
– 720 × 486: 59.94i
– 720 × 576: 50i
DVCAM:
– 720 × 480: 59.94i
– 720 × 576: 50i
LENS
Lens Mount Sony 2/3-inch type bayonet mount
INPUT/OUTPUT
Genlock Input BNC (x1), 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω, unbalanced
Timecode Input BNC (x1), 0.5 V to 18 Vp-p, 10 kΩ
SDI Input SMPTE ST292/ST259 standard compliant, 4-channel audio
1.5G
Poolfeed Recording (upto 1080 59.94i)
Audio Input CH1/CH2: XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), Line/Mic/Mic/+48V selectable
LINE: +4, 0, -3 dBu
AES/EBU: AES3 compliant
MIC: -70 dBu to -30 dBu
Mic Input XLR-type 5-pin, female: -70 dBu to -3 0 dBu
WRR (Wireless Microphone Receiver) D-sub 15-pin
Analog CH1: -40 dBu
Digital CH1/CH2: -40 dBFS
SDI Output Output 1/2/3/4: BNC (x4), 0.8 Vp-p,
Video Outpu tBNC, SD analog composite/HD-Y selectable
Audio Output XLR-type 5-pin, male, +4/0/-3 dBu (balanced)
Timecode Output BNC, 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω
Earphone Output Stereo mini jack (x1)
-11 dBu reference level output, maximum monitor volume, 16 Ω load
Speaker Output Monaural, 300 mW output
DC Input XLR-type 4-pin, male, 11 V to 17 V DC
DC Output Round type 4-pin, 11 V to 17 V DC, 1.8 A maximum rated current
Lens 12-pin, lens power source (11 V to 17V DC, 1.0 A maximum rated current)
Remote 8-pin
Light 2-pin
Camera Adaptor D-sub, 50-pin (x1)
Ethernet RJ-45 (x1), 100BASE-TX: IEEE 802.3u, 10BASE-T: IEEE 802.3
USB USB 3.0/2.0 4-pin (type A), USB2.0 4-pin (type B), USB2.0 4-pin (type-A)
HDMI A type, 19-pin (x1)
Viewfinder 20-pin IF for HDVF Series Viewfinder, and 26-pin IF for CBK-VF02
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB or less)
Dynamic Range 90 dB (typical)
Distortion 0.08% or lower (-40 dBu input level)
Headroom 20 dB (factory default) (20, 18, 16, 12dB), EBUL
CAMERA SECTION
Image r2/3-type “Exmor R” 4K CMOS
Effective Resolution 3840 (H) x 2160 (V)
Built-in Optical Filters 1: Clear, 2: 1/4ND, 3: 1/16ND, 4: 1/64ND
Shutter Speed (Time) 59.94i/p, 50i/p: 1/60 sec. to 1/2000 sec. + ECS
29.97p: 1/40 sec. to 1/2000 sec. + ECS
25p: 1/33 sec. to 1/2000 sec. + ECS
23.94p: 1/32 sec. to 1/2000 sec. + ECS
Shutter Speed (Slow Shutter(SLS)) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16-frame accumulation
Slow & Quick Motion Function 1080p: Frame rate selectable from 1fps to 60 fps
Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% reflectance) F10 (typical) (1920 x 1080/59.94i mode or 3840 x 2160/59.94p mode)
F11 (typical) (1920 x 1080/50i mode or 3840 x 2160/50p mode)
Minimum Illumination 0.019 lx (F1.4, +42 dB, 16-frame accumulation)
White Balance Preset (3200K), Memory A, Memory B/ATW
Gain Selection -9, -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 dB(TBD)
S/N Ratio 61 dB typical (typical, 1920×1080/59.94i mode, Noise Suppression On)
VIEWFINDER
Viewfinder Option
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Built-in LCD Monitor Colour LCD, Screen size: 8.8 cm (3.5 inch) diagonal *3 , Aspect ratio: 16:9, Number of pixels: 960 (H) × 540 (V) for Video display, Audio level, TC, battery and media remaining capacity
Built-in Speaker (x1)
Media SxS Card Slots Number of slots: 2
Media SD Card Slots Proxy (1), Utility (1)
GPS Yes
Built-in Network Module Yes
NFC Yes
SUPPORTED MEDIA
High Resolution Video/Audio SxS card
XQD card (with XQD ExpressCard Adapter, QDA-EX1*)
SDXC card (with XQD ExpressCard Adapter, MEAD-SD02)
* This product is discontinued with no successor.
Proxy Video/Audio and Utility SDXC/SDHC
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES Shoulder Belt (1)
Cold Shoe Kit (1)
Lens Mount Cap (1)
USB wireless LAN module (IFU-WLM3) (1)
Protective Cap (2)
Operation Guide (1)
Operation Manual (CD-ROM) (1)
NOTES *1The values for dimensions are approximate.
*2Recording time may vary by the encoding format or the type of memory.
*3Viewable area measured diagonally.

High quality recordings in 4K QFHD and HD

The PXW-Z450 supports a variety of 4K and HD formats, including 4K QFHD (3840×2160) at 50p/59.94p, using the XVAC Intra and XAVC Long GOP, MPEG HD 422 and MPEG HD 420 workflow standards.

High sensitivity image making

The camcorder’s specially-developed 4K 2/3-type Exmor R CMOS sensor provides superb image quality and high sensitivity. The sensor matches B4 mount lens systems, allowing you to use commercially-available B4 4K/HD lens systems without needing an adapter

Quad Link 3G-SDI option for 4K 50p/59.94p output**

Use the PXW-Z450’s four 3G-SDI connectors to support 4K 50p/59.94p output as a Quad Link 3G-SDI signal. Connect any 4K Quad Link product you want to the PXW-Z450.

** Version 2.0 firmware required plus CBKZ-Z450QL upgrade license.

Supports Full HD OLED viewfinders

The PXW-Z450 supports a variety of Sony’s viewfinders, including the Full HD OLED HDVF-EL30 and HDVF-EL20. The OLED viewfinders take an advantage of focusing the 4K shooting.

Embedded RJ-45 connector

An embedded RJ-45 Ethernet 100B-T connector on the right side of the camcorder provides a robust and fast network connection that can be used for file transfer, live streaming and camera control from a web browser.

One-touch wireless LAN connection

A Near Field Communication (NFC) function allows easy, one-touch wireless LAN connection to a smartphone or tablet device without manual setting of the network parameters.

Support for DWX wireless microphone systems*

The PXW-Z450 supports Sony’s DWX series wireless microphone systems. Power Save Mode synchronises with Camera Power OFF and can be controlled by assignable buttons. With power save enabled, the status is displayed in the viewfinder.

* Version 3.0 firmware upgrade required.

Easy network connection

A dedicated button gives simple on-off control of Network Client Mode, Auto Upload (Proxy) and Live Streaming. Proxy recording mode can be enabled or disabled by assignable buttons*. Wi-Fi Access Point for Station Mode can be set by the camera menu*. Multiple CCM addresses can be saved on-board*.

* Version 3.0 firmware upgrade required.

Lower power consumption

Due to advanced component design, the PXW-Z450’s power consumption is as low as 24 W in normal recording mode**. This reduces battery consumption and extends recording times.
** XAVC recording with colour LCD on.

4K Slow and Quick motion

The camcorder provides 4K Slow and Quick motion up to 59.94p*.

* Version 3.0 firmware upgrade required

4K HDR / HD SDR simultaneous recording to one card

The PXW-Z450 supports simultaneous 4K HDR and HD SDR recordings to a single card* and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and S-Log3 recordings with BT.2020 colour space.*

* Version 3.0 firmware upgrade required.

4K cache recordings*

The PXW-Z450 provides cache recording support for 4K pictures at XAVC-Long GOP quality.

* Version 3.0 firmware upgrade required.

Discover optimised weight balance

Thanks to its fine-tuned ergonomic design, the PXW-Z450 camcorder achieves an optimised weight balance to lessen the weight on the lens grip and support stable image shooting.

Advanced picture monitoring*

Picture quality can be monitored with BT.709 pictures in the viewfinder while shooting S-Log3 or HLG, while a high quality Focus Magnifier picture can be made from the 4K resolution image.

* Version 3.0 firmware upgrade required.

Built-in wireless module with Content Browser Mobile

The camcorder’s built-in wireless module gives you more mobility with no cable needed, enabling proxy recording and file transfer or live streaming. In file transfer mode, high-resolution files and XAVC Proxy files can be transferred over wireless connection to cloud or FTP server thanks to Content Browser Mobile*** (CBM) application. In Push mode, the CBM application enables users to monitor the currently shot video and to wirelessly control camcorder settings such as focus, zoom, iris, white balance, REC START/STOP, and more. With Content Browser Mobile V2.0 proxy trim, proxy partial clip upload, and logging are available. High quality live streaming is provided by the advanced Sony QoS technology embedded in the camcorder and in the PWS-100RX1 network RX station. Non QoS live streaming is also possible with a third-party receiver or VLC player.

*** The CBM application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store.

Records a second camera’s feed via SDI

An SD or HD-SDI (up to 1.5G) signal can be recorded by the camcorder, a useful function to record an external feed from another camera.