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Sony PXW-X160 Full HD XDCAM Handheld Camcorder

BH #SOPXWX160 • MFR #PXW-X160
8 reviews
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Sony PXW-X160 Full HD XDCAM Handheld Camcorder
Key Features
  • Three 1/3" Exmor CMOS Sensors
  • XAVC Intra and Long GOP Codecs
  • MPEG HD 422, AVCHD, & DV Codecs
  • G Lens with 25x Optical Zoom
Offering 10-bit, 1080p, XAVC recording and a 25x zoom lens with 26mm wide-angle, the Sony PXW-X160 XDCAM Handheld Camcorder is ideal for a wide-range of applications, including professional broadcast, documentary, and live event work. The camcorder provides the same video recording quality and body design as the PXW-X180 but forgoes the network, GPS, and proxy recording features to deliver a more cost-effective option for shooters who don't need these features. Its three 1/3" Exmor CMOS sensors provide low noise, wide dynamic range, and support 1080p video at up to 60 fps using the XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP codecs. It also offers MPEG HD 422, MPEG HD 420, AVCHD, and DV codecs to fit into existing broadcast and production workflows. Other key features of the camcorder include a 0.5" OLED viewfinder, dual SxS memory card slots, and an electronically controlled variable ND filter. Additionally, it features a Multi-Interface Shoe that has an electronic interface that allows it to communicate and accept signals from optional accessories, such as the UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 wireless microphone receivers, without requiring an XLR cable or additional power source.
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Sony PXW-X160 Overview

Offering 10-bit, 1080p, XAVC recording and a 25x zoom lens with 26mm wide-angle, the Sony PXW-X160 XDCAM Handheld Camcorder is ideal for a wide-range of applications, including professional broadcast, documentary, and live event work. The camcorder provides the same video recording quality and body design as the PXW-X180 but forgoes the network, GPS, and proxy recording features to deliver a more cost-effective option for shooters who don't need these features. Its three 1/3" Exmor CMOS sensors provide low noise, wide dynamic range, and support 1080p video at up to 60 fps using the XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP codecs. It also offers MPEG HD 422, MPEG HD 420, AVCHD, and DV codecs to fit into existing broadcast and production workflows. Other key features of the camcorder include a 0.5" OLED viewfinder, dual SxS memory card slots, and an electronically controlled variable ND filter. Additionally, it features a Multi-Interface Shoe that has an electronic interface that allows it to communicate and accept signals from optional accessories, such as the UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 wireless microphone receivers, without requiring an XLR cable or additional power source.

Three 1/3" Exmor CMOS Sensors
Three 1/3" Exmor CMOS sensors with a total of about 2.07 million effective pixels (16:9) independently capture red, blue, and green light. This, combined with the camcorder's Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, high-sensitivity, and wide dynamic range, delivers vibrant images with accurate color rendition. Noise reduction and anti-shake is provided to assure high image quality in a variety on shooting conditions.
Sony G Lens with 25x Optical Zoom
The Sony G lens has a 25x zoom range with a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 26mm to 650mm. This makes the lens versatile enough to handle a wide range of shooting situations from wide-angle to telephoto. Independent manual, zoom, and focus rings with end-stop and iris control are provided, and a slide mechanism on the focus ring enables easy switching between auto and manual focusing. The focus indicator can be displayed even when focusing manually.
XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP Recording
XAVC technology is based on the efficient and high-quality H.264 standard. XAVC Intra using intra-frame compression, meaning that every frame is encoded independent of the other frames. This provides a better quality picture, but requires a higher bit-rate. With a Long GOP codec, only certain frames are encoded individually. This allows the codec to squeeze the video into a much smaller bitrate than Intra technology. XAVC Long GOP files require less storage space than XAVC Intra files. When recording in XAVC, it uses the MXF file format, efficiently compressing Full HD 1920x1080 resolution using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. Image sampling is 4:2:2 10-bit with Intra-frame compression at 112 Mbps or high-efficiency Long-GOP compression at 50 Mbps, 35 Mbps, or 25 Mbps. In addition to XAVC Intra/Long GOP, the PXW-X160 records in MPEG HD 422 at 50 Mbps, MPEG HD 420 at 35 Mbps, AVCHD, and DV.
Dual SxS Memory Card Slots
The PXW-X160 features two SxS memory card slots offering high read and write speeds. Optional adapters are available which allow recording to your existing XQD or SD memory cards. Simultaneous recording onto two memory cards is possible (in the same recording mode only). With two record buttons, the operator can choose which card to record to, letting you use one card for recording while the other card serves as a backup. Continuous relay recording is also possible from the card in the A slot to the card in the B slot.

Note: In AVCHD recording mode, simultaneous recording and relay recording between the two memory cards are not possible.
Variable ND Filter
The PXW-X160 is Sony's first professional camcorder to feature a variable ND filter. The new filter device has been developed to electronically control density and enable continuous setting adjustment from 1/4 to 1/128 ND using a simple dial. The variable ND filter lets you shoot with large apertures and/or slower shutter speeds when outside in daylight or in other bright environments.
Connectivity
The camcorder offers a variety of connections to suit the broadcast workflow, including 3G HD-SDI, HDMI, USB, composite output, timecode input/output, and genlock input. The 3G-SDI connector is able to output the 1080/59.94p or 50p signal. Down-conversion output from HD to SD is also possible. Simultaneous output from both SDI and HDMI is possible. The Rec Trigger signal can be sent through SDI and HDMI to link an external recording device.
Multi-Interface Shoe
Accessories taking their power from the Multi-Interface Shoe can be switched on and off from the camcorder. Also, if an optional UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 wireless microphone receiver is connected, power supply and cable-free audio signal input is possible, minimizing the need for extra batteries and removing the need for additional cabling.
OLED Viewfinder and 3.5" LCD Panel
This 0.5-inch type OLED viewfinder features a 1024 x 768 resolution and displays images with deep blacks, accurate colors, and a high native contrast ratio. The high resolution of the viewfinder allows better precision of manual focus operations. The 3.5" type UHD resolution LCD panel provides easy viewing in a wide range of lightning conditions.

Sony PXW-X160 Specs

Imaging
Horizontal Resolution (TV Lines)
1000 TV Lines or More
Built-In ND Filter
2 to 7 Stop Electronic ND Filter
Gain
-3 to 18 dB
Minimum Illumination
0.12 Lux at 1/1/2 Shutter Speed
Lens
Optical Zoom Ratio
25x
Maximum Aperture
f/1 to 6
Minimum Aperture
f/11
Filter Size
82 mm
Focus Control
Autofocus
Manual Focus
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Audio Recording
2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz
Video I/O
1x HDMI Output
1x BNC (Composite) Output
1x BNC (3G-SDI) Output
Audio I/O
2x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line (+48 V Phantom Power) Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
Power I/O
1x Barrel Input
Other I/O
1x BNC (Genlock) Input
1x BNC (Timecode) Input/Output
1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control
1x USB-A
1x Mini-USB
Power Consumption
19.9 W
Accessory Mounting Thread
1x
Packaging Info
Package Weight
12.8 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
17 x 10.7 x 10.7"

Sony PXW-X160 Reviews

See any errors on this page?

question

How good is this camera in low light? We shoot a lot of LED lighting product b-roll for HSN and QVC.
Asked by: Cody G.
Hi Cody G, The PXW-X160 performs decently in low light compared to other three 1/3 CMOS sensor cameras. If you require the best performance for a limited lighting scene I recommend the Sony PXW-X200 XDCAM Handheld Camcorder because of the larger three CMOS sensors.Here is the manufactures spec on Minimum Illumination for the PXW-X160:0.12lx (typical), 1920 x 1080/59.94i mode, F1.6, +18 dB gain, 16 frame accumulation, Gamma off, 100% video level0.02lx (typical), 1920 x 1080/59.94i mode, F1.6, +18 dB gain, 16 frame accumulation, Gamma on, 50% video levelRegards,Ralph
Answered by: Sony Support Sony Expert
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

the HDMI and sdi ports stopped working can i use an Analog to HD converter witb the composite port
Asked by: Anonymous
Hi Shopper,I am sorry to hear of your issue with the PXW-X160. You could use an analog to digital converter from the composite port, but the camera will only output SD resolution (720486 59.94i ) from that port. If you are interested in repairing the HDMI and SDI ports please contact Sony at <a href= https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.com/default.aspx target= _blank >https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.com/default.aspx</a>orRepair Services:Email: [email protected]: 866-766-9272.Regards,Jen
Answered by: Sony Support Sony Expert
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

sony pxw-x160 country of origin?
Asked by: Roya R.
The Country of Origin for this product is listed as China at this time.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

This camera I'm told has 50 mega pixels, where the NX5R does not. What would you think a fair price is for a used PXW-X160?
Asked by: Ladd
For a quote on used gear feel free to email [email protected] directly. They will be able to assist you.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Is there clear image zoom on this camera?
Asked by: Kenny
This camera does not have clear image zoom.
Answered by: Sony Support Sony Expert
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Does the X160 have the function of time and date stamp for legal video use?
Asked by: Jeffrey E.
We could not find the time stamp feature on this camera. For legal depositions, we recommend Panasonic for they have retained time stamp even after the change from tape to memory cards. Specifically, we suggest the AG-UX90 4K/HD Professional Camcorder since it has a Time Stamp feature that goes to the seconds. This should satisfy any court.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Do the PXW-X160 camera have a time/ date generator that can embedded the time/date in the video and be played back on a compatible player?
Asked by: Jeffrey E.
Yes, time and date are recorded into this camcorders metadata and is available for later display.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

What type of sdcard adopter is needed to record avch on pxw 160 as it will not record avch on the s&s cards
Asked by: Paul K.
You may use the MEAD-MS01 Media Adaptor (soldseparately) or MEAD-SD02 Media Adaptor (included).
Answered by: Sony Support Sony Expert
Date published: 2018-08-26
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