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Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder

BH #SOPXWZ150 • MFR #PXW-Z150
 100 reviews
Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder
Key Features
  • Single 1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
  • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 30p
  • HD up to 120 fps
  • Sony G Lens with 12x Optical Zoom
The Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder brings high-quality performance, adaptability, and ease of use to a compact, handheld body that is the same size as the HXR-NX100. Suitable for corporate video, house of worship, and legal deposition recording. The camcorder features a single Exmor RS sensor with a UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, Sony G lens with 12x optical zoom range, and 18/24x Clear Image Zoom in 4K/HD. It can record 4K in XAVC Long at 4:2:0 8-bit, and HD in XAVC Long at 4:2:2 10-bit at 50 Mb/s, as well as MPEG2HD at 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 in 8-bit only. The integrated zoom lens features individual lens control rings for focus, iris, and zoom, and produces smooth-rounded-out-of-focus highlights. The lens can be used in either full-auto mode with servo control or as a completely manually operated lens.
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Sony PXW-Z150 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 21" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
  • 3Depth of Field
  • 4Sony G Lens with 12x Optical Zoom, 24x Clear Image Zoom
  • 5Frame Rate Flexibility
  • 6Multiple Codec Choice
  • 7Lens Control
  • 8Built-In ND Filters
  • 9Media Slots
  • 10Multi-Interface Shoe
  • 11Picture Profiles
  • 12Wi-Fi/NFC

The Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder brings high-quality performance, adaptability, and ease of use to a compact, handheld body that is the same size as the HXR-NX100. Suitable for corporate video, house of worship, and legal deposition recording. The camcorder features a single Exmor RS sensor with a UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, Sony G lens with 12x optical zoom range, and 18/24x Clear Image Zoom in 4K/HD. It can record 4K in XAVC Long at 4:2:0 8-bit, and HD in XAVC Long at 4:2:2 10-bit at 50 Mb/s, as well as MPEG2HD at 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 in 8-bit only. The integrated zoom lens features individual lens control rings for focus, iris, and zoom, and produces smooth-rounded-out-of-focus highlights. The lens can be used in either full-auto mode with servo control or as a completely manually operated lens.

The camcorder supports storing up to 6 picture profiles and allows you to share profiles; the camera also supports Sony's Slow and Quick Motion for shooting HD video at variable frame rates, including 120 fps. Recording to a variety of formats, frame rates, and codecs, the camcorder supports 100 Mb/s XAVC Long GOP recording of 4K UHD video at up to 29.97p, HD up to 59.94p, MPEG HD up to 59.94p, and AVCHD 2.0 up to 59.94p. Your footage is recorded to media via two SD memory card slots. You can choose to record simultaneously to both cards or use the relay mode which switches recording automatically to the second memory card when the first one is full. It features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. The PXW-Z150 features two 3-pin XLR audio inputs that support line, mic, and mic +48V (phantom power) for using external microphones; you can also use the PXW-Z150's built-in microphone to record audio when shooting. The camcorder also includes Night Shot capability for shooting in extremely dim lighting conditions as well as date/time stamp, and timecode functionality.

1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
The PXW-Z150 incorporates a 1.0"-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor with approximately 14.2 million effective pixels. The R designation signifies that this is a backside-illuminated sensor, and the S designation refers to the buffer design and that it can read the information off the sensor much faster than a non-S designated sensor.
Depth of Field
The 1.0"-type offers more shallow depth of field than 1/2.88"-type or smaller sensors.
Sony G Lens with 12x Optical Zoom, 24x Clear Image Zoom
The PXW-Z150 is supplied with a fixed 12x optical zoom wide-angle Sony G lens, equivalent to a 29 to 348mm 35mm lens. The 12x optical zoom can be extended via Sony's Clear Image Zoom technology to deliver an apparent 18x zoom range in 4K. In HD the 12x optical zoom can be doubled to 24x with Clear Image Zoom, and the Digital Extender function can double this range again, up to 48x zoom.
Frame Rate Flexibility
The camera records UHD 4K video (3840 x 2160p) at 29.97, 25, and 23.98 fps, in XAVC Long GOP in a choice of 100 Mb/s or 60 Mb/s. You can also select to record HD video instead of 4K, which allows you to not only record at standard frame rates up to 59.94p, but also engage Sony's S&Q Motion, for recording HD video at 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, and 60 fps.
Multiple Codec Choice
You can select to record in XAVC Long GOP (4K/1080p), MPEG HD at 4:2:2 or 4:2:0, or AVCHD 2.0 at a variety of data rates.
Lens Control
Three lens rings enable smooth, natural adjustment of focus, zoom, and iris control. The rings are not mechanically linked to the lens movement, but there is a mechanical feel to the rings. However, they are endlessly rotating, which protects your lens elements from pinning, and the faster you rotate the lens ring the more reactive the result. The lens can also be used in full-auto mode or completely manual for maximum creative control.
Built-In ND Filters
The PXW-Z150 is equipped with an ND Filter function, allowing you to choose four conventional mechanical ND filter positions (Clear, 1/4ND, 1/16ND, and 1/64ND) for better exposure and depth of field control.
Media Slots
The PXW-Z150 is equipped with two memory card slots, one of which is for SDHC/SDXC cards only, while the other slot is compatible with SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2)/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo cards.

Two media slots can be used to record in either "SIMUL" or "RELAY" mode. "RELAY" mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full, while "SIMUL" mode permits simultaneous recording to two memory cards. You can choose to record the same file to the second slot, creating an instant copy, or record a lower quality proxy for post.
Multi-Interface Shoe
The Multi-Interface Shoe expands your options to use accessories without cables, such as the optional HVL-LBPC Video Light or the UWP-D wireless microphone series.
Picture Profiles
You can fine-tune the look of movies before shooting by adjusting up to 99 parameters such as gamma, knee, black level, color model, color level, color phase, and more. Adjusted parameters can be saved along with other settings as a profile, and up to six profiles can be stored for later recall.

You can copy the settings from one PXW-Z150 to another PXW-Z150 so that the user can shoot with multiple cameras in the same settings. The picture profiles only work with the same model of camera.
Wi-Fi/NFC
Using the camcorder's built-in Wi-Fi capability you can FTP files directly from the camcorder or live stream over Wi-Fi without having to add any additional accessories. You can also use the camcorder's Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity to remotely pair it to your iOS or Android mobile devices running the Content Browser Mobile app, giving you remote control over focus, zoom, iris, white balance, REC start/stop, and more.
UPC: 027242899391

Sony PXW-Z150 Specs

Key Specs
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 20 Megapixel
Effective: 14.2 Megapixel
Image Stabilization
Optical in Integrated Lens
Internal Recording Modes
XAVC-L 4:2:0 8-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [60 to 100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [25 to 50 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [35 to 50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s]
MPEG-2 4:2:2
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s]
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [24 to 28 Mb/s]
Video I/O
1 x RCA (Composite) Output
1 x HDMI Output
1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output
Battery Type
Sony L-Series
Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 20 Megapixel
Effective: 14.2 Megapixel
Sensor Type
1"-Type CMOS Sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical in Integrated Lens
Built-In ND Filter
Mechanical Filter Wheel with 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters
Capture Type
Video Only
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed
1/10000 to 1/6 Second
Gain
-3 to 33 dB
Minimum Illumination
1.7 Lux
White Balance
2300 to 15,000K
Lens
Focal Length
9.3 to 111.6mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 29 to 348mm)
Optical Zoom Ratio
12x
Max Digital Zoom
48x
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8 to 4.5
Minimum Focus Distance
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Filter Size
62 mm
Control Rings
Focus
Zoom
Iris
Focus Control
Autofocus
Manual Focus
Internal Recording Modes
XAVC-L 4:2:0 8-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [60 to 100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [25 to 50 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [35 to 50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s]
MPEG-2 4:2:2
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s]
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [24 to 28 Mb/s]
Variable Frame Rates
1080i: to 119.88 fps
1080i: to 100 fps
1080i: 1 to 60 fps
1080i: 1 to 50 fps
Recording Limit
Up to 750 Minutes
Built-In Microphone Type
Stereo
Audio Recording
2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz
IP Streaming
None
Interface
Video I/O
1 x RCA (Composite) Output
1 x HDMI Output
1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output
Audio I/O
1 x Stereo 2RCA Output
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
2 x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line (+48 V Phantom Power) Input
Power I/O
1 x Barrel Input
Other I/O
1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control
1 x Micro-USB
Wireless
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)
None
Monitor
Display Size
3.5"
Resolution
1,560,000 Dot
Display Type
Articulating LCD
Viewfinder
Type
Built-In Electronic (OLED)
Size
0.39"
Resolution
1,440,000 Dot
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Automatic, Manual Focus
Environmental
Operating Temperature
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Storage Temperature
-4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C
General
Battery Type
Sony L-Series
Power Consumption
6.6 W
Tripod Mounting Thread
1/4"-20 Female
Accessory Mounting Thread
1 x Intelligent Hot Shoe
Dimensions (W x H x D)
6.7 x 7.4 x 14.6" / 171.3 x 187.8 x 371.3 mm
Weight
5.1 lb / 2.3 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
8.74 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
18.05 x 10.6 x 9.5"

Sony PXW-Z150 Reviews

Great

By Alexis
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-25

Great camcorder.

Great Camcorder

By Phillip
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-01-04

All the features I need as a professional content creator and more. Great depth of field and solid crisp images in 4K

Good for the Price

By Jumah
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-27

This is the camera that we have been using in our church and it has been satisfactory as a prosumer camcorder and that it why when I have to opportunity to order two more I did not hesitate.

Great camera

By Todd
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-10-27

I've done video production since 1990 and owned dozens of cameras. I need a camera that can handle any situation. While not perfect, this is an excellent general purpose camera. First, the negatives about the camera. Unlike my NX5R, the menu button is on the top of the camera. This makes it harder to change settings when on a tripod. I loved the dial in white balance wheel on my NX5R. The 150 won't let you dial in a white balance on the fly like the NX5R. You have to go into the menu to do a custom white balance setting. My NX5 had the headphone switch on the back of the camera to monitor either channel or a mix. With the 150, you have to go into the menu for headphone settings. There are more good things about the camera than bad. It uses the much cheaper, Sony NP batteries and standard SD cards. The viewfinder is excellent. It has face detection and better auto focus than my previous cameras. The picture quality is excellent with a wide range of codecs. I saw some posting that this camera is not good in low light. It does fine in low light. However, the 150 is not like other cameras I've had that grain up when you gain over 12DB. I've had a clean image even at 30DB. I've had great images shooting weddings, seminars, dance recitals and news footage. Overall, this is one of the best general purpose cameras in the $3000 price range.

bought this

By Mousheg
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-16

bought this camera 4 years ago an I bought again. great camera.

Great All Around Camera

By Janet
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-12

I was recommended this camera from a friend for it's ease of use right out of the box. The auto features on this camera do a pretty good job, but it offers plenty of options for the more advanced people too. I like this camera so much, that I now own three! Highly recommend!

Good little cameras--watch out for the AC input

By Tim
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-29

These are good little cameras. I use them for an introduction to video production class and they work well. The students pick them up quickly and like working with them. The menus are very similar to other Sony cameras in this class and is easy to pcick up. Just beware of the AC input if you're going to run the cameras that way. It's a terrible design. The input is a small thin piece of metal that can easily be bent or broken. Of our three cameras, one was bent and a second one actually broke off and was lodged in the camera. And this was only after one month of use.

Very nice camcorders for the price!

By Richard
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-28

I use 3 Sony's to record plays, musicals and concerts. Color match is great now that I'm not mixing and matching with Canons. Only issue is the Sony PXW-Z150 tends to be a bit slow on auto-focus especially in lower light. But, all considered, great cameras for what I do.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

question

I purchased the Sennheiser MKE 600 - Shotgun Mic to use in the PXW-Z150 mic clamp, but it doesn't fit - too loose. Is there a spacer or adapter that will make this work? I'd like to make use of this built-in clamp, to free up the shoe for something else.
Asked by: Benedict
In the old days we would just wrap black electrical tape around the mike at the proper placement to make the make bigger and the clamp work, You might look for some stick on foam padding and try that too. Low cost, but I assume you are not planning on pulling the mike out all the time anyway. Just make sure that you keep the proper dimensions so your mike does not drop out.
Answered by: JOHN T.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Will NFC Type 3 work with any wireless headphones for ENG work?
Asked by: Dave
This version of NFC is only listed for file transfer or remote operation. I see no connection to the audio circuitry.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Will the PXW-Z150 record 4K internally and simultaneously down-convert to output 1080 via the SDI? The PXW-X70 does not output any video signal SDI/HDMI while recording 4K, which is a major shortcoming discovered only after purchasing.
Asked by: Jon G.
I was here looking at these questions and answers because I'm having a problem with my Z150. I got a Blackmagic 4K Assist monitor/recorder (my eyes aren't what they use to be) so that I can focus and use it more readily outdoors. Unfortunately, with the camera set to record UHD and output HD through the HDMI port, it works great until I put it into record. Then it drops the video over the HDMI output. VERY disappointing on an otherwise excellent camera.
Answered by: Lewis K.
Date published: 2021-12-11

question

Hi, this is a great price. How much would it cost to ship to the UK? Is this a service you offer? Thank you. Danny
Asked by: Nilbog M.
You may calculate your actual shipping options/order totals by adding the items you want to a shopping cart. It will then list the shipping options, descriptions, ETA's and fees to your location.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Which features and functions of the Sony z150 can ...

Which features and functions of the Sony z150 can I control with the Sony Content Browser from an iPhone?
Asked by: Bill
Hi Bill S., please check page 78 of the owner’s manual “Using With Smartphone” section for functions and limitations: https://pro.sony/s3/cms-static-content/uploadfile/21/1237494480021.pdf Regards, Erin
Answered by: SonyListens
Date published: 2019-04-04

question

how do you set it to shoot 120 fps?
Asked by: Dave
Sony puts the high FPS selection in the S&Q or Slow & Quick section of the menu. 1 Press the MENU button A.2 Select (CAMERA SET) > S&QMOTION > HIGH FRAME RATE>ON with the V/v/B/b/SET buttonB.3 Select REC FORMAT. (This will be based on the regular recording format you have previously selected, I.E. NTSC or PAL)4 Select a recording format.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2020-01-30

question

How many stops of DN does this have?
Asked by: Brinton
I believe you are asking about Dynamic Range. The PXW-Z150 has, for the first time in this type of camcorder, a stacked sensor which allows bigger pixels in the same space as before. This is due to putting electronics behind the pixel rather than on it. Thus there is more area to gather light. Sony claims It has better sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and more benefits for the end user. As to the numbers of stops of dynamic range this camera, Sony has yet to list that number. Since DR is subjective and dependent on how and who the testing is done by, DR is often not listed. Since this is not a high end digital cinema camera, it would be safe to say that it does not have those high number of stops and is probably in the high single digit range.That being said, I have no doubt this camera will do very well in most any low light situation you throw at it.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2021-12-11

question

How can the pixel count be 20MP @ 3840 x 2160 ?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Exmor RS CMOS sensor is a stacked, rear illuminated 20MP sensor. That number represents the total number of pixels on the sensor. The effective number of picture elements is about 14.2MP with the maximum video resolution being 3840 x 2160. With a 3840 x 2160 using about 8MP, the 5MP unaccounted for would be a question for Sony. Please email us if you wish for us to contact them. [email protected].
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2020-01-30
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