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Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM with Fast Hybrid AF

BH #SOPXWZ90V • MFR #PXW-Z90V
32 reviews
Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM with Fast Hybrid AF
Key Features
  • Single 1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
  • UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 30p
  • 4K HDR with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)
  • 3G-SDI Output, 2.4/5 GHz Live Streaming
The Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM camcorder offers phase-detection autofocus (AF) and HDR capabilities in a compact, palm-style body. Suitable for corporate events, broadcast news, and television production, the PXW-Z90V camcorder features a stacked 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor with UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, a 12x Zeiss optical zoom, an OLED viewfinder, and 3.5" touchscreen LCD monitor. It can record 4K in XAVC Long at 4:2:0, HD in XAVC Long at 4:2:2 10-bit, as well as MPEG HD at 4:2:2 (requires optional license key). S-Log3/S-Gamut3 functions offer users additional image control. Additional features include built-in 2.4/5 GHz for multiple streaming via RTMP/RTMPS protocols and FTP options.
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Sony PXW-Z90V Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Live Streaming
  • 3Integration
  • 4Zeiss T* Lens with 12x Optical Zoom
  • 5Frame Rate Flexibility
  • 6Slow & Quick Recording
  • 7Multiple-Codec Choice
  • 8Built-In ND Filters
  • 91" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
  • 10Fast Hybrid Autofocus
  • 11Super Slow Motion
  • 12Media Slots
  • 13Wi-Fi/NFC
  • 14Video Output

The Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM camcorder offers phase-detection autofocus (AF) and HDR capabilities in a compact, palm-style body. Suitable for corporate events, broadcast news, and television production, the PXW-Z90V camcorder features a stacked 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor with UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, a 12x Zeiss optical zoom, an OLED viewfinder, and 3.5" touchscreen LCD monitor. It can record 4K in XAVC Long at 4:2:0, HD in XAVC Long at 4:2:2 10-bit, as well as MPEG HD at 4:2:2 (requires optional license key). S-Log3/S-Gamut3 functions offer users additional image control. Additional features include built-in 2.4/5 GHz for multiple streaming via RTMP/RTMPS protocols and FTP options.

The PXW-Z90V's Fast Hybrid AF uses high-density placement of autofocus points and a newly developed AF algorithm to offer highly accurate focusing and tracking—a boon when shooting UHD 4K, especially for individual operators. In movie recording mode, use the appearance of phase-detection AF frames to monitor your subject's focus. The PXW-Z90V's 3.5" touchscreen is used to quickly switch focus among subjects. AF Drive Speed, Tracking Depth Range, and Subject Switching Sensitivity can each be configured to suit different subjects and content styles.

Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) enables you to future-proof your output by smoothly integrating your 4K recordings into an HDR workflow without the need for color grading during post-production. Capture images with high-quality contrast and resolution using the PXW-Z90V's 12x optical Zeiss zoom, and 18x 4K digital zoom (24x in HD). An integrated ND filter function enables greater exposure and depth-of-field control.

The PXW-Z90V camera 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 recording of 4K UHD video at up to 29.97p, and 50 Mb/s capture of HD up to 59.94p. Footage is recorded to two SD memory card slots, either simultaneously to both cards or in relay mode to create a backup. The PXW-Z90V's 3G-SDI output offers integration with professional studio environments.

The PXW-Z90V provides external microphone support via two 3-pin XLR audio inputs (line, mic, mic +48V phantom) and a 3.5mm mini input. You can also use the PXW-Z90V's built-in microphone to record audio when shooting. For multicamera productions, the PXW-Z90V integrates seamlessly with Sony's MCX-500 live switcher (available separately).

Live Streaming
The camera supports RTMP/RTMPS live streaming protocols. This is included with the camera and as a free upgrade if your camera does not have this functionality. You can stream directly from the camera using Wi-Fi or via Ethernet with optional converters such as the Sony VMC-UAM2 or CBK-NA1. No computer is required for streaming.
Integration
The camera is compatible with Sony's XDCAM air, so you can upload proxy footage to the cloud, and editors can start working with your footage remotely. You can even control the camera from your smartphone or tablet using Sony's free Content Browser Mobile app.
Zeiss T* Lens with 12x Optical Zoom
The PXW-Z90V's fixed 12x optical wide-angle zoom with 18x Clear Image Zoom technology in UHD 4K (24x in HD).
Frame Rate Flexibility
Record up to UHD 4K video (3840 x 2160p) at 29.97, 25, and 23.98 fps, in XAVC Long in a choice of 100 Mb/s or 60 Mb/s, or HD at frame rates up to 59.94p.
Slow & Quick Recording
Uses Sony's Slow & Quick Motion for recording 1080p/i60 HD video at 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, and 120 fps.
Multiple-Codec Choice
Record in XAVC Long (UHD 4K), MPEG-4 HD at 4:2:0, XAVC Long (HD) 4:2:2, HD 2.0, or XVAC Proxy at 4:2:0, at a variety of data rates (license key required for some codecs).
Built-In ND Filters
The PXW-Z90V incorporates an ND filter function with Clear, 1/4ND, 1/16ND, and 1/64ND for optimal exposure and depth-of-field control.
1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor
1.0"-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor with approximately 14.2 million effective pixels provides optimal image quality.
Fast Hybrid Autofocus
Offers highly accurate focusing and tracking, especially useful when shooting sharp UHD 4K footage.
Super Slow Motion
Offers slow-motion recording up to 960 fps.
Media Slots
The PXW-Z90V is equipped with two memory card slots—one for SDHC/SDXC cards only, and one compatible with both SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo cards.
Wi-Fi/NFC
Use the PXW-Z90V camcorder's built-in Wi-Fi capability to send FTP files directly from the camcorder or live stream over Wi-Fi. NFC compatibility allows you to connect compatible devices with one touch.
Video Output
3G-SDI output integrates with professional studio environments.
UPC: 027242908420

Sony PXW-Z90V Specs

Imaging
Sensor ResolutionEffective: 14.2 Megapixel
Sensor Type1"-Type CMOS Sensor
Image StabilizationOptical in Integrated Lens
Built-In ND FilterMechanical Filter Wheel with 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters
Capture TypeVideo Only
Exposure Control
Shutter TypeNot Specified by Manufacturer
Shutter Speed1/10000 to 1/6 Second
Gain-3 to 33 dB
Minimum Illumination1.7 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed
White Balance2300 to 15,000K
Lens
Focal Length9.3 to 111.6mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 29 to 348mm)
Optical Zoom Ratio12x
Max Digital Zoom48x
Minimum Aperturef/2.8 to 4.5
Minimum Focus DistanceWide: 0.4" / 1.0 cm
Telephoto: 39.4" / 100.1 cm
Filter Size62 mm
Control RingsFocus
Zoom
Focus ControlAutofocus
Manual Focus
Video Capture
Internal Recording ModesXAVC
3840 x 2160 at 1/2/3/4/6/8/12/15/23.98/25/29.97 fps [60 to 100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 1/2/3/4/6/8/12/15/23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100//240/250/480/500/1000/ fps [35 to 50 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [25 to 50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s]
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p at 1/2/3/4/6/8/12/15/23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100//240/250/480/500/1000/ fps [24 to 28 Mb/s]
Fast-/Slow-Motion SupportYes
Built-In Microphone TypeStereo
Audio Recording2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz
IP StreamingH.264, RTMP, RTMPS
1280 x 720 (3.0 Mb/s)
640 x 360 (1.0 Mb/s)
Interface
Media/Memory Card SlotDual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video I/O1 x HDMI Output
1 x BNC (Composite) Output
1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output
Audio I/O1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
2 x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line (+48 V Phantom Power) Input
Power I/O1 x Barrel Input
Other I/O1 x Micro-USB
1 x Micro-USB Control
1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control
Wireless2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
NFC
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)None
Monitor
Size3.5"
Resolution1,560,000 Dot
Display TypeArticulating LCD
Viewfinder
TypeBuilt-In Electronic (OLED)
Size0.39"
Resolution2,360,000 Dot
Focus
Focus TypeAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeAutomatic, Manual Focus
Environmental
Storage Temperature-4 to 40°F / -20 to 60°C
General
Battery TypeSony L-Series
Power Consumption6.9 W
Tripod Mounting Thread1/4"-20 Female
Dimensions (W x H x D)5.1 x 7.1 x 11.3" / 130 x 181.5 x 287 mm
Weight2.2 lb / 1020 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight4.955 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)10.25 x 9.7 x 6"

Sony PXW-Z90V Reviews

Has a locked key for the option to save to mpeg files

By Diana
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-19

Just take note, this camcorder is great but if you have others that use the camcorder and want to view their files, .xml or .mxf, and have not purchased video editing software that is required to edit and work with these types of files, they will not be able to view their tapped video. Sony shares that the camcorder can save to .mpeg but you have to purchase a $400 unlock key license for the camcorder to save to that file type. And then it is a .mpeg with a .mxf wrapper so it will not open as a .mpeg in several of the Mircosoft tools. You have to find the tools that will allow the file to be open. B&H Pro Video Department was great and shared that VLC media player will open the file and now many of our staff members can view the files and then send to our videographer with notes for editing. Thank you B&H! Why Sony does not have a .mp4 file option is mind boggling. The industry is going away from .mpeg and moving to .mp4.

Greatness in a small package

By Aaron Mahlon
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-10

As an owner of a Sony FX9, a Sony FX6, and a Sony FX3, it is surprising that the camera I keep with me is my PXW-Z90V. It is compact, powerful, and equipped with all of the features and benefits I need to make a documentaries. I am sad because it took me so long to recognize the powerful ability of quality camcorders again. I appreciate the benefits and quality of the higher quality cameras, however, they come with the need to carry more gear, extra batteries, and additional equipment in order to retrieve those benefits. I love my PXW-Z 90V. It makes my job much easier as a documentary filmmaker.

Great Next Step

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

I spent a few decades in Broadcast television. For the past few years using DSLR and Mirrorless. This is the perfect next step up. The zoom feels like a good quality broadcast camera and has all the controls I'm used to. We use this for live-streaming as well and works great with the ATEM Mini Pro!!

BEST VLOGGING/STREAMING CAMERA

By Nati
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-27

I've had this camera for 2 weeks and it's been nothing, but great! I love all the awesome features it has. The mic attachment and all the accessories are easy to attach. The autofocus on this camera is phenomenal, as soon as I pan to another object it immediately focuses on it. It does very well in low lighting, that is one of the best parts I love about it. The battery life last a long time, depending on what you're using it for. I also love how you can switch the filters on the camera, such as cinematic etc. Overall I highly recommend the Sony PXW- Z90V Fast Hybrid AF :)

Perfect companion camera

By John
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-21

Purchased this as a companion camera for my Sony PXW Z-190. My cameras are mostly used for live productions so SDI out was a priority as well as color matching to my camera and the Sony BRC X-1000 robos we use. My larger camera is used more for operating, but the zoom on the small Z-90 is smooth and works well with a remote controller. Removeable handle with XLR is a plus and a lot of picture settings. The only thing I miss is the wide angle of my Z-190's lens for handheld, but unless shooting in 4k, the digital zoom on the Z-90 is enough for most situations. Great solution for a second camera or to have a small handycam to take more places.

Great camera

By Perry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-13

Handles low light weddings just fine. AF response is good in run & gun situations.

I love this camera!

By Wendy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-05

Beautiful picture, easy to use. Very happy with my purchase.

Not solid for 2022

By benjamin
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-29

I read reviews showing that low light was a problem but my definition of low light has been influenced by using FX3 and A7s3. What I would expect to be medium light levels still looks markedly worse in this camera than most other cameras and cameraphones. It's disappointing because I wanted to benefit from the form factor and convenience of this camera for documentary purposes. It's fine outdoors but most of my subjects are in offices. I bought the Z90v to save time and speed workflow but it takes extra time to edit and I don't like the results. Wish the camera had an updated sensor and 4k codecs. I can push the image a little bit with the 4k setting on max bit rate but not enough to make it a viable option. Saw a reviewer stating this was the go-to for much of their footage despite having FX3/FX6/FX9 at their disposal. I don't know what they are shooting. Maybe they have light control at a level my application (setup window) doesn't afford, or maybe they are amazing in post. I wish this worked for me but couldn't get the results I need. Hopeful B&H will fill my order for FX9 soon. It's an awkward time to be a Sony doc shooter due to lack of available materials leading to supply chain issues. FX6 is on a 7-month backorder estimate from Sony, for example. I hoped this would get me there.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

question

Facebook and YouTube stream is available now ?
Asked by: Darren L.
The camcorders Wi-Fi accesses only USTREAM according to available information. You can go to other services using an encoder such as this: Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 B&H # MA32060.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-27

I'm looking for a 4K video camera with both HDMI ...

I'm looking for a 4K video camera with both HDMI & SDI video outputs, as well as XLR audio inputs... which led me to this product. My question is how much background blur this aperture/sensor ratio can produce, and whether a different camera, also meeting the above criteria, might produce better background blur? For example, I read the aperture is f2.8 when the zoom is set to all the way wide -- but to what focal length would that equate in full frame mirrorless terms? Thanks in advance!
Asked by: Robert
The amount of depth of field depends on the focal length, aperture, the distance of your subject in focus to the camera's sensor, and the distance of your subject to the background. Decreasing the aperture and distance between the camera and subject in focus will increase your depth of field. Increasing the focal length and distance between the subject in focus to the background will also produce more background blur. B&H lists a 35mm equivalent focal length, on the specifications tab on each camera (any camera that is not full-frame). For the Sony PXW-Z90V, the 35mm equivalent focal length is 29mm and zooms 48 times (29-1392mm).
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2020-12-30

Does the SDI output send an audio signal?

Does the SDI output send an audio signal?
Asked by: Eric
Yes the SDI output on the Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM with Fast Hybrid A, will pass through audio.
Answered by: ericsc
Date published: 2023-01-10

Hi, I have a microphone that has a diameter of ...

Hi, I have a microphone that has a diameter of 28mm. Will it be able to fit into the microphone holder?
Asked by: Wong
The internal diameter of the mic holder is 28 mm so it should be a tight fit.
Answered by: Charles
Date published: 2021-11-09

Isn't it a simple firmware update for XVAC to ...

Isn't it a simple firmware update for XVAC to have XVAC S. If it can do L, and being that S is "inferior" and I'm assuming a software thing. Do you think Sony may do that? I want the Z90 for the broadcast quality but I love the versatility of mp4. I know the NX80 has it but I want 10 bit.
Asked by: Fabian
I was actually asking the opposite. But I'm thinking they wouldn't.
Answered by: Fabian
Date published: 2018-12-31

question

What are the relevant differences between this camera and the PXW-Z150? Why is the Z150 more expensive?
Asked by: Rafael
Both cameras offer the same Single 1 Exmor RS CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom, UHD 4K up to 30p and XLR inputs for high quality audio. The Z90V adds new features such as Phase-Detection Autofocus (AF), 4K HDR with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) and Super Slow Motion at up to 960 fps. While the Z150 still offers a larger form factor, which is something that some shoots desire.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2020-10-08

Can the camera output 4K from the HDMI while ...

Can the camera output 4K from the HDMI while recording 4K internally?
Asked by: Craig
Yes, this camera is able to output and record 4K at the same time.
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2020-06-28

question

What is the color space of the UHD 3840 x 2160 XAVC QFHD codec? I want to know what to tell my Avid this stuff is.
Asked by: John
There are several codecs to choose from all with their own color sampling rate. The highest quality one is XAVC QFHD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 4:2:0 Long profile.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2019-06-24
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