Sony took time at its NAB 2019 press conference to show off all the latest and greatest Sony video tech, and show how the company is doubling down on improving workflow, even as resolution and the demand for high-value content continue to grow. Hardware was an area of expansion still, with the launch of the compact HXR-MC88 HD Camcorder, the world’s first 2/3" Global Shutter 3-CMOS HDC-5500 4K HDR broadcast camera, plenty of firmware updates for existing cameras, and still a bit more.
Consumers will likely be looking more at the HXR-MC88 than anything else here, and it brings yet another effective and affordable option for creators looking to capture video quickly and easily. It is palm sized, making it easy to carry, and captures Full HD video, benefitting creating from a BIONZ X image processing engine and a 14.2MP 1"-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, for incredible speed. This setup enables Fast Hybrid AF for lightning-fast target lock-on and tracking. Additionally, it comes with a 12x optical zoom lens and benefits from advanced Sony technologies to enhance that, digitally, to 24x and 48x. It is scheduled for a July 2019 release.
A huge part of Sony’s business is in broadcast cameras, and the HDC-5500 looks like one of the best. It claims the title of world’s first 2/3" 3-CMOS 4K HDR system with Global Shutter. Other features in this camera are high sensitivity, shown by a signal-to-noise ratio of 62 dB and the ability to capture Wide Dynamic Range for true HDR productions. Also, it has many standard interfaces for working with professional installations and workflows, including SMPTE ST 2110 and NMOS IS-04/05. Plenty more info is coming for this astounding broadcast camera.
Upgrading current systems was another part of the show, with firmware and hardware announcements. The FS7 series gains an interesting new ENG build-up kit for shoulder-mounted ENG and remote reporting applications. Wireless audio, wireless file transfer, QoS streaming with dual link via an optional XDCAM air subscription and plenty of other upgrades will make the FS7 series a serious option for pro news gathering. Also, an adapter is being developed for using B4 lenses on the E-mount cameras. Speaking of ENG, the PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 are both getting firmware 3.0 to enable wireless file transfer with dual-link connection without the need for a mobile app, and to add support for the new UWP-D Wireless Microphones. These new mics use Sony’s already reliable tech and have been reduced in size by 20%.
That certainly wasn’t everything, because Sony also discussed new BVM-HX310 31" 4K HDR Reference Monitor, a PZW-4000 4K XAVC Recorder, plenty of live switchers, AI-based computing technology, and more during the press conference. It is a great deal, and a great sign for professional video applications and for faster workflows in the future.
How do you think Sony did this year with its press conference releases and focus on Content Value and Workflow Efficiency? Leave a Comment, below, and stay tuned to B&H Explora for the latest news from NAB 2019.
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