New Sony HXR-MC2500U AVCHD Onboard-Memory Camcorder

Sony’s newest addition to its AVCHD line of onboard-memory camcorders combines high sensitivity, improved low-light performance, and wireless connectivity for event videographers. Replacing the HKR-MC200U, the HXR-MC2500 features a similar shoulder-mount design but offers several new features and enhancements, including an improved Exmor R CMOS sensor, built-in LED light, and an OLED viewfinder. The camera also adds built-in Wi-Fi and NFC support, DV memory recording, and a Multi-Interface Shoe for expanded accessory support.

The updated Exmor R CMOS sensor provides expanded sensitivity for improved low-light performance; a minimum illumination of 0.8 lux is required for NTSC recording. This is welcome news for camera operators who frequently find themselves in dim environments and want to maintain image quality. To further assist event recorders, the camcorder comes equipped with a built-in LED light, which provides extra subject illumination without having to resort to external options.

 

Monitoring your footage also sees a welcome improvement with the new OLED viewfinder and LCD panel. The electronic viewfinder has a resolution of approximately 1.44 million dots that, when combined with its wide viewing angle and high contrast ratio, yields highly detailed images with better tonal reproduction. You can also monitor footage using the 3" LCD panel with 0.92-million-dot resolution―a jump up from the 0.22-million-dot display of the previous model.

 

As we’ve come to expect from the latest generation of camcorders, Sony adds built-in Wi-Fi and NFC functions for connecting to your mobile devices. This lets you monitor your footage directly on your smart phone or tablet, as well as giving you remote access to controls such as start/stop recording, zoom, iris, and touch audio focus. With Near Field Communications (NFC) support, all it takes is one touch of a compatible mobile device to establish a connection.

 

The HXR-MC2500 features 32GB of internal flash memory, which can be used in conjunction with a Memory Stick or SD memory for relay or simultaneous recording. You can record more than 150 minutes using the internal memory, or use the relay mode to continuously record by swapping out memory cards as they become full. Thanks to its low power consumption, the camcorder can operate and record for up to 14 hours using a single optional NP-F970 battery.

 

Rounding out the new features of the camcorder is a wider 26.8mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens, support for SD DV memory recording, and a Multi-Interface Shoe for expanded accessory support, such as a Sony UWP-D11 wireless microphone receiver or XLR audio adapter. There is also a BNC composite video terminal for a more secure connection for critical live events, and Time Code and User Bit support for multi-camera shoots.

 

With its updated features and performance improvements, the HXR-MC2500 is a cost-effective camcorder for event videographers looking for a Full HD shoulder-mounted solution with enhanced low-light capabilities and professional performance. The camcorder is expected to be available around November, 2014.