Sony PXW-Z300 XDCAM Handycamcorder Unveiled

Introducing the successor to the PXW-Z280, the Sony PXW-Z300

Sony will release the flagship PXW-Z300 XDCAM Handycamcorder model beginning in late September 2025.

In the XDCAM and NXCAM product lines, Sony offers three shoulder camcorder models: the PXW-Z750, PXW-Z450, and PXW-X400. In contrast, in the field of more mobile handy camcorders, the company currently offers three models: the PXW-Z280, PXW-Z200, and HXR-NX800. Sony now adds the Sony PXW-Z300 to this line.

Main Features of the Sony PXW-Z300

The Sony PXW-Z300 is a camcorder that inherits the best features of the existing PXW-Z280 and the PXW-Z200 released last year, while incorporating new technologies worthy of a flagship model. The main target audience is a wide range of uses, just like the PXW-Z280, and the company believes it is particularly suited to news and documentary filming. It is intended for the same target audience as the existing PXW-Z200.

Combining the best of the PXW-Z280 with the latest technology

The main features of this camera are as follows: It inherits the good points of the PXW-Z280, but is more robust and easier to handle in order to withstand harsh use in many locations. It is being developed as a camera equipped with cutting-edge technology that has evolved since seven years ago.

First of all, one good thing about the PXW-Z280 is that the lens part is still equipped with three fully manual rings that allow you to manually control focus, zoom, and aperture. This is a big difference compared to the two-ring system used on the PXW-Z200 released last year, and the unique feature of this model is that it can be freely operated with three rings.

The lens is a bright F1.9 lens, and the brightness does not change even when zooming. In addition, improvements to the internal mechanism have been made to the image distortion that previously occurred, allowing for higher quality images to be obtained.

Supports a variety of recording formats

This camera inherits the 4K 1/2-type 3CMOS sensor used in the PXW-Z200. The sensitivity is also high at F12, making it possible to shoot in bright environments. There are a wide variety of formats, with 4K supporting 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p, and HD also supporting 60i and 50i frequencies.

The recording format is “MPEG HD422”, which is widely used by Japanese broadcasting stations, so you can start using it right after purchasing. In addition, it also supports the XAVC codec. As for proxies, it has a built-in proxy for the HEVC recording format, and there are plans to make it compatible with MP4 format in a future update, but the timing has not been decided yet.

Newly designed LCD arm and repositionable MI shoe

In this model, the arm of the flexible LCD panel has been significantly strengthened and can now be adjusted to various angles, allowing the monitor to be adjusted forward or backward to suit the shooting environment or the user’s comfortable viewing position.

  

The viewfinder has been eliminated and the MI shoe has been moved to its place. By placing the MI shoe at the rear, it is now possible to attach audio equipment to the rear of the camera, which solves the problem of not being able to hold the handle when audio equipment is attached on previous models, making the camera easier to carry.

Side V-mount for peripheral integration and improved mobility

A new side V-mount mechanism has been added. This is a V-mount contact on the side of the camera, and is intended for physical attachment rather than power supply. It is assumed that a transmitter such as the company’s “PDT-FP1” or a mobile battery with an output of 100 watts or more that supports USB Power Delivery (described below) can be attached to the side for operation, or that a wireless receiver can be attached separately.

Equipped with BIONZ XR and AI processing, image quality and AF have improved

The image processing engine is Sony’s latest “BIONZ XR” processing engine. This allows for higher quality and more versatile images compared to the PXW-Z280. In addition, an AI processing unit has been incorporated, improving subject recognition and autofocus performance.

Network functions have also been enhanced. In addition to the PXW-Z200’s support for the RTMP protocol, the new model now also supports the SRT protocol, which is widely used in modern live streaming.

The camera is designed to be versatile and supports a variety of settings, including 3D LUTs and preset looks, in response to the increasing number of scenes using multiple cameras.

One particularly notable feature is that it supports S-Cinetone, which is also installed in the FX6 and PXW-Z200. This means that it can be used in combination with these cameras. It also has “709tone,” which is often used with Sony system cameras, so it can also be used in conjunction with system cameras.

It also supports the M&C app (Monitoring & Control), which has been well received in recent years for its FX series cameras. This means that when using multiple cameras such as the PXW-Z200 or FX6, you can start recording and adjust settings simultaneously.

PXW-Z300, PXW-Z200, HXR-NX800, comparison

Finally, let’s compare the Sony PXW-Z300, PXW-Z200 and HXR-NX800. The main difference is the digital extender function. While the PXW-Z200 only supports up to 2x HD quality, the PXW-Z300 supports up to 1.5x 4K and 4x HD.

As for media, CFexpress Type A cards or SDXC memory cards can be used, just like the PXW-Z200. The same type of battery can be used as for the Z200. For power supply, an input of 20V or more is recommended via USB Power Delivery.