Sony PXW-X180 Full HD XDCAM Handheld Camcorder

The PXW-X180 Full HD XDCAM Handheld Camcorder from Sony is ideal for professional broadcast, documentary or live event video applications, the PXW-X180 XDCAM® HD422 camcorder offers a fixed 25x HD zoom lens with 26mm wide angle, three 1/3-inch type Exmor® CMOS sensors for high resolution, low noise and wide dynamic range, and a variable Neutral Density filter which provides more flexibility in density control and a broader range of shooting techniques. It also offers MPEG HD 422, MPEG HD 420, AVCHD, and DV codecs to fit into a variety of broadcast and production workflows. Other key features include a 0.5" OLED viewfinder, dual SxS memory card slots, proxy recording to SD cards, and an electronically controlled variable ND filter. The camcorder can be controlled wirelessly with a smartphone or tablet using the included wireless LAN module.

XDCAM firmware upgrade for live streaming

To enhance ENG shooting capability, we recently added a firmware upgrade that allows wireless streaming capability. Videographers will now be able to stream content live from the field via a wireless network such as 3G, 4G, LTE, and WIFI – a convenient feature that news rooms, cable stations, and production companies will find extremely valuable and timesaving. It's available now at no additional cost.

Three 1/3-inch type Exmor CMOS Full HD sensors

Incorporated into the PXW-X180 are three 1/3-inch Full HD sensors which achieves high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic range. Each sensor has 2 million effective pixels and achieves Full HD 1920 x 1080 shooting providing fine image quality settings for detailed, beautifully textured results.

Newly developed 25x professional HD zoom lens

Equipped with a G Series fixed lens, a 26mm wide-angle view, and 25x zoom range, the camcorder is versatile enough to handle a wide range of shooting situations. The lens has three independent control rings, which means focus, zoom and iris can be manually controlled, making for better and faster adjustment.

Variable ND filter control provides more flexibility

The PXW-X180 is Sony's first professional camcorder to feature a variable ND filter. A new filter device has been developed to electronically control density and enable continuous setting adjustment from 1/4ND to 1/128ND with simple dial operation. Using this filter in conjunction with different iris and shutter speed settings to adjust depth of field and brightness, it allows the use of shooting techniques such as slow shutter shooting in daylight and other bright light conditions.

Wireless Functions NFC

Remote control via a smartphone or tablet is possible using a connection, and recorded video files can be transferred from the camcorder to smartphone in MP4 format. One-touch authentication is also possible with smartphones that offer NFC connectivity. The Content Browser Mobile application enables confirmation of the angle of the shot before shooting, monitor recording and operation of the camcorder by remote (field angle setting/white balance adjustment/iris adjustment, etc.). The use of separately sold mobile routers and other mobile devices also allows transmission of files after shooting. Lightweight proxy video files can be generated separately from the main line recording and recorded to SD cards for quick sharing of content over low-bandwidth mobile networks.

Multi-CODEC recording

In addition to XAVC Intra/Long GOP, the PXW-X180 records in MPEG2, AVCHD and DV. When recording in XAVC, it uses the MXF file format, efficiently compressing full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 CODEC. Image sampling is 4:2:2 10-bit with Intra-frame compression at 112 Mbps or high-efficiency Long-GOP compression at 50 Mbps, 35 Mbps or 25 Mbps.

Proxy recording on SD card

The PXW-X180 can record proxy video H.264 on an SD card. The resolution and bitrate of proxy video can be changed for a more flexible workflow. The proxy files are recorded in MP4 format for better compatibility with broadcast systems. The lightweight proxy video files are generated separately from the main line recording and recorded to SD cards for quick sharing of content over low-bandwidth mobile networks.

Compatible with various SxS®, XQD, SD and Memory Stick® media

To meet the needs of various workflows, the PXW-X180 is equipped with two SxS memory card slots that can record in either "Simul" or "Relay" mode. "Simul" mode permits simultaneous recording to two memory cards, while "Relay" mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second card when the first is full. The camcorder is compatible with:

• SxS PRO+™ Memory Card

• SxS-1™ Memory Card

• XQD Memory Card S Series (with use of an appropriate card adaptor)

• SD/SDHC* Memory Card (with use of an appropriate card adaptor)

• Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ Media

*SD Card Class 10 or higher recommended.

Multi-Interface Shoe

Accessories attached to the Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe can be controlled by the PXW-X180. For example, if the new HVL-LBPC video light is attached to the MI shoe, video light power can be switched on and off from the camcorder. Also, if an optional UWP-D wireless microphone receiver is connected, power supply and cable-free audio signal input are possible, minimizing the need for extra batteries and removing the need for additional cabling.