Sony PXW-X400 Adds XAVC-Long 60p, Improves Networking and Balance

The latest XDCAM is the PXW-X400, a new shoulder-mount HD 10-bit 4:2:2 camcorder with a 2/3-inch three-chip Exmor CMOS imager. It's aimed at ENG and field production.

Supported formats include XAVC-Long GOP at 50p and 59.94p as well as a variety of XAVC Intra, MPEG-2, MPEG IMX and DVCAM options. Slow and quick motion frame rates are selectable from 1 to 60 fps.

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Other key features include a pool feed function for recording 1.5G HD-SDI on SxS cards at up to 1080i/59.94 and improved networking capabilities, such as a wired RJ-45 Ethernet interface to replace unstable wi-fi connections and, with a promised June 2016 update, near-field communications. Other online functions include MPEG TS wireless streaming, auto-upload of proxies to the cloud or FTP servers, and on/off control over the PWS-100RX1 network server. (Proxies can also be recorded to SD card.) A new Sony Content Browser Mobile app for Android and iOS allows remote set-up and operation from mobile devices.

On the ergonomics front, Sony said the X400 has been designed to optimally balance weight between the camcorder body and lens for easier shoulder use during long shoots. For example, a lighter lens grip is said to reduce the weight on the front of the camera. Without lens, viewfinder or microphone, the camera body weighs about 7 lbs 15 oz (3.6 kg), Sony said.

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The X400 can be used with Sony's new HDVF-EL20 and -EL30 OLED viewfinders, and offers a slot for a Sony DWX series wireless audio receiver, AES/EBU inputs and five-pin XLR output. A 50-pin interface allows the camera to be used with a fiber or triax adapter for live production. 

The PXW-X400 is slated to ship in February. The camera body only will have an suggested list price of $16,500. Adding a 16x auto-focus lens (auto-focus will be enabled with a 2016 update, Sony notes), EVF and stereo shotgun mic (model number PXW-X400KF) brings the price to $20,600. The same kit with a 20x manual focus lens (PXW-X400KC) in place of the 16x is $21,100.