Sony has introduced its full-featured handheld PMW-100, that captures broadcast standard 50Mbps video. The compact size of the new camera makes it ideal to work in tandem with Sony’s larger PMW-500 XDCAM HD422 shoulder camcorder, for applications including news gathering, documentaries and events. Below is Sony’s official promo for the PMW-100, describing it’s compatibility, quality and mobility:
The PMW-100 looks to be catered towards working broadcast professionals, with features including a 1/2.9-inch type Exmor CMOS sensor, providing low-light sensitivity with a low noise level, while maintaining compactness. The camera records MPEG-2 HD (4:2:2) at 50Mbps, 4:2:0 at 35Mbps, and standard definition DVCAM at 25Mbps, which ensures compatibility with existing Sony XDCAM workflows. There is also a 15 second video buffer to facilitate instantaneous shooting, and up to 4 hours of 50Mbps HD footage can be logged using 2 64 GB SxS cards in dual slots, without having to bring in an external recorder.
Standard professional features include dual locking XLR inputs, recording four channel 24-bit uncompressed 48kHz audio, HD/SD-SDI output, composite output, Genlock input, time code input/output, i.LINK (HDV/DV) input/output, and A/V output. The PMW also supports native variable frame rate recording, for slow and fast-motion effects, along the lines of the new Sony FS700.
The PMW-100 is fairly unique as a handheld, in that its codec can meet broadcast bitrate standards, without requiring an external recording device. This compactness, along with its compatibility with existing broadcast equipment defines its function as a broadcast tool. Tatsuro Kurachi, senior manager of Sony Professional Solutions of America, states, “Advancements in digital imaging technology have enabled journalists and professional videographers to cover stories by using portable devices such as cell phones, DSLRs, and consumer camcorders – However, when compared to traditional shoulder-mount camcorders, there is still a significant gap in image quality, ease of editing, and data management. The PMW-100 achieves the best of both worlds, by recording full broadcast quality MPEG HD422 video within a hand-held form factor.”
The PWW-100 should be out in the U.S. in May, for about $4500.