Previously the exclusive domain of feature films and high-end production, 4K is now available for corporate video, event video, education and houses of worship. Because now Sony introduces the PXW-Z100, the one-piece handheld camcorder that makes the phenomenal imagery of 4K available to anyone, anywhere, for any application. With the PXW-Z100 you can shoot incredibly rich, superbly robust 1080p HD, then switch over to 4K (4096 x 2160) or 4K TV-friendly Quad Full HD (3840 x 2160) whenever you need them. Choose frame rates from 24p to 60p. Because the camera uses the same XAVC™ Intra 4:2:2 codec as Sony’s high-end F55, your pictures are superb. Because the ergonomics are based on Sony’s popular handheld camcorders, the operation is friendly and familiar. And because the camera captures 4K, it’s ready for whatever you’re shooting today—and tomorrow. Highlights: 4K 60p in a handheld camera With the PXW-Z100, high resolution and high sensitivity go hand in hand. The 1/2.3” sensor boasts 8.8 million effective pixels, while back-illuminated Exmor® R CMOS technology delivers impressive low-light performance. The sophisticated optics of Sony’s 4K-rated G Lens provides a generous 20x zoom, plus a versatile 30mm wide angle (4K mode, 35mm full frame equivalent). Sony’s amazing XAVC codec The PXW-Z100 boasts the same high-end XAVC™ Intra codec as the F55 digital motion picture camera. You get the power of 4:2:2 color, the dynamic expression of 10-bit recording and the accuracy of all-I-frame encoding, which compresses each frame individually. Based on industry-standard AVC/H.264 compression, XAVC recording is already compatible with leading dailies, editing and color correction tools. You get 4K, QFHD or HD at frame rates from 24p to 60p. The maximum 4K bit rate is 600 Mbps (60p) while the top HD bit rate is 223 Mbps (50/60p). Advanced XQD memory cards Keeping up with the impressive data rates of XAVC 4K recording takes some equally impressive memory. The PXW-Z100 features two slots for XQD™ memory cards, which have been standardized by the CompactFlash Association. The system takes advantage of the familiar PCI Express interface and a Sony developed controller to support stable recording at up to 600 Mbps. For best performance, we recommend S Series QD-S32E and QD-S64E cards. Upgrade path to XAVC LongGOP For extended recording time, Sony plans to offer XAVC LongGOP and the popular AVCHD™ codec as a firmware update planned for the middle of 2014. AVCHD files are particularly well suited to the Blu-ray Disc® playback environment. Relay recording For extended shoots, the PXW-Z100 provides relay recording between the two card slots. You can begin a recording session on one card, then automatically switch to another—and even replace the first card and switch back! Maximum session duration is 13 hours. (With current NLEs, spanned clips cannot be combined. Depending on NLE, audio may be discontinuous at the breaks.) High-quality audio Two XLR connectors support professional microphones such as the Sony ECM-680S and wireless microphone systems such as the UWP-V1. Use the built-in stereo microphone or the use the external XLR inputs to record two channels of 24-bit 48kHz audio. Time code input/output A true professional, the PXW-Z100 provides time code input and output, vital to multi-camera productions. Wi-Fi remote control For operating flexibility, you can control record start/stop, focus, zoom and aperture from a smartphone browser. Creative paint functions The PXW-Z100 affords exceptional creative control with adjustable gamma curve, black level, skin detail, color and more. You can even save these parameters to a memory card as a camera profile. Then use your profile on another PXW-Z100 for precise matching in multi-camera setups. Powerful focus assist Because focus is especially critical on 4K content, Sony provides auto focus and one-touch auto focus, plus powerful support for manual focus, including color peaking and focus magnifier. 60Hz and 50Hz system switchable Optional 3 or 5 year Extended Warranty available