3 Apr 2012 - New product announcements, Video Production

Sony Announces PMW-100, Compact XDCAM HD422 Camcorder

The new Sony PMW-100 joins Sony’s XDCAM HD422 line-up as the smallest and lightest camera in the XDCAM family.

The PMW-100 combines exceptional picture fidelity with portability and outstanding maneuverability based on the proven XDCAM workflow, giving professional users a new level of productivity. The development of the PMW-100 is a natural step in the progression of the XDCAM line, and its development is in direct response to customer feedback for a light and compact camera that will not only perform well on its own, but also alongside other XDCAM cameras such as Sony’s PMW-500.

The PMW-100 supports full HD video at 1080i, 1080p and 720p up to 50 Mbps MXF record and playback based on the MPEG HD422 codec using the standard MPEG HD422 Long GOP compression technology. It is also switchable to MPEG HD420 35/25Mbps or even DVCAM 25Mbps recording, which similar options in the market do not offer. The PMW-100 can also record high quality 24-bit four-channel audio at uncompressed 48kHz, ideal for pairing with the new optional ECM-MS2 stereo microphone.

The camcorder offers a high level of flexibility using a variety of recording media including high speed SxS PRO memory card as well as Memory Stick, SD cards and XQD cards as an “emergency” secondary media. The new application software “SxS Memory Card Management Utility”* will provide additional operational convenience with SxS memory cards, such as data back-up functions and the life time indication of the card in use.

Focusing on a subject and reviewing recorded footage is simplified with the camcorder’s full color 3.5-inch WVGA (852×480) LCD, a much higher resolution than those found in other small handheld camcorders. The Slow & Quick Motion function lets users create artistic fast and slow-motion footage from 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080p mode.

The camera also incorporates HD/SD-SDI output, Composite Out, Genlock input, time code in/out, i.LINK (HDV/DV) in/out, and A/V Out.

The Sony PMW-100 is expected to be available in May, 2012 with a suggesed list price of US $4,500. Australia pricing will be announced soon.