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Sony introduces the PMW-300, 1/2 inch type sensor, semi-shoulder mount camcorder

June 13^th, 20131

Sony introduces the PMW-300, 1/2 inch type sensor, semi-shoulder mount camcorder

by Johnnie BehiriJune 13^th, 2013

Sony’s new addition to its XDCAM range is the first semi-shoulder camcorder featuring 1/2-type Exmor Full HD 3CMOS sensor and offer MPEG HD422 50Mbps recording meeting broadcast standards around the world. According to Sony, this is the evolution of Sony’s PMW-EX3.

The new Sony camcorder will seat comfortably between Canon’s XF range of cameras offering the same bit rate but with 1/3 sensor and Canon’s C300 featuring an APS-C sensor.

Here is a summary of Sony’s press release:

The PMW-300 is ideal for broadcast producers and corporate event camera operators who require a flexible semi-shoulder camcorder that can easily be adapted to suit a wide range of production environments.

According to Sony, “The camcorder can also be upgraded in the future (2014) to support Sony’s revolutionary XAVC codec, extending the lifecycle of the product to ensure maximum return on investment.

The PMW-300 features the same EX-mount interchangeable lens system as the PMW-EX3, making it compatible with a wide range of 1/2 inch and 2/3 inch lenses.

There are two types of lens packages planned to be available for the PMW-300. One is with a 14 times zoom lens, and the other is with a 16 times zoom lens. Both lenses have a focus ring for quick switching between auto and manual focus.

An HD-resolution 3.5-inch colour LCD viewfinder (960×540 pixels) enables precision focusing for HD filming.

With an HD-SD/SDI output and an HDMI output, the PMW-300 connects not only to broadcast infrastructures, but also to consumer devices equipped with HDMI inputs. Timecode and genlock interfaces enable use in multi-camera setups and 3D configurations. The 8-pin remote connector allows for remote adjustment from a remote control sold separately.

The camcorder has a standard recording mode of 1080/25p, offering a vast range of shooting options, switching down to 720/25 to enable up to 2.5x slow motion.

Based on customer feedback the PMW-300 features an innovative semi-shoulder design that has a rotary hand grip, allowing comfortable recording over long periods of time. Its magnesium metal body ensures the camcorder is robust and like its predecessor, the PMW-EX3, can withstand even the harshest production environments.

Like all of Sony’s solid state XDCAM camcorders, the PMW-300 has the most flexible choice of recording media in the market, allowing customers to choose to record on Sony’s professional SxS memory card as well as other media such as SD, Memory Stick and XQD cards depending upon their budget and application.

Finally, Sony today confirmed that an optional wireless adapter currently in development will enhance proxy recording, wireless transfers, Wi-Fi viewing and metadata input.

PMW-300 with a 14 times zoom lens will be available in the market in October 2013. PMW-300 with a 16 times zoom lens is currently under development targeting to be available within 2013.

For the full press release, please click here

The PMW-300 will be available around October 2013.

Sony Sony XDAM Sony PMW 300 !/2 inch sensor