Sony PXW-Z90 XDCAM Compact 4K Camcorder with Exmor RS CMOS Sensor and 12x Zoom Lens

Realise your biggest creative ambitions with the beautifully compact PXW-Z90 Capture broadcast quality 4K footage in XAVC QFHD at 100Mbps, with responsive Fast Hybrid AF that tracks fast-moving subjects with ease. Shoot, edit and view HDR content in HLG without the need for additional colour grading. Professional connections integrate seamlessly with your SDI production infrastructure.

The PXW-Z90 camcorder supports an instant HDR (High Dynamic Range) workflow, enabling users to produce breath-taking HDR content with minimum post-production to suit a range of content creation scenarios and applications. 

The Fast Hybrid AF system ensures highly accurate focusing and tracking during shooting, delivered by 273 phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 84% of the shooting area, high-density placement of autofocus points and a newly developed AF algorithm. This reduces the burden of focusing, especially when accurate focusing is required for shooting 4K2 films. In movie recording mode, the appearance of phase-detection AF frames indicates the focused area and easily allows users to monitor a subject that is in focus. The new camcorder features a high-resolution OLED viewfinder (0.39-type OLED, 2,359k dots) and advanced touch screen operation, on the 3.5-type large LCD screen (1,555k dots), to allow users to quickly switch focus from one subject to another, while the AF Drive Speed, Tracking Depth Range and Subject Switching Sensitivity can all be configured as required for different subjects and content styles. 

The PXW-Z90 supports 4K HDR recording with HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), offering an instant HDR workflow. This enables users to reduce the post-production work and produce high-quality HDR content without grading, which usually requires a highly skilled technique and specialist knowledge.

The camcorder also has the following key technology features to support versatile shooting, including; 

• 4K full-pixel readout without pixel binning, using an enhanced BIONZ X image processing engine 
• Super Slow Motion recording up to 960fps, which is industry leading among palm categories and Slow & Quick Motion Full HD recording up to 120fps
• S-Log3/S-Gamut capabilities for users to create and work with images as they desire. 
• 29mm7 (35EQ) wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens and 18x Clear Image Zoom
• Less image distortion (rolling shutter phenomenon), in comparison to conventional models when shooting subjects in motion

Amazingly fast precision auto focus

The PXW-Z90 incorporates an advanced Fast Hybrid AF system, alongside face detection and lock-on auto focus technology, making it easy to focus and track a subject while filming.

First professional palm camcorder with 4K HDR

The PXW-Z90 is the first professional palm-sized camcorder to deliver stunning 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) content with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) file-based workflows. S-Log3 is also supported, enabling you to create beautiful imagery with a wide colour gamut and colour range.

Super slow motion up to 960fps* and S&Q motion up to 120fps**

High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet and the PXW-Z90 delivers a stunning 120 frames per second (fps) in Full HD XAVC 10bit 4:2:2, giving you continuous 5 times slow motion expression. Higher frame rates up to 960fps using S&Q motion cache recording are also possible for even greater creative flexibility.

* 960 fps (NTSC). 1000 fps (PAL).

** 120fps (NTSC)/ 100fps (PAL)

Versatile connections for broadcast workflows

The camcorder features a broadcast standard 3G-SDI output (supporting 1080 60p/50p), a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, HDMI and Remote interface to connect with and control remotely a wide variety of compatible Sony accessories, including creating a simple live solution when connected to the optional MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer and RM-30BP Remote Commander.

Revolutionary imaging performance with Exmor RS

To deliver imaging performance previously impossible for a compact camcorder. A large 14.2-megapixel (effective) 1.0-type stacked CMOS image sensor delivers beautiful background bokeh defocus effects and superior sensitivity for capturing high-quality images with less noise, even under dark or bright conditions. This sensor integrates up to 273 phase-detection AF points that densely cover approx. 84% of the image area, for precise tracking of subjects throughout the shooting frame.

The sensor also gives you low noise and less blur because more light reaches the sensor, offering clear and steady pictures even in a dark scene with minimum illumination 1.7 lux*.

* LOW LUX mode

Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus captures action

Enhanced Fast Hybrid auto focus (AF) is comprised of a number of features: Phase-detection AF with up to 273 reference points covering approximately 84% of the image area,  face detection and lock-on auto focus technology to estimate subject movement. They all work together seamlessly to capture fast-moving subjects with amazing sharpness.

Instant HDR workflows

Shoot, edit and view HDR content in HLG without the need for additional colour grading.

As the expanding need for HDR content continues, internet video platforms and professionals producing corporate or event content are paying more attention to the added value of HDR. They need to deliver content quickly, without compromising on imaging expression and quality of content. To meet this demand, the PXW-Z90 offers Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording, in addition to S-Log3, for easy file-based workflows, whilst achieving the image quality of HDR. This simple workflow enables the shooting, editing and viewing of HDR content in HLG, without devoting a lot of time to post-production work and additional colour grading.

Stunning slow motion in Full HD

High Frame Rate shots can turn everyday actions into slow motion ballet and the PXW-Z90 delivers up to 120 frames* per second (fps) in Full HD, giving you a maximum of 5 times slow motion expression. There's no sacrifice in bit depth and no "windowing" of the sensor. So there's no crop factor, no loss in angle of view.

Higher frame rates of 240, 480 and 960 fps are also possible at specific resolutions.

*  120fps (NTSC)/ 100fps (PAL)

Broadcast quality 4K (QFHD) and HD

The PXW-Z90 allows you to record a wide range of 4K (QFHD) and HD formats for maximum flexibility from this stunning palm-sized camcorder. The Z90 supports XAVC QFHD 100Mbps recordings at 30p/25p/24p, XAVC HD Long GOP 422 50Mbps, MPEGHD422 50Mbps*, MPEGHD420 35Mbps and AVCHD.

* MPEG HD recording requires optional licence (CBKZ-SLMP) upgrade.

5GHz / 2.4GHz should be prominently featured with WiFi logo in design

Networked for high mobility

The PXW-Z90 comes with 5GHz* and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as standard – simply turn on and log onto your preferred network to enable a host of advanced wireless production features:

* 5GHz support dependent on country/regional regulation.

Ustream Direct Streaming allows you to share scenes as they happen with high quality picture and sound without a switcher.

QoS Streaming to XDCAM air allows images to be streamed live from the camcorder for viewing at a remote location.

FTP Transfer allows content files recorded with MPEG HD 422/420 proxy feature (CBKZ-SLMP required) and other content files shot in XAVC (QFHD/FHD) and AVCHD formats to be sent over the internet for remote storage on an FTP server.

XDCAM air can upload proxy footage to the cloud from multiple camera operators in the field, so editing can start immediately. Uploaded content can be accessed securely from any location. News teams can even start logging clips while shooting’s still going on, saving even more valuable time when a story’s breaking.

Wi-Fi/NFC (Near Field Communication) with Content Browser Mobile™ allows the PXW-Z90 to be remotely controlled from a smartphone or tablet computer (iOS 9.0 - 10.3 or Android 4.4 through 7.1) via a Wi-Fi connection. One-touch authentication is also possible with smartphones that offer NFC connectivity

* The Content Browser Mobile™ application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store. Wi-Fi operation cannot be guaranteed with all smartphones and tablet computers.

Wired LAN connection allows the PXW-Z90 to be connected to the internet over a wired connection via the separately available VMC-UAM2 USB adapter cable and network adaptor kit (CBK-NA1), allowing files to be streamed or transferred by FTP.

Remote operation

The PXW-Z90 has a featured remote interface (2.5 mm stereo mini-mini jack) wired interface. Using a wired remote controller such as the RM-1BP or RM-30BP the focus, zoom, rec start/stop and rec review can be controlled remotely. The camcorder can connect to the optional RM-30BP and MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer to form a simple live solution

Wide choice of connections

The PXW-Z90 offers numerous connections to suit the broadcast workflow, including 3G HD-SDI, HDMI®, Multi/Micro USB jack and composite output. The Rec Trigger signal can be sent through SDI and HDMI to link an external recording device. HDMI/SDI/composite output is possible during QFHD recording*.

* HDMI supports up QFHD resolution, 3G-SDI supports up to HD resolution. Composite is SD-only.

Simple live solution

The PXW-Z90 is designed to work seamlessly with Sony’s MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer, a robust and cost-effective switcher that makes it easy for one person to run a multi-camera live event shoot. When used with the MCX-500 and Remote Commander RM-30BP, a Tally indicator will automatically appear on each PXW-Z90’s LCD panel and viewfinder – a red icon indicates when the shot is live (PGM) while Green indicates preview mode (PVW). The MCX-500 supports up to 9 video inputs, 5 channel stereo inputs including XLR with both internal recording and live streaming via Ustream™, Facebook Live, and Youtube Live*.

*Facebook live and YouTube live available with V2.0 firmware

Wide-angle zoom lens with great control

The PXW-Z90 is supplied with a fixed 29mm wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens, ideal for capturing panoramic landscapes. The 12x optical zoom can be increased to 18x with Clear Image Zoom, maintaining QFHD  resolution using Super Resolution Technology or 24x in HD. In addition, the Digital Extender can double this range again, up to 48x zoom.

The camcorder’s lens ring enables smooth, natural adjustment of focusing or zooming, depending on which mode is selected; while the manual dial and buttons on the side of the body allow swift and easy adjustment of IRIS (aperture), ISO/GAIN and shutter speed.

Superb quality monitoring with enhanced OLED viewfinder

You have superb monitoring options with the Z90: an enhanced 0.39-type 2359K dot OLED viewfinder and 3.5-type 1550K dot LCD. The super high resolution OLED viewfinder offers excellent quality brightness, contrast and response, giving you better precision of manual focus operations and eliminating any colour-breaking phenomenon. The LCD gives you further flexible composition options.

Dual XLR inputs

The Z90 has two XLR connecters – so even if you remove the handle with its standard, easy-access XLR connector then a second on the body is still available, making it ideal for applications such as shooting in a confined space, such as a car interior, or when mounting on a gimbal.

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

The PXW-Z90 takes advantage of Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, which provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible Sony accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony UWP-D wireless microphone systems (sold separately).

Dual media slots

To extend recording time and workflow flexibility, the PXW-Z90 is equipped with two memory card slots and is compatible with SDXC and SDHC cards as well as Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) / PRO-HG Duo*.

Relay mode automatically switches recording from the first to the second memory card when the first is full; Simul mode allows simultaneous recording to two memory cards (for example to create an immediate back-up version). The PXW-Z90’s two Start/Stop buttons on the handle grip and camcorder body can independently start and stop recording on different memory cards while recording in Simul mode.