By technical editor Matt Allard:
At Broadcast Asia 2015, Sony launched another addition to their NXCAM family of cameras. The HXR-NX100 NXCAM camcorder features a 1.0-type Exmor CMOS sensor and a 24X clear image zoom that can be digitally enhanced up to 48X. The camera has the ability to record in XAVC S 50Mbps. Despite the push towards 4K, the HXR-NX100 is a HD only camera. Sony continues to flood the market with so many models that it is hard to see exactly where this camera sits in their line up. Unfortunately this camera is not a world camera and will be available in both a PAL and NTSC version.
According to Sony, the HXR-NX100 has stunning picture quality, easy operability and a wide selection of recording formats that is suitable for a wide range of professional applications,from events to documentaries.The HXR-NX100 features a 1.0-inchExmor® R back-illuminated CMOS Sensor with 20 megapixels. The sensor, which is approximately the same size as a Super 16mm film frame, is said to deliver high resolution, low noise and stunning picture quality even in low light conditions.
A fixed Sony G lens, offers 12x optical zoom from a 29mm angle of view at the wide end that can be increased to 24x with a Clear Image Zoom, that according to Sony still delivers the full resolution thanks to Pixel Super Resolution Technology. Furthermore, zoom performance can be doubled at any point with a Digital Extender up to 48x. The lens ramps from f2.8 to f4.5 depending on your focal length.
The camera also features a built-in 4-step ND filter. Three independent manual lens rings give access to zoom, focus and iris functions. The camcorder also provides a wide variety of connectivity options including HDMI, Multi/Micro USB, XLR terminals, REMOTE, Composite (BNC) and Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, which allows for a wide range of accessories without the need for cables, such as the HVL-LBPC Video Light and the UWP-D wireless microphone series.
The HXR-NX100 is able to record in AVCHD, DV and XAVC S 50Mbps. XAVC S is the same codec used on the popular a7S. The camera records onto affordable and readily available consumer memory cards. The HXR-NX100 features dual media slots, which enables recording onto two memory cards either simultaneously or via a relay mode, where recording automatically switches when the first card is full.
This from Sony:
“The HXR-NX100 brings the very best in resolution, depth of field controland low light performance thanks to its big 1.0-inchExmor R CMOS sensor, allowing content creators to capture beautiful images in any environment,” said Mr. Hiroyuki Takahama, Assistant General Manager, Content Creation Solutions Marketing, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited.“Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling and the ability to record in XAVC S 50Mbps means the camcorder delivers quality content across a range of shoots, such as events and corporate videos. In the HXR-NX100, professionals have a versatile camcorder that lets them concentrate on doing what they love, with minimum hassl
I think this latest offering from Sony is squarely aimed at developing markets such as India, Africa and South America. The lack of 4K and the fact that it is not a world camera may steer a lot of potential buyers away.
Recording frame rates in PAL:
XAVC S (1920 x 1080) 50p, 25p 50Mbps
AVCHD (1920 x 1080) 50p, PS mode (28 Mbps)
AVCHD (1920 x 1080) 50i / 50p, FX (24 Mbps) mode, FH (17 Mbps) mode
AVCHD (1440 x 1080) 50i, HQ (9 Mbps) mode, LP (5Mbps)
AVCHD (1280 x 720) 50p, FX (24 Mbps) mode, FH (17 Mbps) mode, HQ (9 Mbps) mode
DV (720 x 576) 50i to 25Mbps
Recording formats in NTSC:
XAVC S (1920 x 1080) of 59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98pa 50 Mbps
AVCHD (1920 x 1080) of 59.94p, PS mode (28 Mbps)
AVCHD (1920 x 1080) from 59.94i / 29.97p / 23.98p, FX (24 Mbps) mode, FH (17 Mbps) mode
AVCHD (1440 x 1080) of 59.94i, HQ (9 Mbps) mode, LP (5Mbps)
AVCHD (1280 x 720) of 59.94p, FX (24 Mbps) mode, FH (17 Mbps) mode, HQ (9 Mbps) mode
DV (720 x 480) of 59.94ia 25 Mbps
The HXR-NX100 will available in Asia Pacific from October 2015. There is no indication yet of pricing.
