Sony has announced new cameras in the HDC-R Series. These include the HDC-5500R, HDC-5500RV, HDC-3500R, HDC-3500RV, and HDC-3200R.
The cameras offer enhanced imaging for higher content quality across diverse productions. Sony states that they are capable of suppressing highlight clipping and that there are preset sensitivity modes for various shooting conditions.
These new models build on the strengths of the existing HDC-5000 and HDC-3000 series while significantly enhancing image performance, system expandability through additional transmission pathways and infrastructure options, and usability that enables consistent color matching across models. Additionally, the new series will address challenging lighting conditions by offering an expanded dynamic range for enhanced details, and operation modes to address different lighting environments. Models include HDC-5500R, HDC-5500RV, HDC-3500R, HDC-3500RV, and HDC-3200R, along with related products such as the HDCU-3500R Camera Control Unit and the HKCU-LUT35 3D LUT option board. The models are planned to be available in mid-2026.
The cameras offer expanded transmission lines for a more efficient system setup, as well as network and video trunk enhancements. Additionally, Sony has refined the hardware and optimized the camera’s operation by including a VF Slide Rail and adding a unified rear panel.
Sony states that the HDC-R Series offers expanded dynamic range and Multi-Sensitivity Modes.
The new Expanded D-Range mode is said to widen the camera’s dynamic range to reduce highlight clipping. This is stated to provide better performance in high-contrast environments such as music concerts and outdoor sports.
The Multi-Sensitivity Mode allows operators to select optimal sensitivity quickly depending on the environment they are working in.
These features will be available with a firmware upgrade planned for December 2026 or later.
Pricing & Availability
According to Sony, the new HDC-R Series cameras will be available in the Fall for a similar price to other current models in the series.
