After being widely trailed on social media, Sony has announced the release of the PMW-200 XDCAM. The new camera has three 1/2” CMOS sensors and outputs full HD 4:2:2 50Mbps footage. It features a wide range of recording formats, including MXF 50Mbps/35Mbps, MP4 35Mbps/25Mbps and DVCAM and has a “Slow & Quick” motion function which enables capture at 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode, and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080p mode, enabling some creative opportunities. Lastly, it records onto Sony’s SxS memory cards as well as other media such as SD, Memory Stick and XQD cards (with an adaptor required).

The PMW-200 will be available from September, prices are still to be confirmed.

The PMW-200 produces high quality images with three 1/2 -inch type sensors, offers seamless HD422 workflow and includes a range of features ideal for HD broadcast production.

Sydney, 27 July 2012. – Sony today unveiled a new addition to its XDCAM HD422 line-up – the PMW-200, the only handheld camcorder in its class equipped with three 1/2 -inch Exmor™ CMOS sensors and broadcast quality full HD 4:2:2 50Mbps recording. The new PMW-200 handheld camcorder inherits the proven versatility of the PMW-EX1R which is recognised as the industry standard within its class. The three 1/2 -inch sensors allow the camcorder to perform exceptionally well, even in challenging lighting conditions, producing stunning HD images.

Designed using Sony’s advanced sensor technologies and decades of experience, the PMW-200 answers the industry’s desire for a compact 4:2:2 50Mbps camera that utilises three 1/2 -inch type sensors. With most other handheld cameras in the market featuring smaller 1/3 -inch type sensors, the PMW-200 is unique in delivering outstanding image quality at Full HD resolution, while providing excellent sensitivity to capture greater detail under all lighting conditions. In addition, a variety of recording formats such as MXF 50Mbps/35Mbps, MP4 35Mbps/25Mbps and DVCAM are available for integration into a wide range of applications and workflows.

The PMW-200 builds on the hugely popular PMW-EX1R from Sony’s XDCAM family – going a step further with enhancements like MPEG HD422 50Mbps recording for superior picture performance, while retaining the same ease of use and form factor.

“With the new PMW-200, we are releasing one of the most versatile handheld camcorders ever developed into the market,” said Anthony Kable, Senior Product Manager, Sony Australia. “The PMW-200 combines exceptional picture quality, seamless HD422 workflow and many other powerful features in an ergonomically-intelligent form factor. The result for users is an agile, light-weight solution that meets their varied needs and can also be the perfect partner for XDCAM 422 shoulder mount camcorders.”

The PMW-200 also offers a powerful “Slow & Quick” motion function which enables capture at 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode, and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080p mode, providing numerous creative possibilities. Furthermore, the images can be played back and edited immediately after shooting without requiring any conversion or processing on non-linear editing systems, making it faster to get your project completed.

The PMW-200 comes with a 14x zoom lens and offers automatic or full manual operation for wide creative functionality. The supplied lens is equipped with 3 independent rings for zoom, focus and iris adjustment, plus greater precision of settings through indications of ring positions on the LCD screen, granting users a high level of operational comfort and control. Focusing on subjects and reviewing recorded footage is made easy with the full-color 3.5 -inch WVGA (852x480) LCD panel. The PMW-200 also comes with a versatile 15 seconds cache recording feature – a function unique among handheld camcorders. It can use its internal memory to store the image being captured, even before the record button is pressed (maximum of 15 seconds), allowing users to capture important moments that might otherwise have been missed.

Genlock and timecode interfaces on the PMW-200 make it simple for use in multi-camera operations and entry-level HD studio applications. The camera also offers users greater flexibility over recording media, operating with Sony’s SxS technology as well as other media such as SD, Memory Stick and XQD cards (adaptor required). An optional Wi-Fi remote control (adaptor required) for the PMW-200 enhances flexibility for studio or on-location use.

The PMW-200 is the ideal solution for a wide range of applications such as documentaries, corporate productions, music videos, drama productions, reporting, broadcast and more.

The PMW-200 camcorder is scheduled to be available from September 2012. The Wi-Fi remote control function for the PMW-200 is scheduled to be available from December 2012.