1/2.9-inch type Exmor CMOS sensor for uncompromising full HD image capture
The PMW-100 is equipped with a 1/2.9-inch type Exmor CMOS sensor, providing super low-light sensitivity with a low noise level, enabling the camcorder to capture beautiful pictures while remaining light weight and compact.
MPEG 422 / 420 HD and SD recordings ensure compatibility with existing XDCAM work flows
The PMW-100 supports both MPEG 422 and 420 recording modes, so footage can be easily intercut with material shot by either opticalor memory-based XDCAM and XDCAM EX camcorders. The PMW-100 also supports both UDF and FAT shooting modes on SxS cards so you can use existing XDCAM and XDCAM EXwork flows.
Large 3.5-inch WVGA (852×480) LCD panel
The PMW-100 is equipped with a large, easy-to-read, 3.5-inch WVGA colour LCD panel. This higher resolution LCD panel helps you to make more precise focusing adjustments as well asto read the status and markers displayed onthe LCD panel. When this LCD panel is not being used, it is placed above the lens so it’s out of the way when carrying the camcorder.
Over 4 hours continuous recording with two 64 GB SxS memory cards
The PMW-100 uses Sony’s renowned high-speedSxSExpressCard recording media. The PMW-100has two SxS card slots which support both SxSProand SxS-1 recording media. Using a singleSxS-1 64 GB memory card, you can record approximately120 minutes of 50 Mbps HD422 video.Using 64 GB SxS cards in both SxS slots enables you to record approximately 240 minutes ofvideo. While recording to one card, you can exchange the other full SxS card for an empty one. In case of an emergency, a Memory Stick*, SDCard* or XQD can be used as alternative recording media in the PMW-100 with the appropriate memory card adaptor.
*FAT mode only
Sony is the first to support the recently adopted XQD specification for high-speed, high performance digital image capture. With blazing fast data transfer speeds (up to 1GBps/125MB/s), Sony’s XQD Memory Card achieves stable, continuous shooting to capture each moment in the highest quality. Average price for a 32G card is £170 that compares favourably to a similar 32G SxS card at £390.
Slow and quick motion recordings
The PMW-100 offers over-cranking and under-cranking,which enables photographers to createslow- and fast-motion visual effects in-camera. Withthis Slow & Quick Motion function, images are recorded natively with no padded frames and at full resolution. The quality of the slow- and fast-motion images created in-camera is significantly higher than those created through an editing process.
Lens controls for greater versatility
Focusing and zooming are manually controlled using the focus/zoom ring. Also, the exposure level can be manually controlled using an exposure control dial. A wide conversion lens is also available for close range shooting.
Instant shooting with video buffer
Never be caught off guard and miss a critical shot. The PMW-100 will start recording within 3.5 seconds after turning the power on. Also, cache recording enables you to constantly buffer a 15-second video loop in camera. When you press the record button, the loop is written to the SxS card while normal recording begins.
SD operation
The PMW-100 supports DVCAM recording as well as MPEG HD recording. The file formatin DVCAM recording mode is selectable from either MXF or AVI, and most non-linear editing systems accept these files. The PMW-100 is also equipped with an i.LINK interface and ingestto non-linear editing systems can be done via the i.LINK (DV) interface as well.
Multi-camera operation
The PMW-100 is equipped with Genlock input and time code input/output (selectable) in order to support multiple camera operation. Video from the cameras (e.g. through SDI) can be connected to a switcher for live switching. Or the recorded content on the camcorders can be edited with a non-linear editing system that offers a multi-camera editing function.
Ah but Phillip, is it 50mbs ??!!
Certainly looks like a great camera.
Cheers for your updates, regularly checking your site now, keep up the good work.
Ross
Looks pretty good! But why oh why SXS-cards!? They are expensive and not always available.
Finally Sony joined the 4:2:2 / 50 Mbps club in this camcorder class. However, typical Sony: they introduce the high bit rate with a rather low end camcorder – small sensor, fix lens which is crying for a wide angle adaptor. They really know how to protect the market for their more expensive broadcast stuff. Where is the F3 with 4:2:2 / 50 Mbps XDCAM internal recording??? That would be the real deal. Unfortunately still the old Sony philosophy – smallest steps instead of real jumps…
I don’t understand the goal of this camcorder. It’s like the Canon XF105 but with SxS card instead of CF card and with the same price.
Don’t you think that an upgraded version of the EX1R or of the EX3, with a 422@50Mbs codec, would have been a better competitor to the XF105 and XF305?
This is tempting, I’ve been holding out for a successor to the NX5. Phil, some other sites indicate that the cam can also use SD cards (of course, they would have to be fast enough). Comments? Also, what are the specs of the lens? Can it do full 1080 50/60p with at least 1000 TV lines of resolution?
Steve
I agree. Nothing innovative about this camera. I’ve never been to an NAB, but why would you get excited to see something that isn’t really new?
The same should apply to the awkward looking FS700.
Aside from their Hollywood type cameras, the F3 still stands out as the most innovative thing they’ve done in the last 18 months ago.
Sony should produce an F3 type camera in the body of this PMW-100, interchangeable PL mount lens, with the capacity of 4:4:4, 12bit, 220Mbps straight out of the camera onto the 1TB cards used with their external recorders.
While I own a EX-1 and a F3 I can see why this camera exists and who it’s for. Run and gun news journalism where shallow depth of field is not important but where 50mbs 422, lightweight, genlock, cache recording are very important. Makes me think it’s time for a EX-1 update since it is/was it’s big brother.
But.. Where is the ND switch!?
Agreed. Ready to sell my EX1 and adopt this camera but no ND is a real downside.
Sony is totally disingenuous claiming that the PWM-100 supports “overcranking,” Read the specs, 50/60p is only available at 1280×720! Who shoots in low-res these days? Where is the successor to the NX5? Has Sony abandoned the true 1920×1080 1000 TV lines AVCHD 2.0 high-zoom small sensor ENG market? I can’t shoot a wedding with only 10x zoom with a lens that is 40m-400mm 35 eq. Who is going to screw on a wide-angle adapter in the middle of a wedding? Phil, how do we complain to Sony about this? Are they trying to drive ENG market share to Panny? What the heck is going on at Sony?!?
Disgusted, tired of waiting,
Steve
come on, Sony. why did you forget about ND filters on board?! outdoor conditions requires to have an ND filters.
Phil, I hate to sound like a looping .mp3 , but I’m hoping you will read this comment and address it.
You have mentioned many times in the past the “Sony listens to us.” My question is – how do we let them know what we think? Calling the Sony Pro Support techs does not work. Calling the consumer hotline does not work. It is impossible to find any kind of a bloq or email that will reach the big cheeses such as Juan Martinez of NXCAM.
At this point, I’m beginning to believe that other than via you, we have no way of expressing our frustration with the Sony NXCAM product line.
NO NEW 3-chippers since the NX5, which was a 2009 design! NO NEW 3-chippers that support AVCHD 2.0!
I’ve been a Sony customer my entire life. I’ve been waiting now nearly 9 months for NAB 2012, and it appears that my wait was in vain. Granted the AC160 has worse low-light performance than the NX5, but it beats the pants off it in all other respects.
Help us Phil – how do we get Sony’s attention? There are lots of us that are perfectly happy with AVCHD, will never need MPEG 4:2:2 and don’t want to mess with SxS or XQD. We just want an updated NX5! There are weddings and concerts waiting to be shot, and we need updated cams!
Steve