Sony today announced its PMW-300 XDCAM  camcorder, equipped with the 1/2-type Exmor™ Full-HD 3CMOS sensors capable of delivering incredible  images even in low-light conditions. The PMW-300 is ideal for broadcast  producers and corporate event camera operators who require a flexible semi-shoulder  camcorder that can easily be adapted to suit a wide range of production  environments.

An evolution of Sony’s industry leading  PMW-EX3, the PMW-300 is able to record 50Mbps HD material in MPEG HD422, meeting  broadcast standards around the world, including the European Broadcasting  Union’s (EBU) requirements on HD broadcast acquisition for long form programme making. The high bit rate ensures excellent capture of fast moving objects,  while its chroma subsampling feature is perfect for a wide range of video  encoding areas such as VFX and green screen applications. The camcorder can  also be upgraded in the future to support Sony’s revolutionary XAVC codec,  extending the lifecycle of the product to ensure maximum return on investment*.

The 1/2-type Exmor™ Full-HD 3CMOS sensors  offer high light sensitivity and low image noise. As a consequence, it delivers  clear high-resolution images even when filming in low-light conditions. The  camcorder also includes Sony’s advanced signal processing technology, which  suppresses noise effectively and thus creates noticeably clearer images.

The PMW-300 features the same EX-mount interchangeable  lens system as the PMW-EX3, making it compatible with a wide range of 1/2 inch  and 2/3 inch lenses. There are two types of lens packages planned to be available  for the PMW-300. One is with a 14 times zoom lens, and the other is with a 16  times zoom lens. Both lenses have a focus ring for quick switching between auto  and manual focus.

An HD-resolution 3.5-inch colour LCD  viewfinder (960x540 pixels) enables precision focusing for HD filming, while  the 8-pin remote-control and multi-camera operation capability allows the  PMW-300 to be used in 3D configurations and high-end camera systems.

With an HD-SD/SDI output and an HDMI output, the PMW-300  connects not only to broadcast infrastructures, but also to consumer devices equipped  with HDMI inputs. Timecode and genlock interfaces enable use in multi-camera setups and 3D  configurations. The 8-pin remote connector allows for remote adjustment from a  remote control sold separately. 

The camcorder has a standard recording  mode of 1080/25p, offering a vast range of shooting options, switching down to  720/25 to enable up to 2.5x slow motion.

Based on customer feedback the PMW-300  features an innovative semi-shoulder design that has a rotary hand grip,  allowing comfortable recording over long periods of time. Its magnesium metal  body ensures the camcorder is robust and like its predecessor, the PMW-EX3, can  withstand even the harshest production environments.

Like all of Sony’s solid state XDCAM  camcorders, the PMW-300 has the most flexible choice of recording media in the  market, allowing customers to choose to record on Sony’s professional SxS memory   card as well as  other media such as SD, Memory Stick and XQD cards depending upon their budget  and application.

Finally, Sony today confirmed that an optional  wireless adapter currently in development will enhance proxy recording, wireless transfers,  Wi-Fi viewing and metadata input.

Coupling the PMW-300 with accessories such  as one of Sony’s  UWP professional audio line-up will ensure a best in class user experience.

“The PMW-300 incorporates all the market  leading features from our XDCAM family in a semi-shoulder HD422 50Mbps  camcorder,” said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Professional  Solutions, Sony Europe. “From working closely with our customers we know there  is strong demand for a truly versatile semi-shoulder camcorder that has been  designed to meet the needs of the broadcast, production and corporate event worlds.”

PMW-300 with a 14  times zoom lens will be available in the market in October 2013.

PMW-300 with a 16 times zoom lens is currently under development targeting to be available within 2013.

*XAVC support for HD will  be available in 2014