Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder

The Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder is best suited for corporate videos, news broadcast, and social event recording. It has a Sony G lens integrated into its design, which offers 12× optical zoom. The camera captures videos by using the 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor. You can record 4K videos at 30 fps and Full HD videos at 50 fps. A super slow-motion is available that allows you to capture 1080p videos at 100 or 120 fps. You can control the zoom, focus, and iris manually with the three manual rings provided on the lens. The built-in ND filters allow you to shoot in bright places. With two memory card slots, the camcorder makes you record videos simultaneously or use one slot for primary and other for secondary recording. A video light or microphone can be attached to the top multi-interface shoe. Enable the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity to transfer files to a smartphone or live-stream them online.

Optics and Focus

The camera features a built-in Sony G lens that has 12× optical zoom to provide a 35mm-equivalent range of 29–348mm. You can also employ the clear image zoom of 18× for 4K and 24× for HD videos. Additionally, digital zoom of 48× is also provided for the HD recording option. Manually control the aperture from f/2.8–f/4.5 by using the dedicated manual ring or let the camera handle the work in the auto mode. You can switch from autofocus to manual focus or vice-versa. A dedicated switch is provided to adjust the shutter speed up to 1/10000th of a second. The built-in ND filter lets you choose one of the four settings to get proper exposure and depth of field in bright conditions.

Sensor and Screen

The Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM sports a 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor renders vibrant imagery. Its backside illuminated design, and S designated buffer design ensures fast reading speeds. You can look through the 0.39-inch viewfinder to get a live view of the scene in 1.44m-dot resolution or use the 3.5-inch LCD that can be tilted to support shooting from different angles.

Image and Video

The camcorder captures 4K videos at 30 fps and Full HD videos at 50 fps. You can use the super slow-motion mode to record 1080p videos at 100 or 120 fps. This camcorder allows you to choose the recording formats from XAVC, MPEG HD and AVCHD 2.0. You can vary the color temperature from 2300–15000K as well as select the gamma curve for the recorded video. The camcorder allows you to adjust up to 99 parameters such as the knee, color model, black level, color phase, and more. Also, the adjusted settings can be saved and recalled. The Night Shot capability allows you to use the camera in the extremely dim light.

Other Features

The camcorder comes with Wi-Fi and NFC that allows you to send videos to wireless devices or stream wirelessly online. Also, the camcorder can be remotely operated from your iOS or Android device. You can fix a microphone or video light to the top multi-interface shoe. There are two 3-Pin XLR inputs to connect external microphones. With the dual card slots, the camera can be set to simultaneous recording or prioritize one slot as a primary medium and keep as a backup.