Sony PXW-Z280

World's first 4K Handheld Camcorder with 1/2-type 3CMOS with 4K 50p/60p recording capability, 12G-SDI, Dual Link Cellular capability, 17x zoom lens, advanced Face Detection AF.

World-leading handheld 4K HDR performance

An all-new 4K 3CMOS 1/2-type sensor with a deep depth of field and class-leading performance provides the pinnacle of 4K HDR performance in your hand. Face Detection AF keeps your subject in focus, while HLG and S-Log3 provide stunning HDR to suit any workflow.

Revolutionary networking capabilities

Deliver your content faster, wherever you are. PXW-Z280 is the world’s first camcorder with Dual Link Cellular capability for double the uplink performance and reliability.

*Requires PWS-110RX1A/110RX1.

The complete package for professionals

Unpack and shoot from day one. Advanced XAVC-Intra and XAVC-Long for 4K QFHD and HD, plus MPEG HD422, MPEG HD and DVCAM to support any workflow. Familiar Sony control layout and operation minimize training requirements.

World's first 1/2-type 3CMOS Sensor for broadcast 4K

The Z280’s all-new Exmor R™ imager is custom-designed for broadcast 4K acquisition. Its three 1/2-type Exmor R™ CMOS deliver a deep depth of field with superb image quality. Red, blue and green light are independently captured by separate image sensors, contributing to high resolution, high sensitivity of F12 (59.94p) and wide dynamic range. An advanced LSI (featuring intelligent noise reduction and enhanced detail reproduction) delivers remarkably lifelike 4K 4:2:2 10-bit images. Even if you’re delivering in HD, your recordings will capture detail and image texture that HD sensors simply cannot see.

17x professional HD zoom lens with three independent rings with end-stop and large focal length

The PXW-Z280 is equipped with a 17x professional zoom lens able to zoom from 30.3 mm to 515 mm (35 mm equivalent). The 1/2-inch type lens has three independent control rings with end-stop, which allows manual control of focus, zoom, and iris, making for better and faster adjustment.

The image can be enlarged in HD mode up to 34x zoom equivalent while maintaining Full HD resolution, thanks to digital extender.

Spectacular HDR performance

Demand for HDR content is increasing and Z280 offers you a choice of two powerful workflows.

S-Log3 is the proven choice for premium applications where you wish to capture as much data as possible for the ultimate flexibility in grading
Instant HDR Workflow is all about speed. Shoot, edit and view content in Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) to deliver content quickly without compromising on imaging expression and quality of content.

HDR/SDR dual production support*

When shooting HDR content, the Z280’s EVF is easily switched between HDR and SDR emulation modes. In addition, if you adjust the brightness of the image when in SDR emulation, the SDR gain dB is recorded into metadata so it can be used in post-production for the SDR content. Together these changes make it easier to shoot in HDR while also achieving a quick turnaround for SDR content.

*Requires firmware V4.0 or higher.

Amazingly fast precision auto focus

The PXW-Z280 features newly developed Face detection AF. You can choose between Face Priority AF and Face Only AF. Simply keep the person in frame and, however you move to obtain a better angle, you can be confident the PXW-Z280 will keep your subject in pin-sharp focus.

Built-in electronic Variable ND Filters

Sony’s ground-breaking integration of electronic variable ND Filters into the body of a camcorder enables fast, agile shooting. Moving from shadowy interiors to bright sun-lit exteriors is no problem with PXW-Z280. Unlike conventional optical ND filters, the electronic ND filter on the PXW-Z280 can be controlled from 1/4ND to 1/128ND linearly while ND Filters can be set to fully auto. You can even manually adjust Depth of Field using the iris lens ring, while relying on the PXW-Z280 to maintain constant exposure without changing gain nor shutter speed.

Stream directly to major online platforms*

Live streaming instantly connects you with your audience, wherever you are. From breaking news and live events to interviews and seminars—capture high-quality images and share them in real time on major online video platforms such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Mudu.tv, and more. Set up your own streaming channel with your smartphone or tablet, connect via Wi-Fi—and you’re ready to go. You can even import streaming account details from your PC or Mac via an SD card using our Streaming Setting Transfer app.

*Version 4.0 or higher firmware required.

12G-SDI accelerated workflow

Revolutionize your workflow with 12 Gbps content transfer—four times the bandwidth of 3G-SDI over a single cable and ideal for working with highest quality 4K content or speeding through HD content. Sony is the first broadcast manufacturer to build 12G-SDI into a compact handheld camcorder. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to use anything else.

Accurate OLED viewfinder

An expansive 0.5-inch high quality OLED viewfinder is perfectly offset for right-eye or left-eye viewing. OLED’s superb accuracy, high contrast, and high resolution (2.36M dot) enables precise manual focus and eliminates any color-breaking phenomenon.

General
Important Note
PXW-Z280 is available from Sony as two SKUs. PXW-Z280V supports both 5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi. PXW-Z280T supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Availability is determined by country/regional regulations.

Mass
Approx. 2.6 kg (body)
Approx. 5 lb 11.7 oz (body)
Approx. 3.0 kg (with lens hood, eyecup, BP-U35 battery, a SxS memory card)
Approx. 6 lb 9.8 oz (with lens hood, eyecup, BP-U35 battery, a SxS memory card)

Dimensions (W x H x D)
178.4 × 202.0 × 426.3 mm (With the accessories (lens hood, eyecup), excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)
7 1/8 x 8 x 16 7/8 inches (With the accessories (lens hood, eyecup), excluding the grip belt and including the projecting parts)

Power Requirements
DC In: 12 V
Battery: 14.4 V
Please use genuine Sony batteries to ensure correct and safe operation*2

Power Consumption
Approx. 24 W
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.)
Approx. 36 W
(while recording with LCD On, EVF On when the external device connector is used.)

Operating Temperature
0°C to 40°C
32°F to 104°F

Storage Temperature
-20°C to +60°C
-4°F to +140°F

Battery Operating Time
Approx. 1 hours, 20 minutes with BP-U35 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Approx. 1 hours, 5 minutes with BP-U30 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Approx. 2 hours, 10 minutes with BP-U60 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Approx. 3 hours, 15 minutes with BP-U90 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)

Recording Format (Video)
<xavc intra="">
XAVC-I QFHD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, variable bitrate, Max. 600&nbsp;Mbps
XAVC-I HD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, CBG, Max. 222&nbsp;Mbps
<xavc long="">
XAVC-L Quad Full High Definition mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 150&nbsp;Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 50&nbsp;Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
AVC-L HD 35 mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 35&nbsp;Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 25&nbsp;Mbps, MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
<mpeg-2 long="" gop="">
MPEG HD422 mode:
Constant bitrate, maximum bit rate 50&nbsp;Mbps, MPEG-2 422P@HL
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
Variable bitrate, maximum bit rate 35&nbsp;Mbps, MPEG-2 MP@HL
<dvcam>
DVCAM mode:
CBR, 25&nbsp;Mbps, DVCAM

Recording Format (Audio)
<xavc intra="">
XAVC-I mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
<xavc long="">
XAVC-L mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
<mpeg-2 long="" gop="">
MPEG HD422 mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels:
<dvcam>
DVCAM mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48 kHz, 4 channels

Recording Frame Rate
<xavc intra="">
XAVC-I QFHD mode:
3840 x 2160/59, 94p, 50p, 29.97p, 23.98p, 25p
XAVC-I HD mode:
1920 x 1080/59, 94p, 59.94i, 50p, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P 1280x720/59.94P, 50P
<xavc long="">
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode:
3840 x 2160/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P 1280 x 720/59.94P, 50P
XAVC-L HD 35 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P

 

Recording Frame Rate - Continued
XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94i, 50i
<mpeg-2 long="" gop="">
MPEG HD422 mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1280 x 720/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
1920 x 1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1440 x 1080/59.94i, 50i
1280 x 720/59.94P,50P
<dvcam>
DVCAM mode:
720 x 480/59.94i, 29.97PsF
720 x 576/50i, 25PsF

Recording/Playback Time
<xavc intra="">
XAVC-I QFHD mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 22 minutes
XAVC-I HD mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 57 minutes
<xavc long="">
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 86 minutes
XAVC-L HD 50 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 230 minutes
XAVC-L HD 35 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 310 minutes

Recording/Playback Time — Continued
XAVC-L 25 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 420 minutes
<mpeg-2 long="" gop="">
MPEG HD422 mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 215 minutes
MPEG HD420 HQ mode
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 330 minutes
<dvcam>
When using SBP-128B (128 GB):
Approx. 405 minutes

Recording Format (Proxy Audio)
XAVC Proxy: AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 2 channels

Recording Format (Proxy Video)
XAVC Proxy: AVC/H.264 Main Profile 4:2:0 Long GOP, VBR
1920 x 1080, 9Mbps
1280 x 720, 9Mbps
1280 x 720, 6Mbps
640 x 360, 3Mbps
480 x 270, 1Mbps
480 x 270, 0.5Mbps

Lens
Lens Mount
Fixed

Zoom Ratio
17x (optical), servo/manual

Focal Length
f = 5.6 - 95.2 mm
(35mm equivalent: 30.3 - 515 mm)

Iris
F1.9 - F16 and close
auto/manual selectable

Focus
800 mm to ∞ (Macro Off),
50 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Wide),
800 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Tele)
AF/MF/Full MF selectable

Image Stabilizer
On/Off selectable, shift lens

Filter Diameter
φ3.03&nbsp;inches, pitch 0.03&nbsp;inches

Camera Section
Imaging Device (Type)
1/2 type back-illuminated Exmor R 3CMOS sensor

Effective Picture Elements
3840 (H) x 2160 (V)

Optical System
F1.6 prism system

Built-in Optical Filters
ND filters
OFF: CLEAR
1: 1/4ND
2: 1/16ND
3: 1/64ND
Linear variable ND (Approx. 1/4ND to 1/128ND)

Sensitivity (2000 lx, 89.9% reflectance)
F12 (typical, 1920 x 1080/59.94p mode)
F13 (typical, 1920 x 1080/50p mode)
F12 (typical, 3840 x 2160/59.94p, High Sensitivity Mode)
F13 (typical, 3840 x 2160/50p, High Sensitivity Mode)

Minimum Illumination
0.0013lx (typical)
(1920 x 1080/59.94i mode, F1.9, +42 dB gain, High Sensitivity Mode, with 64 frame accumulation)

S/N Ratio
63 dB (Y) (typical)

Horizontal Resolution
2,000 TV lines or more (3840 x 2160p mode)
1,000 TV lines or more (1920 x 1080p mode)

Shutter Speed
1/24 sec to 1/8,000 sec

Slow Shutter (SLS)
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 32, and 64-frame accumulation

Slow and Quick Motion Function
<xavc intra="">
<xavc long="">
2160P: 1-60 fps
1080P: 1-60 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
<mpeg hd422="">
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
<mpeg hd420="" hq="">
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps

White Balance
Preset (3200K), Memory A,
Memory B/ATW

Gain
-3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB, 42 dB(Turbo Gain ON), AGC

Gamma Curve
Selectable

Streaming
Protocol *3
AVC / RTMP / RTMPS
1920 x 1080 at 9&nbsp;Mbps
1920 x 1080 at 6&nbsp;Mbps
1280 x 720 at 3&nbsp;Mbps
640 x 340 at 1&nbsp;Mbps

Input/Output
Audio Input
XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), line/mic/mic +48 V selectable
LINE：+4, 0, -3dBu/10kΩ
MIC：-80dBu to -30dBu /3kΩ
(0 dBu=0.775 Vrms)

Video Output
BNC (x1), HD-Y/ HD-SYNC/Composite
1.0 V p-p, 75 Ω
(switchable to Genlock in)

Audio Output
Integrated into Multi/Micro USB jack(x1)

SDI Output
BNC (x1), 12G/3G/HD/SD selectable

Timecode Input
BNC (x1) (switchable to TC out)
0.5V-1.8Vp-p, 3.3kΩ

Timecode Output
BNC (x1) (switchable to TC in)
1.0 V p-p, 75 Ω

Genlock Input
BNC (x1) (switchable to Video out) 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω

USB
USB device, Multi/Micro USB jack (x1)
Host: USB 3.0/2.0 type A(x1)
USB 2.0 type A(x1)

Headphone Output
Stereo mini jack (x1)
-16dBu 16Ω

Speaker Output
Monaural
Output: 500&nbsp;mW

DC Input
DC jack (x1)

Remote
Stereo mini-minijack (Φ2.5 mm)

HDMI Output
Type A (x1)

Wired LAN
RJ-45 (x1), 1000BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 10BASE-T

Monitoring
Viewfinder
0.5 type (1.3 cm)
Approx 2.36 M dots

LCD
3.5 type (8.8cm)
Approx. 1.56M dots

Built-in Microphone
Built-in Microphone
Omni-directional stereo electret condenser microphone

Media
Type
ExpressCard/34 slot (x2)

Wi-Fi/NFC
Supported Format
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Frequency Band
2.4 GHz bandwidth
5.2/5.3/5.6 GHz bandwidth*1

Security
WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

NFC
NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compliant

Supplied Accessories
Supplied Accessories
Lens hood (1), Pre-installed to the Camcorder
EVF eyecup (1)
Battery pack BP-U30 or U35 (1)
AC Adaptor/charger BC-U1A (1)
Power code (1)
USB cable (1)
Shoulder strap (1)
Warranty booklet (1)
"Before Using this Unit" (1)
CDROM "Operating instructions" (1)

Notes
*1
Depending on country/regional regulation and only on PXW-Z280V SKU.

*2
Sony does not guarantee other manufacturers' batteries to operate properly as noted in operation manual.

*3
Requires V4 or higher firmware.</mpeg></mpeg></xavc></xavc></dvcam></mpeg-2></xavc></xavc></dvcam></mpeg-2></xavc></xavc></dvcam></mpeg-2></xavc></xavc></dvcam></mpeg-2></xavc></xavc>