HXR-NX3: Sony's new NXCAM camcorder with Exmor 3CMOS image sensors

The MP4 recording function, the remote control possibilities via integrated WiFi and its LED torch make the new camcorders an option to be taken into account by digital journalists and professional videographers.

Sony It now has the new HXR-NX3 camcorder in its portfolio of NXCAM solutions. Designed for
For professional videographers, the HXR-NX3 allows you to connect with other devices such as smartphones or tablets with built-in WiFi technology for remote control.

The HXR-NX3 combines the best in lens, sensor and LSI technology to achieve stunning image quality. Sony's Exmor 3CMOS sensor system, consisting of three 1/2.8" sensors, provides an effective pixel count of 1920 x 1080 Full HD. As a result, red, blue and green light are accurately captured independently by separate image sensors, contributing to high resolution, high sensitivity and wide dynamic range that create outstanding natural colour reproduction. Featuring advanced noise reduction and various distortion correction technologies, the new LSI processes images to produce crisp recordings with minimal noise even in low-light conditions.

Sony's G Lens lens provides excellent image quality, as well as a wide zoom range that offers a 28.8mm angle of view at the wide-angle end, with a 20x optical zoom that allows you to cover most shooting situations without any problems.

In addition, the newly developed LSI contains the state-of-the-art 40x "Clear Image Zoom" technology that offers a focal length of 1,152 mm. with virtually the same quality as optical zoom. The LSI also includes advanced noise reduction and various distortion correction technologies to handle image processing and dramatically improve image quality. As a result, the recorded images are extraordinarily realistic in terms of both texture and detail.

The HXR-NX3 records video in AVCHD 2.0 format, including 1080/50P, to capture the subject's movement naturally and smoothly. The 50i and 25p modes allow the recording to be played on Blu-ray Disc players. The HDMI connector provides uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 during recording and allows users to record spectacular footage on a generic external video recorder. It also includes the ability to record in DV format for users who prefer the DV workflow and who need to work in a DV-compatible non-linear editing environment.

Connectivity

In addition to offering outstanding image quality features, the HXR-NX3 can be effortlessly connected with other devices for remote control or material transfer. Smartphones or tablets running iOS (versions 4.3 to 7.0) and Android (versions 2.3 to 4.3) can be used to remotely control the HXR-NX3 via a WiFi connection, and video files can also be transferred from the camcorder to a smartphone. This form of remote control allows playback of camera footage on the smartphone screen, start or stop recording, zoom, iris, and touch AF (autofocus) function.

The HXR-NX3 is capable of simultaneously recording lightweight MP4 files. MP4 files (720p, 3 Mbps) are formatted for network sharing and can be transferred wirelessly from the camcorder to a smartphone or tablet using the PlayMemories Mobile smartphone app. Once transferred, MP4 files can be uploaded to a cloud server, social media, video-sharing services, and other similar platforms.

The new camcorder features an innovative NFC (Near Field Communication) chip that allows users to establish a WiFi connection by simply touching the camcorder with a smartphone or tablet compatible with NFC technology.

In addition, it includes a number of additional features for greater versatility when recording and minimizing the need for additional equipment. The camcorder can capture both slow-motion and fast-motion images in Full HD quality, for seamless recording of slow-motion images at double speed and images 50 times faster. On the other hand, the two media slots allow simultaneous recording to two SD memory cards in 'Simul' mode while the 'Relay' mode switches the recording automatically to the second memory card when the first one is full. The two cards can also be controlled independently with two record buttons. This flexible control allows users to start and stop recording on one memory card, while continuing to record on the other, for recording checks. It also includes an LED torch above the microphone for a convenient light source in a variety of shooting situations.

Sony Professional Solutions Europe will launch the HXR-NX3/VG1, which includes Sony's high-quality ECM-VG1 monaural shotgun microphone. The HXR-NX3/VG1 will be available in Europe at the end of January.