HXR-NX3: Sony's new NXCAM camcorder with 3CMOS Exmor 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 now has the new HXR-NX3 camcorder in its NXCAM solutions portfolio. 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 3CMOS Exmor sensor system, comprised 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 extraordinary natural color reproduction. The new LSI, which includes advanced noise reduction and various distortion correction technologies, is responsible for processing images to result in clear recordings with minimal noise even in low lighting conditions.

The Sony G Lens lens provides excellent image quality as well as a wide zoom range offering a 28.8mm angle of view at the wide angle end, with a 20x optical zoom allowing you to easily cover most shooting situations.

In addition, the newly developed LSI contains the cutting-edge 40x “Clear Image Zoom” technology offering a focal length of 1,152 mm. with practically the same quality as optical zoom. The LSI also includes advanced noise reduction and various distortion correction technologies to handle image processing and significantly improve image quality. As a result, recorded images are remarkably realistic in both texture and detail.

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

Connectivity

In addition to offering features for outstanding image quality, the HXR-NX3 can effortlessly connect 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 also transfer video files from the camcorder to a smartphone. This form of remote control allows playback of camera footage on the smartphone screen, start/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 with the PlayMemories Mobile smartphone app. Once transferred, MP4 files can be uploaded to a cloud server, social networks, 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 simply by touching the camcorder with a smartphone or tablet compatible with this technology.

Additionally, 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 and fast motion images in Full HD quality, seamlessly recording 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 automatically switches recording to the second memory card when the first 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 lighting source in a variety of recording situations.

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