The Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM camcorder offers phase-detection autofocus (AF) and HDR capabilities in a compact, palm-style body. Suitable for corporate events, broadcast news, and television production, the PXW-Z90V camcorder features a stacked 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor with UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, a 12x Zeiss optical zoom, an OLED viewfinder, and 3.5" touchscreen LCD monitor. It can record 4K in XAVC Long at 4:2:0, HD in XAVC Long at 4:2:2 10-bit, as well as MPEG HD at 4:2:2 (requires optional license key). S-Log3/S-Gamut3 functions offer users additional image control. Additional features include built-in 2.4/5 GHz for multiple streaming via RTMP/RTMPS protocols and FTP options.

The PXW-Z90V's Fast Hybrid AF uses high-density placement of autofocus points and a newly developed AF algorithm to offer highly accurate focusing and tracking—a boon when shooting UHD 4K, especially for individual operators. In movie recording mode, use the appearance of phase-detection AF frames to monitor your subject's focus. The PXW-Z90V's 3.5" touchscreen is used to quickly switch focus among subjects. AF Drive Speed, Tracking Depth Range, and Subject Switching Sensitivity can each be configured to suit different subjects and content styles.

Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) enables you to future-proof your output by smoothly integrating your 4K recordings into an HDR workflow without the need for color grading during post-production. Capture images with high-quality contrast and resolution using the PXW-Z90V's 12x optical Zeiss zoom, and 18x 4K digital zoom (24x in HD). An integrated ND filter function enables greater exposure and depth-of-field control.

The PXW-Z90V camera supports Sony's Slow and Quick Motion for shooting HD video at variable frame rates, including 120 fps. Recording to a variety of formats, frame rates, and codecs, the camcorder supports 100 Mb/s XAVC Long recording of 4K UHD video at up to 29.97p, and 50 Mb/s capture of HD up to 59.94p. Footage is recorded to two SD memory card slots, either simultaneously to both cards or in relay mode to create a backup. The PXW-Z90V's 3G-SDI output offers integration with professional studio environments.

The PXW-Z90V provides external microphone support via two 3-pin XLR audio inputs (line, mic, mic +48V phantom) and a 3.5mm mini input. You can also use the PXW-Z90V's built-in microphone to record audio when shooting. For multicamera productions, the PXW-Z90V integrates seamlessly with Sony's MCX-500 live switcher (available separately).

Single 1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor    UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 30p    4K HDR with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)    3G-SDI Output, 2.4/5 GHz Live Streaming    Phase-Detection Autofocus (AF)    Zeiss 12x Optical / 18x Clear Image Zoom    Records MPEG-2 HD with Optional License    XAVC HD / QFHD Recording    S-Log3/S-Gamut3 Imaging Options    2 x SD Card Slots, Relay & Simul Modes

The camera supports RTMP/RTMPS live streaming protocols. This is included with the camera and as a free upgrade if your camera does not have this functionality. You can stream directly from the camera using Wi-Fi or via Ethernet with optional converters such as the Sony VMC-UAM2 or CBK-NA1. No computer is required for streaming.

The camera is compatible with Sony's XDCAM air, so you can upload proxy footage to the cloud, and editors can start working with your footage remotely. You can even control the camera from your smartphone or tablet using Sony's free Content Browser Mobile app.

1.0"-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor with approximately 14.2 million effective pixels provides optimal image quality.

Offers highly accurate focusing and tracking, especially useful when shooting sharp UHD 4K footage.

The PXW-Z90V's fixed 12x optical wide-angle zoom with 18x Clear Image Zoom technology in UHD 4K (24x in HD).

Record up to UHD 4K video (3840 x 2160p) at 29.97, 25, and 23.98 fps, in XAVC Long in a choice of 100 Mb/s or 60 Mb/s, or HD at frame rates up to 59.94p.

Offers slow-motion recording up to 960 fps.

Uses Sony's Slow & Quick Motion for recording 1080p/i60 HD video at 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, and 120 fps.

Record in XAVC Long (UHD 4K), MPEG-4 HD at 4:2:0, XAVC Long (HD) 4:2:2, HD 2.0, or XVAC Proxy at 4:2:0, at a variety of data rates (license key required for some codecs).

The PXW-Z90V incorporates an ND filter function with Clear, 1/4ND, 1/16ND, and 1/64ND for optimal exposure and depth-of-field control.

The PXW-Z90V is equipped with two memory card slots—one for SDHC/SDXC cards only, and one compatible with both SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo cards.

3G-SDI output integrates with professional studio environments.

Use the PXW-Z90V camcorder's built-in Wi-Fi capability to send FTP files directly from the camcorder or live stream over Wi-Fi. NFC compatibility allows you to connect compatible devices with one touch.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this model be operated without the handle (as depicted in one of the pics)?

A: Yes.

Q: 2. Apple doesn't list the PXW-Z90 with their camcorders that work with iMovie. Does that mean it can't work with iMovie, or just that they don't guarantee it will work?

A: Yes, this should work well with the latest version of iMovie.

Q: 3. Is there a settings to allow for .mp4 extension. Sometimes I may not have my computer on me and I Want to use my phone. I know about XAVC L- but can i like 'dumb down' the setttings to allow for .mp4?

A: There is no MP4 recording format for the Sony Z90V but you can install the Content Browser Mobile app (iOS 10 or later) to use a smartphone as a remote control for the camcorder or view recorded video clips.

Q: 4. Does this camcorder have any image stabilization ?

A: Yes, active and standard (optical+digital), I use this camera for shooting from moving vehicle.

Q: 5. Can I have an sdi from the output going to my video switcher while still having the LCD on the camera on? Or do I have to pick one or the other?

A: The LCD will go off only when recording in 4K, otherwise you should be able to do both, SDI out and LCD viewing.

Q: 6. Does the HDMI output have 422 color sub-sampling for HD and 4K.? Can you confirm with Sony literature?

A: Yes, the HDMI output for this camcorder is 422 for both HD and 4K.

Q: 7. Does the time display or embedded time stamp show seconds as well as Day, Hours & Minutes? A must have in a Camcorder.

A: Timecode is displayed as [hour:minute:second:frame].

Q: 8. Max card size please? Will 256 work? Thx

A: Yes, a 256GB card will work. We recommend the SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card, BH #SAEPSD256GB. https://bhpho.to/2QoATb5

Q: 9. Does it have the ability to record a time stamp (month, day, hours, minutes) directly onto the footage?

A: No, the Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM with Fast Hybrid AF (BH# SOPXWZ90V) cannot record a visible timestamp on recorded footage directly in camera in a way that will cause it to become part of the footage that is recorded in the camera. However, using software such as MAGIX VEGAS Pro 365 (12-Month Subscription, ESD) (B&H# MAVP365), it is possible to read the recorded time and date data that is saved with the footage and add the time and date stamp in post production, as shown here: https://bit.ly/3mT7kyr

Q: 10. Can the eyecup be rotated for someone who is left-eyed?

A: Yes, you can set it up for use with your left eye. On page 27 of the manual it explains how to set up the eyecup and how it can be set up on the left or the right. https://bhpho.to/2s5uIzK