Sony has announced the launch of its new flagship handheld XDCAM camcorder. The 4K Sony PXW-Z300 is designed for a wide range of applications including news, sports, corporate, faith, events, documentary, live programming and reality TV.
Three CMOS sensors
The Sony PXW-Z300 camcorder features three 1/2-type back-illuminated 4K Exmor R CMOS image sensors. Three sensor cameras use a different imaging chip for each of the primary colors, red, green and blue. This method of image capture also delivers superior color accuracy, lower noise and better low-light performance compared to single-chip cameras. Additionally, Sony says that the PXW-Z300 captures exceptionally detailed, lifelike images with a deep depth of field and a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.
17x optical zoom
The Sony PXW-Z300 camcorder has a 17x optical zoom lens. This delivers a wide focal length range equivalent to 30.3-515 mm on a full-frame 35mm camera. It also features a wide constant maximum aperture of F1.9 so your exposure won’t change as you zoom. Plus, you can digitally extend the reach of the zoom up to 4x in HD, or 1.5x in 4K. The PXW-Z300 offers built-in electronic variable ND from 1/4 to 1/128 as well.
Main features
The Sony PXW-Z300 camcorder features three independent rings for adjusting focus, zoom, and aperture. It also has a 3.5-inch high-brightness LCD monitor with approximately 2.76 million dots. Sony says that this screen provides excellent visibility in bright conditions and is significantly brighter than the previous generation PXW-Z280.
The PXW-Z300 incorporates the newly developed Flexible LCD Arm with three-axis movement. You can use this to adjust the position of the LCD screen when shooting with the camera on your shoulder, at waist height or even for self-filming.
Recording formats
The Sony PXW-Z300 camcorder can record video in a variety of different file formats up to 4K 60P. These include MPEG HD422, XAVC Intra (4K/HD 4:2:2 10bit), and XAVC Long (4K 4:2:0 8bit/HD 4:2:2 10bit). You can also choose MP4 proxy recording in HEVC.
Also, the PXW-Z300 offers recording in S-Cinetone, ITU709, 709tone, HLG Live, HLG Mild, and HLG Natural. You can import your own custom LUTs as well. The PXW-Z300 has dual card slots which support CFexpress Type A and SDXC UHS-II/UHS-I memory cards.
AI-processing
The Sony PXW-Z300 camcorder is powered by the latest generation BIONZ XR image processing engine. It also features an advanced AI processing unit for autofocus. This dedicated unit delivers accurate recognition of human subjects based on their anatomical structure, posture, and other information. As a result, it can recognize subjects even when they’re facing away from the camera, or when wearing a mask.
The PXW-Z300 can automatically adjust composition to keep human subjects in the center of the frame.
Other features
The Sony PXW-Z300 camcorder uses BP-U batteries and supports USB Power Delivery. You can also connect the camera via Wi-Fi or wired LAN for livestreaming, live broadcast, or file transfers. The PXW-Z300 can record up to four channels of audio via XLR inputs and the Multi Interface shoe. In addition, you can control the camcorder with Sony’s free Monitor & Control app.
What we think
With the video capabilities now available on mirrorless cameras, camcorders have fallen out of fashion these days. However, for news gathering, documentary work, or events coverage, camcorders are often a much better and simpler shooting solution. Sony’s new PXW-Z300 is the latest in a long line of professional workhorses that are in use every day around the world. Features such as the AI-assisted autofocus will also make your life easier if you are a run-and-gun videomaker. The PXW-Z300 is going to be very popular with video professionals.
Pricing and availability
The Sony PXW-Z300 camcorder is scheduled for release in Fall 2025. Sony hasn’t announced pricing yet, but the previous PXW-Z280 model had a retail price of $8,350.
