Sony intros PMW-200 camcorder
Sony is unveiling the newest addition to its XDCAM HD4:2:2 line – the PMW-200 camcorder. This new model boasts three 1/2 -inch Exmor CMOS sensors and full HD 4:2:2 50 Mbps recording. The versatile camcorder is designed for any type of professional shooting, from broadcast and newsgathering to education and corporate production. It inherits the performance, ease of use, and accessories of Sony’s PMW-EX1R camcorder, which has become a de facto standard for professional video production.
“The new PMW-200 is one of the most versatile handheld camcorders we’ve ever developed,” said Tatsuro Kurachi, director, Marketing and Product Management, at Sony Electronics. “Incredible flexibility and high-end recording capabilities like HD4:2:2 are becoming more important to pro shooters at every level of production in terms of workflow and picture quality. The PMW-200 camcorder demonstrates our commitment to developing the right tools that meet and exceed the needs of professionals.”
The new camcorder is the latest example of Sony’s continually expanding XDCAM HD 4:2:2 line-up both for optical disc and SxS memory card systems. Designed using Sony’s advanced sensor technology and building on decades of experience, the PMW-200 camcorder is 4:2:2 50Mbps camcorder that uses three 1/2 -inch type sensors. With other handheld 50Mbps camcorders on the market featuring 1/3 -inch sensors, the PMW-200 camcorder’s 1/2-inch sensors mean it’s designed to perform with excellent sensitivity and great detail even in challenging lighting conditions.
A variety of recording formats such as 50Mbps/35Mbps MXF, 35Mbps/25Mbps MP4, and DVCAM are available for a wide range of applications and workflows.
The PMW-200 camcorder offers a powerful Slow & Quick motion function to capture footage at 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode, and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080p mode, giving users enhanced creative flexibility. An immediate playback function lets operators view their shots rapidly and easily, without the need for external converters or processing on non-linear editing systems.
The PMW-200 camcorder is armed with a 14x zoom lens with auto focus and image stabilising capabilities. The lens is also equipped with three independent rings for zoom, focus and iris adjustment, plus greater precision through indications of ring positions on the LCD screen to give users a high level of operational comfort and control. Focusing on subjects and reviewing recorded footage is made easy with the full-color 3.5-inch WVGA (852×480) LCD panel.
The PMW-200 camcorder also comes with an invaluable 15-second cache recording feature, a function unique among handheld camcorders. Its internal memory can capture images even before the recording button is pressed (maximum of 15 seconds), allowing users to record important moments that would have otherwise been missed.
Genlock and timecode interfaces on the PMW-200 camcorder allow for use in multi-camera operations and entry-level HD studio applications. The camcorder also gives users greater flexibility in choosing recording media, operating with Sony’s professional SxS Pro and SxS-1 technology (two slots) as well as SD cards, Memory Stick media, and XQD cards (adaptor required).
A Wi-Fi remote control (adaptor required) for the PMW-200 camcorder enhances flexibility for studio or on-location use. This remote control function is scheduled to be available by December 2012 through a free firmware upgrade.
The PMW-200 camcorder is planned to be available in September for a suggested list price of $7,790.
Sony Creative Software, a provider of professional editing and authoring solutions, has released Sound Forge Pro Mac 1.0 software, the newest addition to its line of award-winning audio and video production software products. A multichannel audio recording and editing application, Sound Forge Pro Mac software was developed from the ground up on a clean slate for OS X and features an elegant interface. The application ships with a full suite of audio mastering and repair plug-ins, making it a comprehensive solution for audio professionals who work on the Mac platform.
“People who work on audio editing platforms recognize the need for a fresh option in the marketplace, one that’s built for OS X as opposed to something that’s simply been ported over. In addition, it’s no secret that cross-platform professionals have been demanding Sound Forge for the Mac for years,”said Dave Chaimson, vice president of global marketing for Sony Creative Software. “Our response is Sound Forge Pro Mac, a truly contemporary OS X design. Producers will appreciate its simple elegance, uncluttered look and amazing flexibility. The included suite of mastering and repair plug-ins makes this 1.0 edition a value-packed editing powerhouse right out of the box. Sound Forge Pro Mac is our second major OS X application release this year, and we’re pleased to now be very actively engaged in application development for the Mac platform.
Sound Forge Pro Mac software will be available September 2012. For more information or to download, visit www.sonycreativesoftware.com. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $299 USD.