Last year at NAB 2018 in Las Vegas, Sony announced two new handheld 4K pro camcorders – the Sony PXW-Z190 and Sony PXW-Z280 both featuring 4K/60p and 50p recording capabilities, identical design and form factor, but some different internals and features.
For those, who skipped our write-up on these new Sony camcorders from April last year let me refresh your memory.
The Sony PXW-Z190 comes equipped with 3×1/3″-type CMOS sensors, while the PXW-Z280 sports a brand new 1/2″-type Exmor R CMOS image sensor which according to Sony, makes the Z280 the world’s first 4K 3-chip camcorder.
Sony PXW-Z190 / Image by Sony
Additionally, both cameras feature Sony’s electronic variable ND system, but unlike the PXW-Z-190 that records 4K video at up to 60p in 4:2:0 8-bit, the Z280 is capable of shooting 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 video at up to 60fps.
Streaming was a big feature of these camcorders (the Z190 requiring a license), with the promise that Sony will make it available later in the year.
And a couple of weeks ago Sony did release Firmware version 2.0 as a free download for both the Sony PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 unlocking their full streaming capabilities.
See the details of what is new with Firmware 2.0 below:
Sony PXW-Z190 Firmware 2.0:
- Supports the NETWORK upgrade license (CBKZ-SLNW1).
- Supports the MPEG HD upgrade license (CBKZ-SLMP).
- Supports Dual Link QoS streaming using two USB modems simultaneously.*
- (CBKZ-SLNW1 is required)
- Supports HEVC QoS streaming.*
- (CBKZ-SLNW1 is required)
- Supports intercom calls with PWS-110RX1A series.*
- (CBKZ-SLNW1 is required)
- Responds to a problem caused by some 3rd party memory cards not being recognized by the camcorder.
- Improves operational stability.
- Link to download firmware 2.0.
Image by Sony / PXW-Z280
Sony PXW-Z280 Firmware 2.0:
- Supports Dual Link QoS streaming using two USB modems simultaneously.
- Supports HEVC QoS streaming.
- Supports intercom calls with PWS-110RX1A series.
- Supports “Pure” on ATW Mode.
- Improves noise level in HD mode.
- Improves operational stability.
- Link to download firmware 2.0.
For those of you, who want to further explore how to configure the Sony QoS streaming service, check out this excellent demo video by Sony’s Alvaro Ortiz below.
For full specs and to learn more about the Sony streaming service and PXW-Z190 and Z280 camcorders head over to Sony.
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