Sony unveils the new PMW-200 camcorder

Even in a tiny form-factor, the PMW-200 provides a wider angle of view to fit more into one frame. The 1/2 -inch type sensors allow the camcorder to perform exceptionally well even in challenging lighting conditions.

Designed using Sony's advanced sensor technologies and decades of experience, the PMW-200 answers the industry's need for a 4:2:2 50Mbps camera that utilises three 1/2 -inch type sensors. With most other handheld cameras in the market featuring 1/3 -inch type sensors, this makes the PMW-200 unique in delivering outstanding image quality of full-HD resolution, while providing a wider angle of view and excellent sensitivity that captures greater details in both low light and bright environments. In addition, a variety of recording formats such as MXF 50Mbps/35Mbps, MP4 35Mbps/25Mbps and DVCAM are available for wide range of applications and workflow.

The PMW-200 also offers a powerful Slow & Quick motion function which enables capture at 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode, and from 1 fps to 30 fps in 1080p mode, granting users the freedom of unlimited creative expression. Furthermore, the images can be played back immediately after shooting without using any converters or processing on non-linear editing systems, letting users enjoy convenience and time-saving benefits.
The PMW-200 replaces the ever-popular PMW-EX1R within Sony's XDCAM family - going a step further with enhancements like MPEG HD422 recording for superior picture performance, while retaining the same ease of use and batteries/accessories as the PMW-EX1R.

"With the new PMW-200, we are putting one of the most versatile handheld camcorders we've ever developed into the market," said Awad Mousa, Head of Product Marketing - Content Creation at Sony Professional Solutions MEA.

"The PMW-200 combines exceptional picture quality, seamless HD422 workflow and a whole host of other useful features into an ergonomically-intelligent form factor. The result for users is an agile, light-weight solution that meets their varied needs and is the perfect partner for shoulder camcorders such as the popular PMW-500."

The PMW-200 comes armed with a 14x zoom lens and offers full manual operation for wide creative functionality. The supplied lens is equipped with 3 independent rings for zoom, focus and iris adjustment, plus greater precision of settings through indications of ring positions on the LCD screen, granting users a high level of operational comfort and control. Focusing on subjects and reviewing recorded footage is made easy with the full-colour 3.5-inch WVGA (852x480) LCD panel.

The PMW-200 also comes with an attractive 15 seconds cache recording feature - a function unique among handheld camcorders. It can use its internal memory to store the image being captured, even before the recording button is pressed (maximum of 15 seconds), allowing users to capture important moments that might have otherwise been missed.

Genlock and timecode interfaces on the PMW-200 make it a breeze for use in multi-camera operations and entry-level HD studio applications. The camera also affords users greater flexibility over recording media, operating with Sony's SxS technology as well as other media such as SD, Memory Stick and XQD cards (adaptor required). A Wi-Fi remote control (adaptor required) for the PMW-200 enhances flexibility for studio or on-location use.

The PMW-200 is the ideal solution for a wide range of applications such as broadcast, indie film-making, corporate videos, music videos, drama productions and more.

The PMW-200 camcorder is scheduled to be available from mid-September onwards. The Wi-Fi remote control function for the PMW-200 is scheduled to be available by December 2012.