PMW-400 gets XAVC for FREE

C

Copperplate

Active member
Most of you probably already know this, but for those like me who didn't know, a Sony rep confirmed that they have decided to give the XAVC at no cost.

From Sony's email:
Hi,
We appreciate your comments.
I would like to clarify that the Panasonic HPX600 is a single sensor camcorder. According to the documentation, it does indeed do 10 bit 4:2:2, but I wonder how they take advantage of a 4:2:2 color space at 10 bits on a single sensor of HD resolution.
In any case, we have gathered feed-backs from customers over the last few months and have decided to disregard the option price. Therefore, the PMW-400 will have XAVC at no cost, once it becomes available.
On a side note, even though both codecs are similar on paper, they use different sets of tools, profiles, and levels, which offer a better picture quality, visible in a simple side-by-side comparison. One of the reason we developed the XAVC at the selected tool set, is to make sure we could expand past HD and High Frame Rate combined.

EDIT: If you found this post helpful, please rate it! It will help bump me out of -1 cyberspace, and then I can rate your posts too! Thanks.

EDIT 2: A big thank you to those who rated this post, that's really appreciated!:dankk2:
 
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I expect it to be close to the current price of the PMW-350 -- which I think will be discontinued when the 400 starts shipping (if not sooner).
 
If anyone has recommendations for zoom lenses around $10,000 or less (preferably less!) that would work with this camera, I would be very grateful! Not sure what the kit lens will be like with the PMW-400k.
 
The kit lens will surely be just like all of Sony's other kit lenses: Optically it will look great, but operationally, it will pale in comparison to the performance of other Fujinon or Canon lenses. Zooming will probably be slow and not as smooth as it should be, and a 14x zoom isn't very much range. And focus will be a little sluggish and less precise. So if you're used to using high-end lenses then you probably won't be happy with the kit lens, but if you can live with it, you'll save a lot of money and the visible results you get onscreen will look just good.

If you want to invest in a better lens and stay still under $10,000, then look at good, clean, used lenses that cost over $20K when they were new.
 
Sure. You just program it into an assign button just like all the other EX camcorders. A very useful function that I really miss on the F55.
 
Doug Jensen said:
The kit lens will surely be just like all of Sony's other kit lenses: Optically it will look great, but operationally, it will pale in comparison to the performance of other Fujinon or Canon lenses. Zooming will probably be slow and not as smooth as it should be, and a 14x zoom isn't very much range. And focus will be a little sluggish and less precise. So if you're used to using high-end lenses then you probably won't be happy with the kit lens, but if you can live with it, you'll save a lot of money and the visible results you get onscreen will look just good.

If you want to invest in a better lens and stay still under $10,000, then look at good, clean, used lenses that cost over $20K when they were new.
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Thank you so much Doug for your reply. I confess I have zero experience working with ENG type lenses... and the sheer variety of them seems almost overwhelming. I guess I'm looking for a lens, that if possible, could work well enough for cine use, but still have the flexibility and functionality of a run and gun lens. Don't know if any 2/3 zooms fall into that category. Anyway, I really appreciate your comments, and if you have any suggestions as to lenses (or even where to look for used zooms) I will soak up all the advice!:thumbsup:

Thanks,
Adam
 
Copperplate said:
If anyone has recommendations for zoom lenses around $10,000 or less (preferably less!) that would work with this camera, I would be very grateful! Not sure what the kit lens will be like with the PMW-400k.
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I've got a PMW320 with kit lens - so very similar, just the 1/2" version rather than for 2/3".

Frankly, I'm very impressed overall, in terms of value for money. It's as Doug says. Optically, great. But it would be silly to think it's as good as a lens costing many times more - it isn't. Everything's relative though - if you're used to very expensive 2/3" lenses, you won't find it quite as good. If you're used to 1/3" or 1/2" cameras with built in lenses, prepare to be very, very impressed.

The real point is that if the budget is tight, it's still possible to get a true pro shouldermount 3-chip 2/3" camera at a cost that's small by the standards of a few years ago. A bit compromised compared to a full spec lens, true, but if it's a 350 with kit lens or a handycam style camera it's a no-brainer.

If the PMW400 is going to sell for PMW350 pricing, with XAVC as a no cost option, I foresee it selling very well indeed. The only real complaint I've heard about the PMW350 is "why doesn't it have the 50Mbs codec!?!" If the PMW400 puts that right, AND has XAVC as well, AND doesn't cost any more than the PMW350, it's very good news indeed.
 
Copperplate said:
I confess I have zero experience working with ENG type lenses... and the sheer variety of them seems almost overwhelming. I guess I'm looking for a lens, that if possible, could work well enough for cine use, but still have the flexibility and functionality of a run and gun lens. Don't know if any 2/3 zooms fall into that category.
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Adam - I'd really recommend thoroughly trying out a PMW350K before doing anything irrevocable. You may find yourself very, very pleasantly surprised by the kit lens. It may be more than good enough for what you want - and be far cheaper than buying a high end lens - but only you can decide that.
 
harddrive said:
I've got a PMW320 with kit lens - so very similar, just the 1/2" version rather than for 2/3".

Frankly, I'm very impressed overall, in terms of value for money. It's as Doug says. Optically, great. But it would be silly to think it's as good as a lens costing many times more - it isn't. Everything's relative though - if you're used to very expensive 2/3" lenses, you won't find it quite as good. If you're used to 1/3" or 1/2" cameras with built in lenses, prepare to be very, very impressed.

The real point is that if the budget is tight, it's still possible to get a true pro shouldermount 3-chip 2/3" camera at a cost that's small by the standards of a few years ago. A bit compromised compared to a full spec lens, true, but if it's a 350 with kit lens or a handycam style camera it's a no-brainer.
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Thank you harddrive for taking the time to respond. It is really appreciated! The site says it's a 16x zoom that comes with the 400k, but doesn't say if it's Fujinon or Sony.
 
harddrive said:
Adam - I'd really recommend thoroughly trying out a PMW350K before doing anything irrevocable. You may find yourself very, very pleasantly surprised by the kit lens. It may be more than good enough for what you want - and be far cheaper than buying a high end lens - but only you can decide that.
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You're right; when the 400 becomes available I'll go over to my local Sony dealer and try it out.
 
Great to hear..thank you. I refuse to use any camera without this feature..so incredibly useful!

Really interested in this one!

Doug Jensen said:
Sure. You just program it into an assign button just like all the other EX camcorders. A very useful function that I really miss on the F55.
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It seems the 350k comes with a Fujinon 16x Optical Zoom, Servo/Manual 8mm-128mm, f/1.9. Does that mean this lens maintains a constant f-stop across its entire range? If so, I hope the 16x zoom on the PMW-400 will be this lens!

EDIT: The Sony rep wasn't sure if the PMW-400 has the same lens as 350 or whether it's a constant aperture zoom, but will get back to me as soon as it's confirmed.
 
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Hi all:

Doing some research and I cannot locate anyone who knows MSRP for the upcoming PMW400? Did anyone hear any numbers at the Sony booth at NAB or from your Sony retailer or rep? It looks as if the PMW350 goes for about U.S. 20k with the kit lens?

Also, how do you think the PMW400 will stack up against Panasonic's AJ-PX5000? Both cameras seem to have nice features, it seems like in a way, similar spcs, but with significant different features as well? And the Panasonic sounds as if it will be more expensive with a list of "under $28k" Hmm...

Much thanks,

Dan
 
Dan,

I've heard the price of the 400 from those who say they've talked to Sony reps. They claim it'll be close in price to the 350. So, take it for what it is.

It looks like the performance of the Sony and Panny will be very close. Both will be 2/3" CMOS chip cams, one with XAVC, the other with AVC-Ultra. I believe both will do 1080/60P. I guess it depends if you've already invested in SxS or P2 cards. The 400 is cheaper and does come with a kit lens.
 
Just wondering...how much difference is there in overall sharpness between the 320 and 350 and how different do you think the 400 will be from these two? I have been researching both cameras and have been reading some reviews on the 320 and 350, but there are no comparison articles. If anyone's interested or has the time, I would like to hear your thoughts about the similarities and differences between the 320 and the 350 besides the sensor size.

Thank you.
 
puredrifting said:
Also, how do you think the PMW400 will stack up against Panasonic's AJ-PX5000?
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Not sure that's a worthwhile comparison. We're expecting a price of about $20,000 for the PMW400, the AJ-PX5000 is advertised at B&H for $28,000 - but that's BODY ONLY. No viewfinder, no lens.

In price terms, the Panasonic direct competitor to the PMW400 must be the HPX600. But whilst both 2/3" shouldermount cameras, the Sony is normal 3 chip, the HPX600 is only a single chip, believed to be 1920x1080 Bayer CMOS. That means much less than 1920x1080 resolution after processing, and at least a stop worse sensitivity as well. I compared it to a PMW350 at a show a months ago and was also far more impressed by the viewfinder of the Sony.
 
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