Black body vs Grey Body Cameras

[Michael C. Ray]

I have noticed over the few years I have been involved with video production
and purchasing equipment in the Sony arena, a lot of cameras I see in both
a GREY body and a BLACK body ..

What is the difference in the two ...?

Sorry if this is a "juvenile" question, I have tried to research it and have had
no luck ...

[John Wiley]

Sony for several years have had 2 versions of some of their prosumer cameras - one was from the broadcast division, which was deemed a professional camera with a black body, XLR's, better frame rate/format options, and a host of other firmware-enabled features and menu options (eg Sony Z1, A1, V1, NX5), while the consumer division would release almost identical cameras but with a few missing features and more auto-orientated controls, and they usually had the grey treatment (FX1, HC1, FX7, AX200 all correspond to the broadcast cams listed above).

From a technical standpoint I believe the professional versions are painted black in order to reflect less light in situations where they might become a distraction.

Of course all this should not be mistaken with buying a "grey" camera which means it is imported from overseas by a non-authorised dealer and sold at a reduced price locally, but usually sans-warranty.

[Andrew Smith]

This also applies to why photographers traditionally wear black. Not only do we look super-professional and sharp, we also reflect less off surfaces that are in the shot.

Andrew