Sony PMW-200 Brings HD 4:2:2 Workflow to XDCAM Camcorder Line

[Chris Hurd]

"The PMW-200 camcorder is armed with a 14x zoom lens with auto focus and image stabilizing 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."

Full press release located at:

Sony Brings HD 4:2:2 Workflow to XDCAM Camcorder Line at DV Info Net

[Barry J. Weckesser]

It is already on the web in Europe see: Sony PMW-200 (PMW200) Full HD XDCAM EX 1/2inch CMOS camcorder with 50Mb/s recording - hope this isn't taken down as they are not a sponsor but certainly not competitive with US companies.

After reviewing specs and trying to compare with EX1R - looks like all the same features with same sensors (at least the specs are the same), similar low light capability, can't find S/N ratio in specifications under "Documentation" for the new camera. Big new feature is 50 mbps 422 but for those of us who use the Nanoflash that is irrevelant. The other biggie (for some people) is to be able to control zoom, iris, recording, and FOCUS from your iphone or android.

I suspect that picture quality between the EX1R and PMW-200 will be nearly identical for people who use the Nanoflash and record at 50 or higher. Sounds like the EX1/R hasn't been totally outmoded.

[Simon Denny]

Any Idea how big this camera is? Is it the same size as an EX

[Mark Andersson]

PMW-EX1 : 2.4 kg (5 lb 4 oz) (body) Dimensions: 179 x 199 x 308 mm
PMW-200 : 2.3 kg (5 lb 1.1 oz) (body) Dimensions: 172 mm × 164 mm × 419 mm

Unfortunately it appears you cannot rotate the handgrip on the 200 like you can on the EX1R :(

[Cliff Totten]

The size?

Here is a very rough idea compared between and PMW 200 and an EX1.

Not a scientific test but an interesting example.

Sony PMW 200 vs. EX1 in size - YouTube

[David Probst]

is this 1 chip or 3 chip?

[Joe Lawry]

'1/2-inch triple chip “Exmor” CMOS image sensor' according to the specs in the user manual.

[Les Wilson]

Originally Posted by Mark Andersson

Unfortunately it appears you cannot rotate the handgrip on the 200 like you can on the EX1R :(

Pity they are listening to the wrong folks. I just spent 3 days with my EX1R bouncing around in the cab of a Land Cruiser filming in Haiti. The rotating handgrip is the single most feature that made the project doable. No PMW-200 in my future.

[Jack Zhang]

Originally Posted by Les Wilson

Pity they are listening to the wrong folks. I just spent 3 days with my EX1R bouncing around in the cab of a Land Cruiser filming in Haiti. The rotating handgrip is the single most feature that made the project doable. No PMW-200 in my future.

That's one design no no. Another is the Flip open LCD vs the Flip under LCD. With flip under, you can keep your light secured without having it's battery obscuring the path of the LCD closing or opening. (Flolight Microbeams are notorious for this problem if a 970 battery is attached)

I'm also curious if they balanced it out despite it being lighter. Remember that the EX1 and EX1R are known for being front heavy with the Fujinon lens.

At $1000 more than the EX1R, I'm thinking a EX1R+Nanoflash combo is still a better route to go down. Unless proof of improved sensors emerges, there's no rush to get this if you already on the EX1/EX1R and Nanoflash.

[Adam Palomer]

No breakthroughs with this camcorder. Sony is at least 2 years behind Canon's XF305.

According to the PDF manual, at its widest, the lens on this PMW-200 achieves 31mm.

That defeats the entire purpose of buying and using such a camcorder. It's small size lends itself for use in close quarters and small spaces. But Sony seems to be aiming for the bird-watching demographic.

So instead of moving the lens down to the 24mm range, for example, Sony has pushed the telephoto end up.

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

I'll wait to see what BBC has to say about the PMW-200 - hope it won't go the PMW-100 way!

[Galen Rath]

DC input is inside the battery compartment, so it won't take other manufacturers big batteries?

[Steve Siegel]

No interchangeable lenses, only 60 fps for slow motion. Once again the wildlife and nature community is left standing in the hallway.

[Mark OConnell]

I'm disappointed. Was really hoping for a bit more...

[Bill Thomas]

A few notes of interest from the manual.

Pg. 30 of manual:
"Slow Motion recording by the Slow & Quick Motion recording function (page 50) cannot be made with a
“Memory Stick” or an SDHC card."
“Memory Stick” media and SDHC cards do not
support recording with UDF." -I guess that means no 50mbs 422 with card adapters.

Pg. 21
"The AC adaptor cannot be connected to the camcorder while the battery pack is inserted." -I guess no third party batteries with power cables like the four I have.

Pg.58
"HG4 -A gamma table for turning 460% D-range input into 109% output." -Interesting..

Well Im sure I missed a few good new things along with some bad. Overall Im really not impressed unless the S/N ratio is way better then the EX-1. I might be wrong but just from what I've read, The PMW-200 doesnt seem to have much of a advantage over my EX1 and Samurai combo. At least not a $8,000 one. I really wanted it to though.