Which new 4K video camera did I just get?

[@DavidMorseMusic]

Love the form factor Sony has used for the Z90/NX80. I personally have to MC88s which are basically HD versions of the Z90.

[@soundman447]

I have 2 of the PWX-Z280's and love them great low light performance and killer image quality. The Z150 and Z90 are both nice little cameras but they only run half the frame rate of the Z280 and are stuck with SD cards for internal recording. They are both more of a Full HD camera that can do some 4K rather that a real 4K camera.

[@djp_video]

The 4K image on the Z150 can be pretty amazing, but yeah, the recording capabilities aren't quite as good as when used in HD. The 30 fps limit hasn't been an issue for us -- we shoot most projects in 24p or 30p anyway.

[@AmigoSandu]

@@djp_video I'm going to shoot an interview video for a KZbin channel using Z150, do you recommend to shoot at 1080- 50p or 1080- 25p?

[@djp_video]

For an interview I’d go with 1080p25

[@valleyvideocom]

hi Doug, I'm curious why you haven't bought or looking into the Blackmagic URSA line. You could pick up a used Ursa mini 4k with a decent lens for around 3,000. You get all the functionality of a professional camcorder plus a 12g SDI in and output. Plus a bunch of other cool features. Would be nice to hear your thoughts.

[@djp_video]

I've had Ursa Mini 4K for about 4 years now, and its low-light performance isn't even close to good enough for the venues where we tend to work. Even with fast lenses the image quality isn't good. Additionally, finding powered zoom lenses for those lens mounts is difficult and expensive, and the autofocus is pretty lackluster. These Sonys always produce a much sharper, punchier image anyway.

[@valleyvideocom]

@@djp_video Thanks for the reply. I was considering grabbing a few ursa's simply because of the 12g SDI connections. Would you recommend any other camcorders that at least have 6gSDI. I can't find many for a solid price. Trying to move away from HDMI.

[@djp_video]

Try the Sony PXW-Z280

[@VickersDoorter]

@@djp_video I have 4 Ursa Broadcasts and found their low-light performance noisy also. They're fine for outdoor events, but even with bright-lit green screen use the noise is there, particularly when presenters wear dark clothing. The good thing about the Ursa Broadcasts is that when fitted with the large Ursa Studio Viewfinder, clients are happy to pay a good price for what looks the business, whereas a camcorder they perceive it as a budget piece of kit, even though a high-end camcorder like the Sony here might give a better image.

[@DannyHarvie]

Hey Doug, I am currently shooting a lot of live MMA events with a combo of Sony Ex1's and Ex3's but am looking at switching to the pxw-x70's, i realize i will lose a bit of functionality for the operators but i'm wondering if there will be a noticeable difference in quality, I've been researching for a while but having a hard time finding someone who has used both for live production.

[@djp_video]

In terms of image quality all of the cameras in the family are basically the same. And a notable improvement over the EX series. The main differences between the X70 and newer Z90 are (1) The Z90 ships with 4K capability enabled where the X70 has to have an optional (purchased) software upgrade installed, (2) the Z90's auto focus is a lot better, (3) the Z90 can do HDR where the X70 can't. If you're shooting HD and can manually focus, lock focus, or deal with occasional focus hunting the X70 is still a fantastic camera for the money.

[@DannyHarvie]

@@djp_video thank Doug.. great info, so compared to the pmw-ex1 and ex3, you think there may not be much of a difference in image quality?

[@djp_video]

There's a big improvement in image quality moving from the EX series to the newer models. The newer cameras have much better sensors and processing. The EX3 gives you more control over how the image is processed, but the newer cameras produce a much more detailed image.

[@DannyHarvie]

@@djp_video I figured as much but wanted to hear it from the pro

[@Joshua.Jackson]

You mentioned the hybrid auto-focus being a big selling-point for this camera and that you use auto-focus a lot. My understanding is that these cameras cannot record internal 4k and externally output and have the lcd on. With that being true, how do you utilize the new auto-focus system? Do you not record internal 4k, do you let the camera decide what should be in focus, or do you focus manually? If letting the camera decide, how well does it handle tracking a subject (especially if someone passes in-between)? I've always been a fan of Sony camcorders, but was always hesitant to recommend them because of that limitation. I appreciate your input... JJ

[@djp_video]

I usually let the camera decide. It does a pretty good job. Once it locks onto a subject it holds it pretty well. It has a configurable feature to let you decide how long it takes to switch to a new subject. And if you utilize face tracking, and there are multiple faces, you can use the joystick to switch (though this is difficult to do when recording in 4K when the LCD goes black).

[@Joshua.Jackson]

@@djp_video I appreciate the feedback. Our current camera (JVC) constantly jumps from the subject to the crowd as he walks around, so I want an option that will track the subject.

[@Joshua.Jackson]

@@djp_video As a secondary question, I know you've said that some cinema cameras have a delay on the HDMI output. I've been really interested in the FX6, as it seems like the best of both worlds (film and live). It has a steep entry-point, though. I was really considering the Fx30 as a stepping-stone. When FX6 funds were available, the FX30 would seem to make a great B camera. Do you have any personal experience with the HDMI latency on the FX30? Thanks... JJ

[@djp_video]

I do not. I don't do much cinema work.

[@Kamel419]

the iris wheel isn't unusual, i've had the exact same one in the exact same spot on cameras i've used dating all the way to the early 2000's.

[@djp_video]

Right. I'm just pointing out here that the Z150 has a proper Iris ring where the Z90 does not.

[@Kamel419]

​@@djp_video makes sense, the way you presented it in the video made it seem like it was an unusual thing. having to use the wheel instead of a toggle switch for gain seems annoying though

[@soundoffaithministries]

If you’re sending 1080P 60 through SDI into a streaming software like vmix. I think it will be able to Downscale to 1080p 30 fps.

[@theradioison]

Glad to see a review from you on this camera since I picked one up a few months back. I've used it for live events and post production work and it's been a pleasure to work with coming from a Sony A6000, I love the build in ND filters and wall plug. Since it outputs 10-bit 4:2:2 in 1080p, do you know, if I were to get an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja, if it would allow me to record in Avid DnX? It's mostly a question that's bugging me because I can't find an answer, but my workflow usually goes straight to web only so x264 is fine for me.

[@djp_video]

You can record in whatever format you'd like on an external recorder. Just pick a recorder that supports whatever format you need.

[@ewyoutube5794]

Wise choice! My guess is that the replacement to the z150 will be a 3x ½inch sensor like the z280 and the upgrade to the Z280 will be a 3x 1inch. That’s assuming they can bring the cost of a 6G sdi output down to a reasonable price, sensors I don’t feel is the limiting factor.

[@djp_video]

I’d bet that the successor to the Z150 will still keep the same basic 1-inch formula, just with phase detect and maybe removing some of the annoying restrictions on the current model. I doubt they’d add 6G-SDI. Sony already has the Z190 for someone who prefers three-chip over one large sensor. It’s too bad that the Z190 isn’t a better camera.

[@ewyoutube5794]

@@djp_video yeah id opt for Z190 if better as the z280 is price prohibitive

[@djp_video]

The Z190 doesn't do 6G-SDI. And most of the reviews I've seen of it haven't been favorable.

[@jeffreybrown8735]

@@djp_video What about the Z190 do you dislike?

[@djp_video]

@@jeffreybrown8735 I haven't used one myself, but from the people I've talked to that own it, they say that the image is noisy and soft. It's hard to justify when the Z150 is cheaper and generally produces a better quality picture.

[@AmigoSandu]

Thank you for your Video. I have z150, but i don't get this quality of video as yours. Can you please share all settings of camera when you shoot using z150 and what recording profile you prefer for such video like interviews. Appreciate your response.

[@djp_video]

For these videos I use Picture Profile 1, but tweak the Knee settings just a bit. The biggest factor in getting a high quality image is good lighting.

[@AmigoSandu]

@@djp_video Thank you very much Mr. Doug.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

What is your mic picking up??? Sounds like a washing machine :-)

[@djp_video]

Not sure. That mic is awful, and I won't be using it again.

[@brianwestfall8105]

I'm guessing a rock polisher or ice cream maker!

[@MrJani0951]

What about low light on Sony PXW-Z150? Many people in reviews write the z150 is very bad in low light, it's that true? Other people write it's not that bad.. i'm very confused becaouse i have a plan to buy PXW-z150. Or is PXW-z90 better choice to buy it? What do you suggest? i need the camera mostly for record sports and DJ event's where is low light.

[@djp_video]

I've actually been very impressed with the low light performance on the Z150. I don't know what people who say otherwise are expecting, but it's right up there with any camcorder I've ever used. The 1-inch sensor is able to capture a lot of light. I'm currently doing a comparison against the Z280, which is a 3-chip design and has a reputation for very good low light performance, and I'd say that the Z150 is right on par with it. Perhaps a tiny bit noisier in the shadows, but it compares quite favorably.

[@MrJani0951]

​@@djp_video Thanks for reply, after watching your video i changed my mind and i thinking to buy PXW-Z90 it's smaller and have all what Z150 have and it's little cheaper. If you can do the test, does Z90 can output on HDMI 4K60fps and show picture also on camera monitor at the same time? i saw the problem on other models also on Z150, when you output 4K on HDMI the monitor on camera goes blank and not show picture, it's that same on z90?

[@djp_video]

The Z90 behaves the same with the LCD screen and HDMI output with 4K. You can pick two of three outputs to use simultaneously: the SD card for recording, LCD screen, and HDMI; the third gets shut off. We work around this by putting a 7-inch LCD monitor on top of the camera.

[@MrJani0951]

​@@djp_video Thanks for reply. I using HDMI with capture card for streaming the handball so if you output 1080p60 via HDMI then is no any problems with screen on camera?

[@djp_video]

If you set the HDMI output of the camera to 1080p you'll be fine. You can record in 4K and output 1080p with just a setting change in the camera menus. If you have it set to output 4K on HDMI you'd need a 4K-compatible monitor and capture card.

[@GrandAdventChurchSDA]

We use countrymen but we need to replace it, we have been using a Chinese company which sells knock offs for $40, if your interested I can try and get the name from our specialist , very good mic, the low range isn't as good but still very very comparable. You can see a demo on our channel from the main speaker.

[@djp_video]

If the knock-offs are any good I'd be interested. So far none of the ones I've tried work very well.

[@johnneumann8124]

Hey Doug. Question on your 'old' pxw-x70. Did that put out 1080p60 or was it 1080PsF60. I believe you had the 4K upgrade on it that may have given it the 1080p60 SDI output capability? I have been work working with a PXW-160 and was surprised to find it would only do PsF even though it has 3G SDI. The PXW-X200 I also have does true 1080p60. What what of the x70? You're the man who would know :)

[@djp_video]

When I got my X70 it already had the 4K upgrade installed, so I can't speak from experience on that. But the manual sure seems to indicate that it supports 1080p59.94 output on SDI. There is a menu option that will force it to 1080i -- make sure you don't have that option set.

[@johnneumann8124]

@@djp_video I'll do some more checking. But this is what I can see page 75 of the X70 manual that seems to imply it'll be PsF. Can be very tricky to work with as I'm finding the Atems just do not treat the signal as progressive. -- When the frame rate in [REC FORMAT] is set to 24p or 30p (when [60i] is selected) or 25p (when [50i] is selected), the output signal is converted to interlace or progressive through pull-down conversion.

[@johnneumann8124]

Just to report back. I found that the X160 definitely can output 50/60p. I was getting confused with my goals. What it does not do is 25/30p. It does 25PsF and 30PsF over 5i0 and 60i respectively. An external converter would be needed to get the segmented frames back to pure progressive without equipment like ATEMs unnecessarily de-interlacing and degrading picture quality. I will be testing this with some AJA Hi5-Plus boxes soon. Can be frustrating; I think you mentioned in this video that you like to use 30p frequently. It's like when using 25/30p frame rates the camcorders honour 1.5G SDI specifications and do PsF because of the bandwidth implications of 1.5G even though it has 3G to work with.

[@maizesoft]

Is the AX700 a consumer version of this?

[@djp_video]

Yes

[@Alminox]

Was it raining heavily on the trailer? or is this static introduced by the new mic? It is horrible..

[@djp_video]

No; it's just a bad mic.

[@philipspence9792]

Does anyone know the max output resolution using the HDMI port? It looks like you can only output HD using 3G-SDI. I am looking for a budget camera to recommend that would output 4k, for possible future use.

[@djp_video]

The HDMI can do 3840x2160p at 30fps. That's the case with all of the cameras in this Sony family.

[@philipspence9792]

@@djp_video Thanks. I really appreciate it

[@livepadlk]

How about low light performance in both z150 & z90?

[@djp_video]

Among the best I've ever seen. Certainly they handle it better than any other cameras that I own.

[@MINISTRYUNTWISTED]

I know I'm months behind. I just need to know can i sit the camera up and use it 4k without pressing record and it not shut off? So tired of youtube camera guys recommending cameras that can't even stay on lol gesh

[@djp_video]

Most of the DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have 30 minute time limits. If that is what you are using, this may be what you’re running into. Camcorders don’t have that limitation. You might also be using memory cards that aren’t fast enough to keep up while recording. If this is the case, search my videos for one I did on SD cards.

[@MINISTRYUNTWISTED]

@@djp_video Thank you!

[@MarcoMiltenburg]

What external zoom controller do you prefer to use?

[@djp_video]

See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2nKhpWXg616bdU

[@JorgieMathew]

Is it good to upgrade x70 with lisence or with that price should I get another 4k camera??

[@djp_video]

That depends on what you could sell your X70 for. If the difference between selling price of the X70 and purchase price of a Z90 is anywhere near the ballpark of the $500 4K license, I'd do that in a heartbeat. The phase detect autofocus alone is a huge upgrade.

[@JorgieMathew]

@@djp_video thanks 🙏, I will enquire my local market...

[@alexberg6806]

Hi, I am interested in that convertor. Blackmagic UpDownCross?

[@djp_video]

The UpDownCross HD will work well for this (see djp.li/udchd ). But I'm using the Decimator Design MD-HX (djp.li/mdhx ).