
Firmware updates for the Sony PXW camcorder range
Firmware updates for Sony's PXW camcorder range
We are excited to announce Sony have released a firmware upgrade for the PXW camcorder range. Annonced at IBC, the software update for these shoulder mount camcorders has been released earlier than originally expected.
Firmware updates include:
PXW-X400 – Main firmware V3.20 & Network Function firmware V3.14
PXW-X500 – Main firmware V5.20 & Network Function firmware V3.13
PXW-Z450 – Main firmware V3.00 & Network Function firmware V3.15
The Sony PXW firmware updates are free of charge and can be downloaded from: www.pro.sony.eu.
Please make sure you read the embedded Version Up guide carefully before attempting the update.
Improved Functions (common):
Support SDHC card
. MPEG HD420 ( HQ/SP) formats can now be recorded on SDHC media via the MEAD-SD02 adapter.
. SDHC cards can only be used in FAT formatting mode, they do not support any recovery process.
. Benefits: Allow users to record on cheap, easily available consumer type media in emergency.
Wifi Station settings in Camcorder Menu
. Direct access to Station Setting (SSID & Key) via the Camcorder Network Menu.
. No need to load the Station settings from the Camcorder webpage or from Content Browser Mobile in advance via WiFi Access Point mode
. Benefits: User friendly ,ease of setup, following VoC.
3x NCM preset memories
. Network Client Mode settings ( for PWS-100/110RX1 or XDCAMair Cloud) can now be stored inside NCM Preset 1 , Preset 2 and Preset 3 internal memories.
. Benefits: Fast and flexible changes in the field of QoS Streaming servers destinations ( Cloud or Station(s) premises)
Assignable Proxy recording mode
. The Proxy recording mode can now be selected directly from an assignable button , no need to enter the menu.
. Benefits: Fast /easy setup, following VoC.
Integration with DWX digital Wireless system
. Power/ Stand-by on/off of the DWX transmitters can be controlled through the slot-in DWR- receivers of the camcorder.
. Note : Upgrade the DWR-S01 to V1.16, DWR-S02D to V1.07 , DWR-S02DN to V1.12 firmware versions.
. Benefits: Green / Battery Power saving, longer operating time.
CNA-1 support (TBC)
. Although this feature is not described in the release note, I believe the camcorders are now supporting the CNA-1 in Simple protocol conversion mode (700 legacy to IP 700 protocol) as promised by the Planning team J
. Benefits: Allows long distance shading from RCP-1500 series over Ethernet (TBC)
PXW-X400 only:
ATW Pure is added
. The Auto Tracing White can now be set in PURE mode in addition of the existing NATURAL mode, allowing better color matching with PMW-400 , PMW-500 Automatic Tracing White Balance algorithms.
. Listening to Broadcasters VoC.
PXW-X500 only:
Lens RET bug with CA-FB70
. The lens Return function didn’t work on V5.10 and V5.11 , the bug was reported by PSE and now corrected .
. Listening to customers reports and issues.
PXW-Z450 only:
HDR support in HLG & Slog3
. Hybrid-Log Gamma and S-log3 gamma curves are both supported for HDR shooting and Live Production.
. HLG is available in HLG_BT.2100 or HLG_Live modes.
. Note: In HDR mode is only available in exFAT mode, only in QFHD or HD recording modes.
. First shoulder camcorder to support true High Dynamic Range, ideal companion to UHD HDR Live production cameras, preferred choice for HDR steadycamer’s.
HLG display assistance
. Allows the camcorder Viewfinder and side LCD Monitor to reproduce the higher dynamic range of HLG.
. Note : the HLG display (Mlut) is not recorded neither available on nthonly available in exFAT mode in QFHD or HD recording.
. Cameraman/woman stays in control, HDR exposure is optimized.
Enhanced Noise Suppression modes
. The noise suppression mode get a high settings and can be set individually to every Gain setting.
. Customer satisfaction, improved Picture quality in HD following customer feedback.
Picture cache and S&Q modes available in 4K (QFHD)
. The PXW-Z450 now supports these usefull and creative features in UHD recording modes in addition to the HD recording formats.
. Note : Picture cache Maximum duration is 2 Sec. in XAVC QFHD Intra 25P , 8 Sec. in XAVC QFHD Long 50p , 12Sec. XAVC QFHD Long 25p
. Same content creativity in QFHD as in HD.
Improved Focus Magnifier
. The HDVF-EL20 or HDFV-EL30 Magnified picture resolution (ie. when Focus MAG is set to ON) is improved when the Z450 is recording 4K (QFHD)
. Cameraman/woman stays in control of 4K critical picture sharpness .