Sony Debuts The New HXR-NX5R Camcorder

By Danny F. Santos (doddleNEWS)

Sony has announced a new camcorder in its NXCAM product line with the HXR-NX5R. The full HD (1080p) camera is primarily positioned for journalists, documentarians, webcasters, and professionals. It features enhancements and upgrades over its predecessors, which include a high-contrast OLED viewfinder, built-in WiFi streaming capabilities, and Sony’s proprietary Multi-Interface (MI) shoe.

While it uses the classic AVCHD/DV recording formats, it also supports XAVC-S 50Mbps HD up to 60p. Here’s what Sebastian Scala, Pro Video Marketing Manager for Sony’s Professional Solutions Americas group, said in a statement:

“The HXR-NX5R’s flexible operations, file transfer options and easy-to-use features are designed for professionals who need to quickly and easily shoot, edit and deliver high-quality content. It’s ideal for corporate or event/wedding production, newsgathering, documentaries, online content creation, nature, sports and more.”

Though it lacks 4K and an interchangeable lens, which is admittedly a bummer, the camera isn’t meant for ultra high-definition recording, so it’s not a deal-breaker — depending on what you plan on using the camera for. One of the better hardware upgrades the HXR-NX5R has over its predecessors is the inclusion of 3G-SDI output, as well as HDMI and composite.

It sports an Exmor CMOS sensor with three RGB 1/2.8-type full HD image sensors, which Sony says “produces high-quality color imagery and high sensitivity, and 40x Clear Image Zoom function to double the optical zoom without losing image quality.” The G-Technology lens without Clear Image Zoom naturally boasts a 20x zoom from 28.8mm to 575mm with independent rings for focus, iris, and zoom.

Here’s a promotional video for the camera:

The WiFi feature is probably the main selling point on this camera, which allows you to stream MPEG-TS and Ustream. The functionality also allows you transfer files onto your smartphone or tablet. In addition, it will allow you to use your mobile device as a wireless viewfinder/remote control to control options to pull focus, zoom, or stop and start recording.

Sony has also announced two peripherals that can be used with the HXR-NX5R: The RM-30BP and the MCX-500. The RM-30BP is a multi-function remote commander, which can be attached to a tripod or as a standalone. It can be used to control many of the camera’s features from focus, iris, and zoom control to shutter speed and white balance. It also features six programable buttons, which allow you to customize your workflow.

The MCX-500 is a compact all-in-one video switcher with a built-in audio mixer. When combined with the RM-30BP controller for multi-camera operation.

Here are the release dates for all three products:

1. HXR-NX5R – September 2016
2. RM-30BP – October 2016
3. MCX-500 – January 2017

Visit Sony’s site for more information on the HXR-NX5R and more.