Full HD MPEG-2 HD 422 50 Mbps recordings plus XAVC in the future

The PMW-300K1 uses an MPEG HD 422 codec, recording Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50 Mbps in industry-standard MXF files, along with 24-bit 48 kHz, 4-channel audio. It is also capable of recording MPEG-2 HD 420 in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 35 Mbps. Standard Definition options include MPEG IMX and DVCAM. The camcorder can also be upgraded in the future to support Sony’s revolutionary XAVC codec, extending the lifecycle of the product to ensure maximum return on investment*.

* XAVC support for HD will be available in 2014.

Three 1/2-inch type Exmor™ CMOS Full HD sensors and low-light 3DNR technology for a wide range of shooting conditions

The three 1/2-inch Exmor™ Full-HD CMOS sensors offer high light sensitivity and low image noise. As a consequence, it delivers clear high-resolution images even when filming in low-light conditions. The camcorder also includes Sony’s 3Dimensional Noise Reducer technology(3DNR), which reduce noise between frames and thus creates noticeably clearer images.

The PMW-300K2 features the same EX-mount interchangeable lens system as the PMW-EX3, making it compatible with a wide range of 1/2-inch and 2/3-inch lenses (with optional ACM-21 adaptor). The camcorder also comes with two auto-focusing zoom lens packages, one for a 14x (PMW-300K1) and the other a 16x zoom lens (PMW-300K2). Both lenses include a focus ring for quick switching between auto and manual focus.

Precision focusing with 3.5-inch colour LCD viewfinder

An enhanced HD-resolution 3.5-inch colour LCD viewfinder (960x540 pixels) enables precision focusing for HD camcorder work, while the 8-pin remote-control and multi-camera operation capability allows the PMW-300K2 to be used in 3D configurations and high-end camera systems.

Multi-camera operation with 8-pin remote control

The camcorder has a Genlock In and Timecode In/Out interface, so that it can link together with other cameras for multi-camera operation capability and 3D configurations. The 8-pin 700-Protocol remote control interface allows for remote adjustment from the RM-B170* or RM-B150** remote control, sold separately.

* The RM-B750 and the RCP remote control cannot be connected due to the power supply capacity of the PMW-300.

** RM-B150 is discontinued.

HD/SD-SDI and HDMI interfaces for integration with broadcast infrastructures

The PMW-300K1 has an SDI interface so that it can connect with broadcast infrastructures and professional equipment. It’s also possible to down-convert from HD to SD. There is also an HDMI interface making it possible to link to consumer products, including a standard consumer TV. SDI and HDMI interfaces are available in the same time.

Wide range of frame rates

The camcorder has standard recording modes of 1920 x 1080/25P or 50i and can additionally record at 59.94i, 23.98P and 29.97P in MPEG-2 HD 422 mode. At 1280 x 720, the camcorder can record 25P as well as 23.98P, 29.97P, 50P and 59.94P. Further recording modes are also possible at MPEG-2 HD 420 and DVCAM.

Slow and quick motion from 1 fps to 60 fps

Slow motion shooting is possible with up to 60 frames per second (fps) recording in 720P or 30 fps recording in 1080P, when used with the SxS Pro or SxS-1 memory card. Quick motion can be obtained by slowing the frame rate down to 1 fps.

Semi-shoulder robust design with metal body

The PMW-300K1features an innovative semi-shoulder design with an extendable chest pad mechanism and rotary hand grip, allowing comfortable recording over long periods of time. Its magnesium metal body ensures the camcorder is robust and, like its predecessor, the PMW-EX3, can withstand even the harshest production environments.

Wi-Fi remote control with optional Wi-Fi adaptor

In addition to the 8-pin remote control interface, Apple iPads or Android mobile devices can be used as simple remote controllers. By attaching the optional CBK-WA01 Wi-Fi adaptor, the remote can control zoom, focus, iris and white balance as well as the recording functions such as recording trigger.

Cache recording

Utilising a 15 second cache recording function, the PMW-300K1 can help prevent the loss of important scenes or events that occur up to 15 seconds before the camcorder’s REC start button is pressed.

Two SxS Memory Card slots plus Memory Stick, SD card and XDQ card options

There are two SxS Memory Card slots, which allows for around four hours of continuous recording, with two hours of HD 422 50 Mbps recorded on each 64GB SxS Memory Card. Content can be copied between the two slots.The PMW-300K1 can use either SxS Pro or SxS-1 cards. It will also accept consumer recording media, including Memory Stick, SD card and XDQ card with an appropriate adaptor for emergency use.

Planning metadata automatically recorded

By loading a pre-recorded Planning Metadata file (XML file) to the PMW-300K1, either from an SxS memory card or a USB memory, the metadata is automatically generated and recorded as described in the XML file while recording. Also the filename of a clip is automatically set as described in the XML file.

i.LINKInput/Output for DV/HDV recordings

i.LINK (HDV) Out can be activated while SP 1440 (FAT) or DVCAM (FAT) is selected and the i.LINK (HDV) In signal can be recorded while the video format is set appropriately.

4 channels 24-bit 48 kHz audio recordings

The PMW-300K1 is equipped with two XLR connectors, which connect to Sony’s range of professional microphone products.24-bit 48kHz audio can be recorded in HD 422 50 Mbps, with up to four channels of audio recorded.

Multiple language system

The PMW-300K1 has multiple language system. The language for the menu and warning messages can be selected among English, Chinese, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Indonesian.

4 Neutral Density filters

The PMW-300K1 is equipped with four built-in ND (Neutral Density) filters – Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 – that help to vary the depth of field with iris control.

Power on Quick Rec to help get up and running quicker

If the camcorder power is turned on while pushing a REC button, the ‘Quick Rec’ mode is activated. By accelerating the power on process, the camcorder can start up and start recording more quickly than normal.

Direct access to the thumbnails

With the PMW-300K1, there is no need to switch between Camera and Media mode to access to the recording video. The access to the thumbnails is direct and without any reboot internal process.

Continuous recordings for easier ingest

This mode allows users to create a single, large clip with multiple starts and stops in recording. The benefit of this mode is a faster transport speed for single clips – there is no overhead for the file open/close process. Please note this function works only in UDF (MXF) mode.