Sony Boosts XDCAM Range with PMW-400 Shoulder Camcorder

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sony Boosts XDCAM Range with PMW-400 Shoulder Camcorder
Incorporates a 2/3-inch Full HD 3CMOS sensor, 3DNR for an improved Signal-to-Noise
ratio and rich format selection including XAVC support for HD
TORONTO, ON, April 7, 2013 – Sony is pleased to announce its new PMW-400 shoulder-
mount camcorder at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The latest addition to Sony’s widely-used
XDCAM HD422 line-up, the PMW-400 incorporates a 2/3-inch Exmor Full HD 3CMOS sensor
for capturing beautiful images with high sensitivity 1 and low noise. It has been designed with a
host of features that make it a great fit for applications like ENG or live production.
“The PMW-400 reflects Sony’s continued commitment in bringing quality imaging solutions to
the market, with products that are at the top of their game,” said Francois Gauthier, Marketing
Manager, Acquisition Systems, Professional Solutions Group. “We’ve designed the PMW-400 to
acquire high quality, clean images especially in low-light environments. It’s very ergonomically-
balanced, easy to operate and includes features that make it fit seamlessly into various types of
productions and workflow. This really opens up a window of creative possibilities and flexible
shooting to achieve the desired results.”

Higher Picture Quality with HD422 Codec
Capable of MPEG HD422 50Mbps recording, the PMW-400 is unique among the field of 2/3-
type camcorders thanks to its noise reduction capabilities and rich selection of formats that it
can handle. Its 3 Dimensional Noise Reducer (3DNR) accurately detects and processes images
to reduce noise, achieving a Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio of 60dB which is outstanding among
2/3-type camcorders. A wide variety of formats are supported by the PMW-400, including
MPEG2 HD422@50Mbps, HD420@35Mbps/25Mbps, MPEG IMX@50Mbps, and DVCAM. The
PMW-400 will also offer future XAVC support for HD 2 so users can be well-placed to meet the
ever-increasing demands for high quality image capture.
Improved Viewfinder
The supplied viewfinder features improved panel resolution of quarter HD 960(H) x 540(V)
compared to previous models that had a resolution of VGA 640(H) x 480(V). In addition,
contrast, and viewing angles are considerably better in the new viewfinder.
Flash Band Compensation via Internal Processing
The PMW-400 incorporates a valuable new feature – an internal Flash Band Reducer 3 based on
a processing circuit installed inside the camcorder. In addition to current flash band reducing
processes via content browser after recording, the camcorder also employs a special algorithm
to detect and process flash banding inside the camcorder before recording. This provides
greater flexibility in reducing flash banding across different shooting environments.
Operational Flexibility
To enhance convenience and flexibility during program production, the PMW-400 is built with 2
SDI connections that enable, for example, the director and cameraman to concurrently check
contents shot via two different monitors.
An optional CBK-CE01 50-pin interface lets the PMW-400 connect to two camera adapters for
greater creative possibilities through multi-camera operation. By connecting to the CA-FB70
optical fiber and CA-TX70 digital triax camera adapters, the PMW-400 can be used as a studio
camera in live productions and transmit signals over long distances while maintaining high
picture quality.

R&D Prototype : Wireless Adapter for 3G/4G/LTE and Wi-Fi Connections
For easy transmission by network and efficient on-site operation using Wi-Fi, a wireless adapter
is under development. The adaptor is directly connectable to the PMW-400 to enable proxy
files generated on the microSD to be transmitted via 3G/4G/LTE/Wi-Fi. Due to this easy
transmission of proxy files from the shooting location to a broadcast station via network
connections, ENG workflows can be accelerated tremendously.
Using Wi-Fi transmission, the adapter is also controllable through the mobile application
(installed on devices such as tablet PCs and smartphones). Additionally, to drastically improve
on-site operation, a range of features are under planning including file browsing management,
proxy file preview, stream viewing for camera signal, file transfer of proxy and high-resolution
video files, as well as metadata input and remote camera control.
The PMW-400 will be on display at Sony’s booth #C11001 at the 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas
Convention Center, Central Hall, C-5, and it will be available from August 2013 onwards.
1 Sensitivity of F12 for 1080/60i, 720/60p. Sensitivity of F13 for 1080/50i, 720/50p.
2 XAVC support for HD up to 30p/25p is supported. 4K is not supported. XAVC support for HD will be available via a
firmware upgrade (optional) planned on or after April 2014.
3 This feature will be available via a free firmware upgrade on or after November 2013.
Flash Band Reducer doesn’t guaranteed to detect/correct all the flash band
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About The Professional Solutions Group
The Professional Solutions Group (PSG) is a division of Sony of Canada Ltd., headquartered in Toronto,
ON, with additional Sales and Service facilities in Calgary, AB (sales office), Montréal, QC and
Vancouver, BC.
PSG is dedicated to the marketing, sales and support of Sony's full range of Professional video and audio
hardware and recording media. For Broadcast and Production applications, PSG offers a comprehensive
range of equipment, including Cameras, Camcorders, Recorders, Production Switchers, Monitors,
Professional Audio, Networked Production and Content Management Systems. PSG also supplies a broad
array of product for Corporate, Industrial, Retail, Cinema, Education and Medical applications. This range
of products includes: Imaging Cameras, PTZ Cameras, Security and Surveillance Cameras and Recorders,
Data & Large Venue, Home Theatre and Cinema Projection, Digital Signage Players, Displays and Wall
systems, Medical Printers, Cameras and Recorders, Videoconferencing. PSG Systems Engineering
compliments the sales and marketing team with technical consultation, complete end-to-end design,
integration and commissioning services.

About Sony of Canada Ltd.
Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, of Tokyo,
Japan, a world leader in High Definition. Sony provides end-to-end solutions through products that
include the market-leading Blu-ray Disc players, BRAVIA® televisions, Cyber-shot® digital cameras,
Handycam® Camcorders, VAIO® computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video
conferencing and many more products that deliver the true entertainment experience.
Sony is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world with a portfolio that
includes electronics, music, movies, games and online businesses. With headquarters in Toronto, sales
offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby,
Ontario. Sony Canada is devoted to the betterment of children, the environment, and the community.
Through the Sony Canada Charitable Foundation (SCCF), Sony Canada aims to maximize its support of
charitable and philanthropic organizations, including Make-A-Wish® Canada, the United Way of Canada
and Earth Day Canada.
For further information, please visit us at www.sonybiz.ca or contact:
Cherie Gibson
Manager, MARCOM & Support Services
Professional Solutions Group
Sony of Canada Ltd.
(416) 495-2982