PXW-Z280

World’s first 4K Handheld

Camcorder with 1/2-type 3CMOS
with 4K 50p/60p recording
capability, 12G-SDI, Dual Link
Cellular capability, 17x zoom
lens, advanced Face Detection
AF

Overview Supe r b ha ndhe ld 4 K H DR pe r for m a nce

An all-new 4K 3CMOS 1/2-type sensor with a deep depth of field
and provides stunning 4K HDR performance in your hand. Face
Detection AF keeps your subject in focus, while HLG and S-Log3
provide stunning HDR to suit any workflow.
Wor ld-cla ss ne twor king ca pa bilitie s
PXW-Z280 features Dual Link Cellular capability for double the
uplink performance and reliability.*

*Requires PWS-110RX1A/110RX1.
The com ple te pa cka g e for pr ofe ssiona ls
Unpack and shoot from day one. Advanced XAVC-Intra and XAVC-
Long for 4K QFHD and HD, plus MPEG HD422, MPEG HD and
DVCAM to support any workflow. Familiar Sony control layout
and operation minimise training requirements.

Features 1 /2 -type 3 C MOS Se nsor for br oa dca st 4 K

The Z280’s all-new Exmor R™ imager is custom-designed for
broadcast 4K acquisition. Its three 1/2-type Exmor R™ CMOS

1
deliver a deep depth of field with superb image quality. Red,
blue, and green light are independently captured by separate
image sensors, contributing to high resolution, high sensitivity of
F12 (59.94p) and wide dynamic range. An advanced LSI
(featuring intelligent noise reduction and enhanced detail
reproduction) delivers remarkably lifelike 4K 4:2:2 10-bit images.
Even if you’re delivering in HD, your recordings will capture detail
and image texture that HD sensors simply cannot see.

1 7 x pr ofe ssiona l H D z oom le ns with thr e e

inde pe nde nt r ing s with e nd-stop a nd la r g e foca l
le ng th
The PXW-Z280 is equipped with a 17x professional zoom lens
able to zoom from 30.3mm to 515mm (35mm equivalent). The
1/2-inch type lens has three independent control rings with end-
stop, which allows manual control of focus, zoom and iris,
making for better and faster adjustment.

The image can be enlarged without any picture degradation in

HD mode and 34x times zoom equivalent image is captured with
sensor cropping extender.

Spe cta cula r H DR pe r for m a nce

Demand for HDR content is increasing and Z280 offers you a
choice of two powerful workflows.

S-Log2/3 is the proven choice for premium applications where

you wish to capture as much data as possible for the ultimate
flexibility in grading Instant HDR Workflow is all about speed.
Shoot, edit and view content in Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) to
deliver content quickly without compromising on imaging
expression and quality of content.

Am a z ing ly fa st pr e cision a uto focus

The PXW-Z280 features newly developed Face detection AF. You
can choose between Face Priority AF and Face Only AF. Simply

2
keep the person in frame and and however you move to obtain a
better angle, you can be confident the PXW-Z280 will keep your
subject in pin-sharp focus.

1 2 G-SDI a cce le r a te d wor kflow

Revolutionise your workflow with 12Gbps content transfer ‒ four
times the bandwidth of 3G-SDI over a standard SDI cable and
ideal for working with highest quality 4K content or speeding
through HD content. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to use
anything else.

Accur a te OLE D vie wfinde r

An expansive 0.5-inch high quality OLED viewfinder is perfectly
offset for right-eye or left-eye viewing. OLED’s superb accuracy,
high contrast and high resolution (2.36M dot) enables precise
manual focus and eliminates any colour-breaking phenomenon.

Dua l Multi-Inte r fa ce (MI) Shoe

MI Shoe provides power, signal connections and coordinated
on/off switching to compatible Sony accessories. For example,
you can connect and control Sony wireless microphone systems
such as the UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 or attach the HVL-LBPC light
*Connectors at front and back of camcorder maximise
operational flexibility.

*Accessories sold separately. HVL-LBPC light does not draw

power from PXW-Z280.

Dua l XLR a nd 4 C ha nne l Audio

The PXW-Z280 offers superior professional audio capabilities
with independent volume dials enabling precision control of
external audio inputs, including an MI-shoe attached
microphone.

Dua l SxS m e dia slots

The camcorder is equipped with two SxS memory card slots,
which can record in Simul, Relay or Back up mode*. Simul mode

3
permits simultaneous recording to two memory cards, including
simultaneous recordings of MPEG HD exFAT and UDF recordings,
ideal for archival purposes. Relay mode automatically switches
recording from the first to the second memory card when the first
is full to extend recording times. In Back up mode, users can set
up the two Start/Stop buttons on the PXW-Z280, one on the grip
and one on the camcorder body, to independently start and
stop recording on different memory cards while recording in
Simul mode.*

*Simul and back-up recording are limited to HD operation.

N e twor ke d for hig h m obility

PXW-Z280 comes with 5GHz* and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as standard ‒
simply log onto your preferred network to enable a host of
advanced features:

• IBM Cloud Video® Direct Streaming allows you to share scenes

as they happen with high quality picture and sound without a
switcher
• High quality Sony QoS Streaming to optional Network RX station
and XDCAM air allows live streaming for viewing at a remote
location
• FTP Transfer allows content files recorded with MPEG HD
422/420 proxy feature and other content files shot in XAVC
(QFHD/FHD) to be sent over the internet for remote storage on
an FTP server even while shooting. In case of signal interruption,
the system will automatically resume as soon as connection
restored
• Trimming function is available for both proxy and PGM without
need for a PC. Eliminate time wasted transferring unnecessary
content
• XDCAM air can upload proxy footage to the cloud from multiple
camera operators. Uploaded content can be accessed securely
from any location. News teams can start logging clips while

4
shooting’s still going on, saving valuable time when a story’s
breaking
• Wi-Fi/NFC (Near Field Communication) with Content Browser
Mobile™ allows the PXW-Z280 to be remotely controlled from a
smartphone or tablet computer (iOS 9.0 ‒ 10.3 or Android 4.4
through 7.1) via a Wi-Fi connection. One-touch authentication is
also possible with smartphones that offer NFC connectivity
• Wired LAN port allows you to connect the PXW-Z280 to the
Internet with a standard Ethernet cable

*5 GHz support dependent on country/regional regulation. Only

PXW-280V support 5 GHz.
**The Content Browser Mobile™ application can be downloaded
from the Google Play Store or App Store. Wi-Fi operation cannot
be guaranteed with all smartphones and tablet computers.

H ig h qua lity XAVC Intr a a nd XAVC Long GOP

r e cor ding s
XAVC technology is based on the H.264 standard, which provides
an exceptionally robust and efficient compression technology.
XAVC Intra (frame) compression means that every frame is
encoded independent of the other frames ‒ providing a better
quality picture, without compromises. XAVC Long GOP applies
compression across multiple frames ‒ reducing file sizes, which
can make for fast ingest and editing as well as providing budget
savings on recording media. The XAVC codec adopts 10-bit
sampling for high definition recording with rich tonal expression.

Br oa dca st-sta nda r d MP E G H D4 2 2 a nd MP E G H D

High-quality MPEG HD422 50 Mbps is fully compliant with the
latest EBU recommendations for long-form broadcast
production and is widely accepted in broadcasting stations and
production houses. This recording capability makes PXW-Z280
ideal for a wide range of different applications, including
newsgathering and documentary production.

5
DVC AM a t 2 5 Mbps in MXF file for m a t
Many broadcasters and production houses still utilise the proven
DVCAM format and PXW-Z280 provides support at the flick of a
switch.

Specifications General

PXW-Z280 is available from Sony

as two SKUs. PXW-Z280V supports
both 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi. PXW-
Important Note
Z280T supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
Availability is determined by
country/regional regulations.

Approx 2.6 kg (body)

Approx. 5 lb 11.7 oz (body)
Approx. 3.0 kg (with lens hood,
eyecup, BP-U35 battery, a SxS
Mass
memory card)
Approx. 6 lb 9.8 oz (with lens hood,
eyecup, BP-U35 battery, a SxS
memory card)

178.4 × 202.0 × 426.3 mm (With

the accessories (lens hood,
eyecup), excluding the grip belt
and including the projecting parts)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
7 1/8 x 8 x 16 7/8 inches (With the
accessories (lens hood, eyecup),

6
excluding the grip belt and
including the projecting parts)

DC In: 12V
Battery: 14.4 V
Power Requirements Please use genuine Sony batteries
to ensure correct and safe
operation*2

Approx. 24W
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF
On when the external device
connector is not used.)
Power Consumption Approx. 36W
(while recording with LCD On, EVF
On when the external device
connector is used.)

Operating 0°C to 40°C

Temperature 32°F to 104°F

-20°C to +60°C
Storage Temperature
-4°F to +140°F

Approx. 1 hours, 20 minutes with

BP-U35 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF
On when the external device
connector is not used.)
Approx. 1 hours, 5 minutes with BP-

7
U30 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF
On when the external device
Battery Operating connector is not used.)
Time Approx. 2 hours, 10 minutes with
BP-U60 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF
On when the external device
connector is not used.)
Approx. 3 hours, 15 minutes with
BP-U90 battery
(while recording with LCD Off, EVF
On when the external device
connector is not used.)

<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I QFHD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max.600
Mbps
XAVC-I HD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, CBG, Max.222
Mbps
<XAVC Long>
XAVC-L QFHD mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 150Mbps,
MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 50Mbps,
MPEG-4 H.264/AVC

8
Recording Format AVC-L HD 35 mode:
(Video) VBR, maximum bit rate 35Mbps,
MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 25Mbps,
MPEG-4 H.264/AVC
<MPEG-2 Long GOP>
MPEG HD422 mode:
CBR, maximum bit rate 50Mbps,
MPEG-2 422P@HL
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
VBR, maximum bit rate 35Mbps,
MPEG-2 MP@HL
<DVCAM>
DVCAM mode:
CBR, 25Mbps, DVCAM

<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:
<XAVC Long>
XAVC-L mode:
LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:

Recording Format <MPEG-2 Long GOP>

(Audio) MPEG HD422 mode:

LPCM 24-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels:
<DVCAM>

9
DVCAM mode:
LPCM 16-bit, 48kHz, 4 channels

<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I QFHD mode:
3840x2160/59,94p, 50p, 29.97p,
23.98p, 25p
XAVC-I HD mode:
1920x1080/59,94p, 59.94i, 50p, 50i,
29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1280x720/59.94P, 50P
<XAVC Long>
Recording Frame Rate XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode:
3840x2160/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P,
23.98P, 25P
XAVC-L HD 50 mode:
1920x1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i,
29.97P, 23.98P, 25P
1280x720/59.94P, 50P
XAVC-L HD 35 mode:
1920x1080/59.94P, 50P, 59.94i, 50i,
29.97P, 23.98P, 25P

XAVC-L HD 25 mode:
1920x1080/59.94i, 50i
<MPEG-2 Long GOP>
MPEG HD422 mode:
1920x1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P,
23.98P, 25P

10
1280x720/59.94P, 50P, 29.97P,
23.98P, 25P
Recording Frame Rate
MPEG HD420 HQ mode:
- Continued
1920x1080/59.94i, 50i, 29.97P,
23.98P, 25P
1440x1080/59.94i, 50i
1280x720/59.94P,50P
<DVCAM>
DVCAM mode:
720x480/59.94i, 29.97PsF
720x576/50i, 25PsF

<XAVC Intra>
XAVC-I QFHD mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 22 minutes
XAVC-I HD mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 57 minutes
<XAVC Long>
Recording/Playback
XAVC-L QFHD 150 mode
Time
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 86 minutes
XAVC-L HD 50 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 230 minutes
XAVC-L HD 35 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 310 minutes

11
XAVC-L 25 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 420 minutes
<MPEG-2 Long GOP>
MPEG HD422 mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Recording/Playback
Approx. 215 minutes
Time - Continued
MPEG HD420 HQ mode
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 330 minutes
<DVCAM>
When using SBP-128B(128GB):
Approx. 405 minutes

Recording Format XAVC Proxy: AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 2

(Proxy Audio) channels

XAVC Proxy: AVC/H.264 Main Profile

4:2:0 Long GOP, VBR
1920x1080, 9Mbps
Recording Format 1280x720, 9Mbps
(Proxy Video) 1280x720, 6Mbps
640x360, 3Mbps
480x270, 1Mbps
480x270, 0.5Mbps

Lens

12
Lens Mount Fixed

Zoom Ratio 17x (optical), servo/manual

f = 5.6 - 95.2 mm
Focal Length
(35mm equivalent: 30.3 - 515 mm)

F1.9 - F16 and close

Iris
auto/manual selectable

800 mm to ∞ (Macro Off),

50 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Wide),
Focus
800 mm to ∞ (Macro On, Tele)
AF/MF/Full MF selectable

Image Stabilizer On/Off selectable, shift lens

Filter Diameter φ77 mm, pitch 0.75mm

Camera Section

1/2 type back-illuminated Exmor R

Imaging Device (Type)
3CMOS sensor

Effective Picture
3840 (H) x 2160 (V)
Elements

Optical System F1.6 prism system

ND filters
OFF: CLEAR
1: 1/4ND

13
Built-in Optical Filters 2: 1/16ND
3: 1/64ND
Linear variable ND (Approx. 1/4ND
to 1/128ND)

F12 (typical, 1920 x 1080/59.94p

mode)
F13 (typical, 1920 x 1080/50p
Sensitivity (2000 lx, mode)
89.9% reflectance) F12 (typical, 3840 x 2160/59.94p,
High Sensitivity Mode)
F13 (typical, 3840 x 2160/50p, High
Sensitivity Mode)

0.0013lx (typical)
(1920 x 1080/59.94i mode, F1.9, +42
Minimum Illumination
dB gain, High Sensitivity Mode,
with 64 frame accumulation)

S/N Ratio 63 dB (Y) (typical)

2,000 TV lines or more (3840 x

2160p mode)
Horizontal Resolution
1,000 TV lines or more (1920 x
1080p mode)

Shutter Speed 1/24 sec to 1/8,000 sec

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 32, and 64-frame

Slow Shutter (SLS)
accumulation

14
<XAVC Intra>
<XAVC Long>
2160P: 1-60 fps
1080P: 1-60 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
Slow and Quick
<MPEG HD422>
Motion Function
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps
<MPEG HD420 HQ>
1080P: 1-30 fps
720P: 1-60 fps

Preset (3200K), Memory A,

White Balance
Memory B/ATW

-3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB,

Gain
42dB(Turbo Gain ON), AGC

Gamma Curve Selectable

Streaming

AVC / RTMP / RTMPS

1920x1080 at 9Mbps
Protocol *3 1920x1080 at 6Mbps
1280x720 at 3Mbps
640x340 at 1Mbps

Input/Output

15
XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2),
line/mic/mic +48 V selectable
Audio Input LINE：+4, 0, -3dBu/10kΩ
MIC：-80dBu to -30dBu /3kΩ
(0 dBu=0.775 Vrms)

BNC (x1), HD-Y/ HD-

SYNC/Composite
Video Output
1.0Vp-p, 75Ω
(switchable to Genlock in)

Integrated into Multi/Micro USB

Audio Output
jack(x1)

BNC (x1), 12G/3G/HD/SD

SDI Output
selectable

BNC (x1) (switchable to TC out)

Timecode Input
0.5V-1.8Vp-p, 3.3kΩ

BNC (x1) (switchable to TC in)

Timecode Output
1.0Vp-p, 75Ω

BNC (x1) (switchable to Video out)

Genlock Input
1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω

USB device, Multi/Micro USB jack

(x1)
USB
Host:USB 3.0/2.0 type A(x1)
USB 2.0 type A(x1)

Stereo mini jack (x1)

16
Headphone Output -16dBu 16Ω

Monaural
Speaker Output
Output: 500mW

DC Input DC jack (x1)

Remote Stereo mini-minijack (Φ2.5 mm)

HDMI Output Type A (x1)

RJ-45 (x1), 1000BASE-T, 100BASE-

Wired LAN
T, 10BASE-T

Monitoring

1.3 cm (0.5 type)

Viewfinder
Approx 2.36M dots

8.8cm (3.5 type)

LCD
Approx. 1.56M dots

Built-in Microphone

Omni-directional stereo electret

Built-in Microphone
condenser microphone

Media

Type ExpressCard/34 slot (x2)

17
Wi-Fi/NFC

Supported Format IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

2.4 GHz bandwidth

Frequency Band
5.2/5.3/5.6 GHz bandwidth*1

Security WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK

NFC NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compliant

Supplied Accessories

Lens hood (1), Pre-installed to the

Camcorder
EVF eyecup (1)
Battery pack BP-U30 or U35 (1)
AC Adapter/charger BC-U1A (1)
Power Code (1)
Supplied Accessories
USB cable (1)
Shoulder strap (1)
Warranty Booklet (1)
"Before Using this Unit" (1)
CDROM "Operating instructions"
(1)

Notes

Depending on country / regional

*1 regulation and only on PXW-Z280V

18
SKU.

Sony does not guarantee other

manufacturers’ batteries to
*2
operate properly as noted in
operation manual.

*3 Requires V4 or higher firmware.

Related
products

P WS- U WP -D2 7 P WA-RX1

1 1 0 RX1 A UWP-D complete Network RX Station
wireless audio Application
Network RX Station package with
seamless Sony
cameras integration.

19
Gallery

20
© 2004 - 2025 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. 21
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is
prohibited. Features and specifications are subject to change
without notice. The values for mass and dimension are
approximate. All trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.