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Review Summary
2018-03-06T09:02:41
Overall the PX180 is a great camera. It functioned well right out of the box as far as color levels and iris. It's lightweight, and controls are setup well. The only disappointment was the 25X lens, It didn't have the actual reach of a 22x similar style camera it was tested against. The price is hard to beat as well.
ACCOUNTS P.
XAVC-Intra1920x1080:
59.94i: 111Mbps max, 50i: 112Mbps max, 29.97P: 111Mbps max, 25P: 112Mbps max, 23.98P: 89Mbps max
XAVC-Intra 1280x720:
59.94P: 111Mbps max, 50P: 112Mbps max
XAVC-Long 1920x1080: 59.94i, 50i: 50/35/25Mbps max, 59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 25P, 23.98P: 50/35Mbps max
XAVC-Long 1280x720:
59.94P, 50P: 50Mbps max
MPEG HD422 1920x1080:
59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P, 23.98P: 50Mbps max
MPEG HD422 1280x720:
59.94P, 50P, 29.97P, 25P, 23.98P: 50Mbps max
MPEG HD420 1920x1080: 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P, 23.98P: 35Mbps max
MPEG HD420 1440x1080:
59.94i, 50i: 35Mbps max
MPEG HD420 1280x720: 59.94P, 50P: 35Mbps max
AVCHD 1920x1080: 59.94P, 50P: 28Mbps max, 59.94i, 50i, 29.97P, 25P, 23.98P: 24Mbps max
AVCHD 1280x720:
59.94P, 50P: 24Mbps max
DVCAM 720x480:
59.94i: 25Mbps
DVCAM 720x576: 50i: 25Mbps
Proxy:
1280x720: 9Mbps
640x360: 3Mbps
480x270: 1Mbps
480x270: 500Kbps
PCM, AC-3 (AVCHD): 2ch-> LPCM (XAVC/MPEG2/AVCHD/DVCAM), Dolby Digital (AVCHD): 2ch
Fixed
25x (optical), servo/manual
f=3.7-92.5 mm
equivalent to 26-650 mm on 35 mm lens
F1.6 - F11 and C (close)
AF/MF selectable, 10 mm - infinity (Wide), 800 mm - infinity (Tele)
ON/OFF/ACTIVE selectable, shift lens
M82 mm
3-chips 1/3-type "Exmor" CMOS Sensor
1920 (H) x 1080 (V)
Clear, 1/4-1/128 Variable
F9 (typical) (1920 x 1080/59.94i mode)
F10 (typical) (1920 x 1080/50i mode)
60 dB (Y) (typical)
1/32 sec to 1/2000 sec
1920x1080p: Frame rate selectable 1-60p (depends on Recording Format)
1280x720: 1-120P (depends on Recording Format)
Angle of view becomes smaller over 60fps
Preset (3200K), A,B
Yes
Yes
Yes
XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2)
Type A (x1)
BNC Connector (x1)
BNC Connector (x1)
Stereo mini jack Dia. 3.5 mm (x1)
mini-B/USB2.0 Hi-speed/mass-storage (x1)
Type A/for Wireless LAN module (x1)
Type A/USB3.0 (x1) (future Update)
BNC Connector (x1)
Stereo mini mini jack °2.5 mm (x1)
DC jack (x1)
Multi Interface Shoe (x1)
Stereo mini jack °3.5 mm (x1)
0.5-type color OLED, 2.36M dots
3.5-type color LCD monitor Aspect ratio 16:9, 1.56Mdots
Omni-directional stereo electret condenser microphone
ExpressCard/34 slot (2) (for XAVC/MPEG2/AVCHD/DV)
SD/SDHC (1) (for Proxy)
SD/SDHC (1) (for Utility)
DC19.5 V (AC Adaptor), DC14.4 V (battery pack)
Approx. 19.9 W (while recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.)
Approx. 20.8 W (while recording with LCD On, EVF On when the external device connector is used.)
0deg.C to 40deg.C (32deg.F to 104deg.F)
-20deg.C to +60deg.C (-4deg.F to 104deg.F)
With battery pack BP-U90: approx. 4 hours, 00 minutes (While recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.)
With battery pack BP-U60: approx. 2 hours, 35 minutes (While recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used.)
With battery pack BP-U30: approx. 1 hours, 15 minutes (While recording with LCD Off, EVF On when the external device connector is not used)
Without Protrusions: 191.50 x 201.50 x 412.00mm (7.53 x 7.93 x 16.22")
Body: 5.95lbs (2.69kg)

The PXW-X180 is the latest in the long line of Sony’s 3-chip, 1/3 inch ENG cameras, picking up where the Z7u and the NX5u left off. While the demand for larger sensors in recent years might seem..
Experience the PXW-X180 with Daniel Norton. AdoramaTV presents Extra, an Adorama Pro series focused on new professional gear and advanced techniques.
The Sony PXW-x180 Full HD XDCAM Handheld Camcorder features three 1/3" Exmor CMOS sensors and a 25x Sony G zoom lens with 26mm wide angle. It records high-quality, 10-bit 1080p video using the XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP codecs. It also offers MPEG HD 422, MPEG HD 420, AVCHD and DV codecs to fit into a variety of broadcast and production workflows. Other key features include a 0.5" OLED viewfinder, dual SXS memory card slots, proxy recording to SD cards and an electronically controlled variable ND filter. The camcorder can be controlled wirelessly with a smartphone or tablet using the included wireless LAN module.
Newly developed 25x optical zoom G Lens with 26 mm wide angle
This new lens delivers uncompromised Sony G Lens quality and a 26 mm angle of view at the wide end of its 25x zoom range (35 mm equivalent: 26 mm to 650 mm). That's more than enough range for a wide variety of shooting situations. Independent manual zoom and focus rings with end-stop and iris control are provided and a slide mechanism on the focus ring enables easy switching between auto and manual focusing.
Compatible with XAVC and a range of other recording formats
In addition to XAVC Intra/Long GOP, the PXW-x180 can record in MPEG2, AVCHD and DV format. The MXF file format is used for XAVC recording, efficiently compressing full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. Image sampling is 4:2:2 10-bit with Intra-frame compression at 112 Mbps, or high-efficiency Long-GOP compression at 50/35/25 Mbps.
Innovative Sony image sensor, image processor and lens achieve outstanding image quality
Sony's Exmor 3CMOS Sensor system provides independent 1/3-type CMOS image sensors for the red, blue and green color channels, each with 2.07 effective megapixels (16:9). The result is high resolution and sensitivity that contribute to superior color reproduction. An advanced image processor that features sophisticated noise reduction and distortion compensation is instrumental in delivering superb detail and texture reproduction, with image quality settings rivaling high-end broadcast camcorders.
Support for SXS, XQD and SD memory cards plus Memory Stick
To provide compatibility with a variety of workflows, the PXW-x180 feature two SXS memory card slots for high-speed read/write capability. An XQD card adaptor allows recording to XQD memory cards and an SD card adaptor enables recording to SD memory cards for maximum economy when shooting for extended periods.
Variable ND filter
The PXW-x180 is the first professional Sony camcorders to feature a continuously variable ND filter. A new filter device that electronically controls density enables continuous adjustment from 1/4 ND to 1/128 ND via a simple dial operation. In conjunction with iris setting that controls depth of field and brightness, this advanced filter facilitates shooting techniques such as the use of slow shutter in daylight and other bright conditions. For operators who prefer the conventional ND selector interface, the PXW-x180 features a dual ND filter control mechanism that provides both continuous electronic control and the standard four-position switch.
3.5-type LCD panel and 0.5-type OLED viewfinder
The PXW-x180 is equipped with a 3.5-type QHD LCD panel (960 x 540 XRGB, 16:9) that provides easy viewing in a wide range of lighting conditions. Both models also feature a 0.5-type OLED viewfinder (1024 x 768 XRGB, 4:3). High resolution makes precise manual focus easy. Compared to LCOS devices, there is no color breakup and viewing comfort is significantly improved.
Wireless functions for file transmission and remote control
Near Field Communication (NFC) functions allow easy, one-touch wireless LAN connection to a smartphone or tablet. The Content Browser Mobile application enables confirmation of the angle of the shot before shooting, monitor recording and remote operation of the camcorder (field angle/white balance/iris, etc.). The use of mobile routers (sold separately) and other mobile devices also allows transmission of files after shooting. In addition, lightweight proxy video files can be generated separately from the main line recording and recorded to SD cards for quick sharing of content over low-bandwidth mobile networks.
Multi-Interface Shoe
Compatible accessories attached to the Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe can be controlled from the PXW-x180. The HVL-LBPC video light, for example, can be switched on and off from the camcorder. Power and audio connections for a UWP-D11 or UWP-D12 wireless microphone receiver are made via the MI Shoe, minimizing the need for extra batteries and additional cabling.