Shooting for documentary features or news comes with its own set of requirements, which can vary from other types of shooting, where more control of the location, subject matter, and conditions is a viable option. Sony has for a long time had a strong presence in this field, notably with the current PXW-Z280 camcorder. However, they have just announced a new member of the family, to be available in the fall – the PXW-Z300. And, on paper at least, it looks set to be packed with just the features for the job.
While the form factor is similar to other Sony ENG cameras, the newcomer has taken feedback from users and made a few adjustments to make shooting more efficient and comfortable. To start with, the LCD mount has been redesigned and is more flexible, allowing for better repositioning. It can be more traditionally placed or moved forward, to sit near the front of the lens, perfect for shoulder-mounted shooting. The LCD is a touch panel, can display HDR content, and runs at 1280x720.
