Sony PXW-X400KC Shoulder Camcorder

Sony PXW-X400KC Shoulder Camcorder. The PXW-X400 is an advanced shoulder camcorder that records a variety of professional broadcast-quality formats, including HD XAVC Intra 1080 59.94p/50p and XAVC Long GOP at 59.94p/50p. The camcorder offers exceptional weight balance and low power consumption alongside excellent networking features and high picture quality. The reengineered design dramatically reduces the load on the operator’s right-arm. It supports Sony viewfinders including the QHD LCD CBK-VF02 and optionally available Full HD OLED HDVF-EL30 and HDVF-EL20. The camcorder also offers improved network connectivity, with built-in wireless module, embedded RJ-45 Ethernet 100B-T connector and Near Field Communication (NFC) function for easy Wi-Fi setup and operation via a mobile or tablet with Sony’s Content Browser Mobile™ application. SD or HD-SDI (up to 1.5G) input supports pool feed recording.

 

 

 

 

Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording option

In response to the growing demand for HDR production, PXW-X400 can be upgraded to shoot in Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) with CBKZ-SLHL1 license option. The colour space is compliant with BT.2020. HLG recording provides HDR image quality with an easy file-based workflow. It makes it simple to shoot, edit and view HDR content in HLG without the need for additional colour grading, when using an HLG compatible display. Upgrade will be available from end of May 2020 and requires Version 5.0 or higher firmware.

 

 

Who is it for?

 

The Sony PXW-X400KC Shoulder Camcorder is a professional shoulder-mounted broadcast camera designed for news, sports, documentaries, live broadcasting, ENG workflows, and professional television production. It is intended for operators who require excellent balance, high image quality, long operating times, and reliable performance in demanding production environments.

 

 

Main advantages

Professional shoulder-mounted design for long shooting sessions
XAVC Intra Full HD 1080 59.94p/50p recording
Low power consumption
Excellent operator weight balance
Built-in wireless and networking features
HDR Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) support
Sony Content Browser Mobile™ compatibility
SDI input with Pool Feed Recording support
High-quality Full HD “Exmor” CMOS image sensor
Designed for professional broadcast productions

 

 

 

 

How does it perform in real life?

 

The Sony PXW-X400KC is designed to maximize operator comfort during long productions. The redesigned body significantly reduces strain on the operator’s right arm, making the camera more comfortable for all-day shooting.

Its integrated Wi-Fi module, NFC functionality, and RJ-45 Ethernet connection enable fast file transfer, remote workflows, and camera control via mobile devices using Sony’s Content Browser Mobile™ application.

The camera is ideal for news reporting, sports broadcasting, documentaries, and other situations where fast deployment, stable operation, and professional image quality are essential.

 

 

What should you pay attention to?

The camera is designed for the professional broadcast market
Best suited for television production workflows
Professional media cards and accessories are recommended
HDR HLG functionality may require an additional license
Optimized for ENG and broadcast environments

 

 

Comparison with alternatives

 

Compared to other shoulder-mounted broadcast cameras, the Sony PXW-X400KC stands out with its excellent ergonomics, low power consumption, and advanced networking features. Integrated Wi-Fi, NFC, and professional XAVC recording formats provide exceptional flexibility for modern broadcast workflows.

 

 

Is it worth buying?

 

If you are looking for a professional shoulder-mounted broadcast camera for television, ENG, or live production work, the Sony PXW-X400KC is one of the best choices in its category. It offers an excellent balance of ergonomics, networking functionality, HDR capabilities, and professional image quality.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the camera suitable for broadcast television?

 

Yes, the camera is specifically designed for professional television and ENG productions.

 

 

Does the camera support HDR?

 

Yes, the camera supports HDR recording with the optional HLG license upgrade.

 

 

Does the camera include wireless connectivity?

 

Yes, it features built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Ethernet connectivity.

 

 

Is the camera suitable for long shooting sessions?

 

Yes, the ergonomic shoulder-mounted design is optimized for long professional use.

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

 

Mass: pprox. 3.6 kg (body only without lens, VF, Mic); approx. 7 lb 15 oz (body only without lens, VF, Mic)

Dimensions (width x height x depth): 150 x 269 x 332 mm (excluding protrusions, body only); 6 x 10 5/8 x 13 1/8 inches (excluding protrusions, body only)

Power Requirements: DC 12 V (11 V to 17.0 V)

Power Consumption: approx. 22 W (while XAVC recording, color LCD on); approx. 24 W (while XAVC recording, CBK-VF02 viewfinder and color LCD on)

Recording Format (Video): XAVC Intra: XAVC-I mode: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, CBG, Max.112 Mbps; XAVC Long: XAVC-L 50 Mode: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 50 Mbps; XAVC-L 35 Mode: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 35 Mbps; XAVC-L 25 Mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, VBR, Max. 25 Mbps; MPEG HD422: HD422 mode: MPEG-2 422P@HL, CBR, Max.50 Mbps; MPEG HD: HQ mode: MPEG-2 MP@HL, VBR, Max.35 Mbps; MPEG IMX: MPEG-2 422@ML, CBR, 50 Mbps; DVCAM: CBR, 25 Mbps

Recording Format (Audio):  XAVC Intra: LPCM 24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels; XAVC Long: LPCM 24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels; MPEG HD422: LPCM 24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels; MPEG HD: LPCM 16 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels; MPEG IMX: LPCM 16/24 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels; DVCAM: LPCM 16 bits, 48 kHz, 4 channels

Recording Format (Proxy Video): XAVC Proxy: AVC/H.264 Main Profile 4:2:0 Long GOP, VBR; 1280 × 720, 9 Mbps (Target Rate); 1280 × 720, 6 Mbps (Target Rate); 640 × 360, 3 Mbps (Target Rate); 480 × 270, 1 Mbps, 500 kbps (Target Rate)

Recording Format (Proxy Audio): XAVC Proxy: AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 2 channels

Lens Mount: Sony 2/3-inch type bayonet mount

Zoom Ratio: PXW-X400KF Only: 16x (optical), servo/manual; PXW-X400KC Only: 20x (optical), servo/manual

Focal Length: PXW-X400KF Only: f = 8 - 128 mm (35mm equivalent: f=31.5 - 503 mm); PXW-X400KC Only: f = 8.2 - 164 mm (35mm equivalent: f=32.3 - 645.1 mm)

Filter Diameter: M82 mm, pitch 0.75 mm (on lens)

Genlock Input: BNC (x1), 1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω, unbalanced
Timecode Input: BNC (x1), 0.5 V to 18 Vp-p, 10 kΩ

SDI Input: SMPTE ST292/ST259 standard compliant, 4-channel audio; 1.5G; Poolfeed Recording (upto 1080 59.94i)

Audio Input: CH1/CH2: XLR-type 3-pin (female) (x2), Line/Mic/Mic/+48V selectable; LINE: +4, 0, -3 dBu; AES/EBU: AES3 compliant; MIC: -70 dBu to -30 dBu

Mic Input: XLR-type 5-pin, female: -70 dBu to -30 dBu

Video Output: BNC, SD analog composite/HD-Y selectable
Audio Output: XLR-type 5-pin, male, +4/0/-3 dBu (balanced)

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB or less)

Imager: 3-chip 2/3-type "Exmor" Full HD CMOS

Effective Resolution: 1920 (H) x 1080 (V)

Optical System: F1.4 prism system

Built-in Optical Filters: 1: Clear, 2: 1/4ND, 3: 1/16ND, 4: 1/64ND

Viewfinder: PXW-X400KF/PXW-X400KC Only: 3.5-inch *18 type color LCD monitor: 960 (H) x 540 (V), Quarter HD Size

Built-in LCD Monitor: Color LCD, Screen size: 8.8 cm (3.5 inch) diagonal*18 , Aspect ratio: 16:9, Number of pixels: 960 (H) × 540 (V) for Video display, Audio level, TC, battery and media remaining capacity

Supported Media:  High Resolution Video/Audio: SxS card; XQD card (with XQD ExpressCard Adapter, QDA-EX1*); SDXC card (with XQD ExpressCard Adapter, MEAD-SD02). * This product is discontinued with no successor. Proxy Video/Audio and Utility: SDXC/SDHC