Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300

[Christopher Young]

A Sony engineer told me once that the accuracy required in manufacturing the three sensor prism and the 1µm (1,000,000 mm) mounting accuracy of mounting the sensors to it is the most costly component of their camera manufacturing. That it costs more for that assembly than the entire cost of manufacturing most of their single sensor cameras. So I can understand the end prices they ask.

Like most three chippers with high density photosites,(4K) small sensor 1/2" cameras, you really do need to work wide open to F/4.0 to get the optimum optical performance out of them. That is purely down to the laws of optical physics.

Because of the sensor aesthetics, being smaller and not having the ability to control DOF as easily along with their higher retail prices, three chippers seem have fallen out of favour. But there is still an industry need for them for certain types of jobs.

Like Doug said, though. I bemoan the fact that these newer models don't have viewfinders. Regardless of how good a camera's AF is, I still want a VF. The first thing I did with the FX6 was to buy A Sony loupe and an after market VF support for it.

Doug. I use some flip ups like these. Quicker and avoids glasses on/off all the time. Variable mag strengths. 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0.

https://urli.info/1joyF

Chris Young

[W. Bill Magac]

Doug, I'm not sure if you are aware David Winters Cranky Cameraman YouTube channel. David is a
broadcast, documentary, corporate shooter who used to shoot with an ARRI Amira but these days shoots primarily with Sony cameras, FX6, FX9, Burano. In this video, David mentions he just bought a Z200 for a job and has some questions about the camera. Doug, I'm sure you can help David out.

https://youtu.be/lLb6DLMD9zs?si=t2nhLdw0YcpTlaH

Thanks.