Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 at DVinfo.net

Andrew Smith · July 23rd, 2025, 11:04 PM

It's standout shiny new feature is being the first camera with footage authentication via embedded digital signatures. Just the thing for combatting "misinformation" and AI shenanigans.

Optical zoom is 17x with the ability to do an additional 1.5x in 4K mode and 4x in HD mode via the digital extender function.

"And now for DVinfo's resident Sony camera expert Doug Jensen. Doug, what can you tell us about this new camera?" :-)

Andrew

Doug Jensen · July 26th, 2025, 10:54 PM

I've been involved in the development of the Z300 for almost a year, and a couple of the Japanese engineers even brought a prototype to my house in Florida last December to get my feedback. And then I saw it again at NAB. It is going a great camera, with one huge flaw . . . no viewfinder. I couldn't convince Sony that a lot of us older, successful, experienced, professional shooters still insist on a viewfinder!!!!

They are hoping to rely on 3rd-party accessory makers to fill that gap with an optical loupe to clamp onto the LCD, but there's nothing available yet from Zacuto or any of the other major players. To Sony's credit, though, the LCD mount is quite robust (unlike the FX6) and should handle the weight of a good viewfinder loupe when those accessories become availalble.

I left Florida at the end of June for a 4-month road trip through the Canadian Rockies and Alaska, and I was supposed to have a pre-production Z300 to bring with me, but it ended up not being ready in time. And I don't want to receive it in the middle of my trip -- especially without a viewfinder solution already figured out.

But I do look forward to getting my hands on one in November and putting it through it's paces. The Z200 has already become the camera I use most frequently, and I expect the Z300 might replace both my Z280 and Z200. I think they'll sell a ton of them. No other camcorder from any manufacturer can match it's specs or features.

That's my take on the Z300. Thanks for asking.
(currently in Haines, AK)

Andrew Smith · July 27th, 2025, 07:56 AM

Thanks for all that, Doug.

How do you rate the 'AI empowered' advancements in autofocus on the camera? Would you be prepared to trust it in real life?

Andrew

Doug Jensen · July 27th, 2025, 01:08 PM

AF should be fantastic. My Z200 uses AI and I rarely ever need to focus the lens manually. Somehow it just knows what is supposed to be in focus. And if I do focus manually, it takes that information and says"okay, that's what is important, so I'll track focus on that object". It just works.

I can say that the Z200 has the best AF of any video camera ever made. So, the Z300 will just build on that.

Bob Safay · July 28th, 2025, 04:42 AM

I agree with Doug. I recently returned from a two-week trip to Botswana. I used the Canon XF605 to film the wildlife and believe me, I used the EVF 90% of the time. At my age I would never buy a camcorder/cinema camera that did not have an EVF, although it looks like all camera manufacturers are dropping the EFV. Trust me, bouncing around in a safari vehicle while having the LCD monitor and hood deployed all the time is just not practical. I agree it does have very impressive specs but at this point of my life I really have no use for footage authentication via embedded digital signatures.

Doug, safe travels.

W. Bill Magac · July 28th, 2025, 10:30 AM

Here is Zacuto’s solution to the lack of an EVF.

https://www.cined.com/zacuto-z-finde...sony-pxw-z300/

Bob Safay · July 31st, 2025, 10:22 AM

And that adds another $500. to the price.

Andrew Smith · July 31st, 2025, 06:43 PM

Doug, after reading some comments from people on another site, what are your thoughts about the clarity of the lens in this camera when it comes to the 4K resolution? And is this "the same sensor block" etc or are there new developments or advances here that are being brought to market?

Also, I note that this camera doesn't use the expensive SxS cards for storage media. Is this from your feedback to Sony engineers?

Andrew

Doug Jensen · July 31st, 2025, 10:22 PM

Everything I've seen from the camera looks great, but since I have not had the chance to put it through it's paces on my own, I will defer all specific comments about it until I have the opportunity to do so. In particular, I look forward to comparing it head to head with my Z280 and Z200. Unfortunately, as I have noted before, I am on the road until November and do not foresee getting my hands on my Z300 until then. Rotten timing for the release of a new camera.

W. Bill Magac · August 1st, 2025, 10:12 AM

Any chance the camera will be able to record 32-bit float audio?

Doug Jensen · August 1st, 2025, 04:33 PM

If you don't see it in the product specs, then I'd say no. As far as I know, there are no Sony cameras that have that feature, nor do I think it is it necessary.

Andrew Smith · November 13th, 2025, 11:12 PM

So, how's that review coming along? :-)

Andrew

W. Bill Magac · November 14th, 2025, 11:56 AM

I had the opportunity to check out the camera at last month's NABNY show. The camera appears to be designed for the broadcast industry. As a general purpose camcorder it is way overpriced. B&H lists the camera for $8,299 whereas Adorama is listing the camera for $9,999. The Sony rep told me the camera should start shipping in mid November.

Doug Jensen · November 14th, 2025, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Smith

So, how's that review coming along? :-)
Andrew

I just got back home from being on the road for six months, and a final production Z300 arrived yesterday by FedEx. Less than 10 minutes after opening the box I was literally on my way to shoot the Blue Origin rocket launch at Cape Canaveral (see video below) Today, I just wrapped up a 5 hour shoot of a prescribed burn with the county fire department and Florida Forestry. The camera smells like hickory smoked sausage now! :-). I may post a short video in the next couple of days if I have time to go through the footage.

I'm still not ready to post a review or any serious comments, but I will say that I absolutely hate not having a EVF. Reading glasses on . . . glasses off . . . glasess on . . . glasses off . . . over and over again . . . what a pain in the ass for those of us who need readers. I'll be working on a couple of possible solutions in the next couple days.

Z300 / Blue Origin rocket launch: https://youtu.be/TKUTgHGx6IA?si=P0XC5s1zeyLV8YWr

Pete Cofrancesco · November 14th, 2025, 01:47 PM

I agree these cameras targeted at broadcasters types where money isn’t a concern.
I’m sure it’s a good camera but nothing I’d pay for. Camcorders haven’t improved the last 8 yrs but the prices have remained the same.

July 23rd, 2025, 11:04 PM	#1
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,132	Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 It's standout shiny new feature is being the first camera with footage authentication via embedded digital signatures. Just the thing for combatting "misinformation" and AI shenanigans. Optical zoom is 17x with the ability to do an additional 1.5x in 4K mode and 4x in HD mode via the digital extender function. "And now for DVinfo's resident Sony camera expert Doug Jensen. Doug, what can you tell us about this new camera?" :-) Andrew Attached Thumbnails

July 26th, 2025, 10:54 PM	#2
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,494	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 I've been involved in the development of the Z300 for almost a year, and a couple of the Japanese engineers even brought a prototype to my house in Florida last December to get my feedback. And then I saw it again at NAB. It is going a great camera, with one huge flaw . . . no viewfinder. I couldn't convince Sony that a lot of us older, successful, experienced, professional shooters still insist on a viewfinder!!!! They are hoping to rely on 3rd-party accessory makers to fill that gap with an optical loupe to clamp onto the LCD, but there's nothing available yet from Zacuto or any of the other major players. To Sony's credit, though, the LCD mount is quite robust (unlike the FX6) and should handle the weight of a good viewfinder loupe when those accessories become availalble. I left Florida at the end of June for a 4-month road trip through the Canadian Rockies and Alaska, and I was supposed to have a pre-production Z300 to bring with me, but it ended up not being ready in time. And I don't want to receive it in the middle of my trip -- especially without a viewfinder solution already figured out. But I do look forward to getting my hands on one in November and putting it through it's paces. The Z200 has already become the camera I use most frequently, and I expect the Z300 might replace both my Z280 and Z200. I think they'll sell a ton of them. No other camcorder from any manufacturer can match it's specs or features. That's my take on the Z300. Thanks for asking. (currently in Haines, AK) __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

July 27th, 2025, 07:56 AM	#3
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,132	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 Thanks for all that, Doug. How do you rate the 'AI empowered' advancements in autofocus on the camera? Would you be prepared to trust it in real life? Andrew

July 27th, 2025, 01:08 PM	#4
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,494	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 AF should be fantastic. My Z200 uses AI and I rarely ever need to focus the lens manually. Somehow it just knows what is supposed to be in focus. And if I do focus manually, it takes that information and says"okay, that's what is important, so I'll track focus on that object". It just works. I can say that the Z200 has the best AF of any video camera ever made. So, the Z300 will just build on that. __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

July 28th, 2025, 04:42 AM	#5
Bob Safay Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,563	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 I agree with Doug. I recently returned from a two-week trip to Botswana. I used the Canon XF605 to film the wildlife and believe me, I used the EVF 90% of the time. At my age I would never buy a camcorder/cinema camera that did not have an EVF, although it looks like all camera manufacturers are dropping the EFV. Trust me, bouncing around in a safari vehicle while having the LCD monitor and hood deployed all the time is just not practical. I agree it does have very impressive specs but at this point of my life I really have no use for footage authentication via embedded digital signatures. Doug, safe travels. Last edited by Bob Safay; July 28th, 2025 at 05:22 AM.

July 28th, 2025, 10:30 AM	#6
W. Bill Magac Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: New England USA Posts: 85	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 Here is Zacuto’s solution to the lack of an EVF. https://www.cined.com/zacuto-z-finde...sony-pxw-z300/

July 31st, 2025, 10:22 AM	#7
Bob Safay Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,563	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 And that adds another $500. to the price.

July 31st, 2025, 06:43 PM	#8
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,132	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 Doug, after reading some comments from people on another site, what are your thoughts about the clarity of the lens in this camera when it comes to the 4K resolution? And is this "the same sensor block" etc or are there new developments or advances here that are being brought to market? Also, I note that this camera doesn't use the expensive SxS cards for storage media. Is this from your feedback to Sony engineers? Andrew

July 31st, 2025, 10:22 PM	#9
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,494	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 Everything I've seen from the camera looks great, but since I have not had the chance to put it through it's paces on my own, I will defer all specific comments about it until I have the opportunity to do so. In particular, I look forward to comparing it head to head with my Z280 and Z200. Unfortunately, as I have noted before, I am on the road until November and do not foresee getting my hands on my Z300 until then. Rotten timing for the release of a new camera. __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

August 1st, 2025, 10:12 AM	#10
W. Bill Magac Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: New England USA Posts: 85	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 Any chance the camera will be able to record 32-bit float audio?

August 1st, 2025, 04:33 PM	#11
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,494	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 If you don't see it in the product specs, then I'd say no. As far as I know, there are no Sony cameras that have that feature, nor do I think it is it necessary. __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

November 13th, 2025, 11:12 PM	#12
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,132	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 So, how's that review coming along? :-) Andrew

November 14th, 2025, 11:56 AM	#13
W. Bill Magac Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: New England USA Posts: 85	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 I had the opportunity to check out the camera at last month's NABNY show. The camera appears to be designed for the broadcast industry. As a general purpose camcorder it is way overpriced. B&H lists the camera for $8,299 whereas Adorama is listing the camera for $9,999. The Sony rep told me the camera should start shipping in mid November.

November 14th, 2025, 01:47 PM	#15
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,009	Re: Sony has a new 4K ½-inch 3-chip video camera - Sony PXW-Z300 I agree these cameras targeted at broadcasters types where money isn’t a concern. I’m sure it’s a good camera but nothing I’d pay for. Camcorders haven’t improved the last 8 yrs but the prices have remained the same. Last edited by Pete Cofrancesco; November 15th, 2025 at 08:56 AM.