Last Updated on July 9, 2020
Features
- three Sony 2/3-inch Exmor™ CMOS sensors
- 3G-SDI Platform Capable of 1080/50p and 59.94p
- Future-Proof 4K Upscalable and HD HDR Support with CCU
- PC-RCP (HZC-RCP5)
- MCS (Multi Camera System) capabilities
- Wide range of image control functions
- 2/3-inch type HD Portable Lens
- 7 inch Large Viewfinder
Sony HXC-FB80 Introduction Video
Sony HXC-FB80 Overview
When the Sony HXC-FB80 and the HXCU-FB80 camera control unit (CCU) was announced in 2017, the system was marketed as a “future-proof” path to 4K and HDR production. Does that promise still hold up with its actual release this January?
With the new system, Sony gave users the opportunity to create scaleable 4K broadcasts. The HXC-FB80 expands the HXC lineup and even shares a couple of features with the HXC-FB75. It continues to provide a -60dB signal-to-noise ratio with a high F13 sensitivity for shooting in low-light environments without too much fuss.
Equipped with three Sony 2/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensors, the HXC-FB80 provides excellent sensitivity and Full HD picture quality. It captures 1080x1920 video which can be scaled up to 4K (3840x2160) with the CCU. With the optional HZC-RCP5 Remote Control Panel, which is PC-based, users are allowed a more flexible way to operate the entire system.
Design & Features
The Sony HXC-FB80 is a portable camera that can be used either as part of a studio system or on multi-camera applications. It is being marketed as an affordable system capable of providing high-quality Full HD video while also providing room for advanced features like Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG). That feature, however, will be available by June 2018 through a firmware upgrade.
With three 2/3-inch Sony Exmor CMOS sensors, the HXC-FB80 is capable of providing Full HD (1080x1920) picture quality along with a high F13 sensitivity in 50 Hz. Following the HXC-FB75, this model also offers a -60dB signal-to-noise ratio that makes it easier to shoot in low-light scenarios. The camera can also output 3G-SDI signals while its new processor can support 1080/23.98 PsF (for achieving a “cinematic” look) as well as 25 PsF and 29.97 PsF.
When paired with the HXCU-FB80 CCU, content produced by the camera can be scaled up to 4K. The CCU also allows HLG, a feature that is part of a planned upgrade in June. Only the 4K upscale feature was available when the camera launched in January of this year.
The distance between the camera head and the CCU can be extended to 600m (around 1,970 feet). At the same time, it can keep the 10km (around 33,000 feet) extension using a single mode fiber cable with local power supply. The cable length can also be extended to 1,000m (around 3,280 feet) with the help of the HXC-P70H and power supplied from the new CCU.
Control of the HXC-FB80 system can also be done through RCP remote operation (HZC-RCP5) and Master Setup Unit for multi-camera application (the camera can support up to 24 units).
The HXC-FB80 also offers a number of image control functionality. It comes with features such as Auto Lens Aberration Compensation, Knee Saturation, Low Key Saturation, MultiMatrix, and Skin Tone Detail.
With a newly adopted servo motor, the ND filter can be remotely controlled via the camera head. It also comes with an electrical CC filter.
Just like the HXC-FB75 series, this model will come in different configurations: HXC-FB80HN (only the camera body), HXC-FB80KN (with 2/3” HD lens, a portable viewfinder, and a microphone), and HXC-FB80SN (with 2/3” HD lens and a large viewfinder).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is an affordable system for scaleable 4K
- It can be used to complete a multi-camera
- It has excellent low-light
- It has outstanding sensitivity.
Cons
- The Full HD video capability seems dated but still
Final Thoughts
Although the 1080p output is somewhat dated, the Sony HXC-FB80 still has a place in broadcasts. It is a camera that lives in the now but is also prepared for the future. Content can be scaled up to 4K when it is combined with the HXCU-FB80 CCU and a coming firmware upgrade will see it support HLG.
Test Footage Video Available Soon
[embedyt]THIS MUST BE A TEST FOOTAGE[embedyt]THIS MUST BE A TEST FOOTAGE
General
Camera Section
Input/Output
Viewfinder Display
Lens
Supplied Accessories
Notes
Unboxing the Sony HXC-FB80
Unboxing Video Available Soon
[embedyt]UNBOXING VIDEOUser Reviews
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