Last Updated on July 30, 2020
Sony’s line of camcorders have always been solid performers for many years now. And with its continuous pursuit for excellence, the electronics giant has released one of its top of the line NXCAM camcorders, the Sony HXR-NX5R. But does it live up to the hype?
- Three 1/2.8″ CMOS Exmor sensors
- Full HD 1080p/1080i/720p
- Built-In LED Light
- Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and FTP
- three built-in ND (Neutral Density) filters
- 20x optical zoom Sony G lens with 40x Clear Image Zoom
- AVCHD / XAVC S camcorder
Sony HXR-NX5R Overview
ln almost every household owns at least one Sony product. The Japanese multinational conglomerate company located in Tokyo, Japan has been in business for more than 74 years and it’s ranked 97 on the 2018 Fortune Global 500 list. Although Sony gained popularity with its video game consoles, it has also built a solid reputation in electronic products particularly cameras and camcorders.
One of its newest releases for its line of camcorders is the Sony HXR-NX5R professional camcorder, the successor to the highly popular HXR-NX3 and HXR-NX5. Let’s take a closer look:
What you’re getting with the HXR-NX5R
Following two best-selling releases, there are high expectations for the new Sony HXR-NX5R professional camcorder. Of course, it doesn’t disappoint with its power-packed features that make shooting a breeze.
Viewing, handling and controls
The Sony HXR-NX5R professional camcorder was designed for shooting corporate videos, weddings and other events, sports, journalism and documentaries. The HXR-NX5R has three built-in ND filters (1/4, 1/16 and 1/64) to give you variety in terms of depth of field with iris control. It also has a new continuous recording feature between two memory card slots where you can record up to 6 hours of continuous HD footage using two 32Gb memory cards because the camcorder will automatically cycle between the two memory slots for your convenience.
Shooting is incredibly made easy with the HXR-NX5R with direct menu options displayed on-screen and all the key functions right at your fingertips. You even have the option to control the camcorder’s focus, iris, zoom and record start/stop using your tablet or mobile phone, which is great for multi-camera shoots.
Image and video
One of the biggest features of the Sony HXR-NX5R professional camcorder is its built-in LED light, which is mounted above the lens and below the built-in microphone. This LED light has a 90-degree beam angle and a color temperature of 5,500K with an integrated dimmer and snap on diffuser. It also allows you to choose from XAVC-S 50 Mb/s to AVCHD/DV recording and has shooting NTSC broadcast frame rates from 59.94 to 23.98. The AVCHD format allows you to record HD video to random access media using the MPEG-4 AVC-H.264 video codec. The HXR-NX5R also supports Full HD 1920x1080p video at 59.94fps, 720x480i, 1080i and 720p.
The camcorder is also equipped with three ½.8” CMOS Exmor sensors combined with a 20x optical zoom Sony G lens with 40x Clear Image Zoom that guarantees clear and sharp images. The G lens is one of Sony’s trademark features and it is incorporated into the HXR-NX5R to complement its sophisticated sensor and image processor.
Extras and connectivity
To ensure connectivity, the HXR-NX5R professional camcorder is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and FTP that allows for easy sending of footage to the editor even while the shoot is in progress. This makes post-production easy and fast because the editing team doesn’t have to wait for the data cards to be sent before they can work on the footage.
The HXR-NX5R professional camcorder also features live Internet streaming using its Ustream service or a dedicated streaming mode for a local area network. This helps you guarantee more secure corporate presentations. The camcorder is even designed to work with Sony’s MCX-500 Multi Camera Live Producer, which is a highly popular cost-effective switcher where you can run a multi-camera live event shoot even if you’re alone. This switcher supports up to 9 video inputs, live streaming through Ustream and 5 channel stereo outputs.
The HXR-NX5R professional camcorder also boasts of Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) shoe where you can get power, signal connections and on/off switching that’s compatible with other Sony accessories.
Pros & Cons
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- Pros:
- High definition resolution
- XLR mic input, zoom
- Built-in LED lighting
- Dual media slots
- Pros:
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- Cons:
- Expensive
- Cons:
Final Thoughts
At $2,898, the Sony HXR-NX5R professional camcorder is at the higher end of the price bracket for these types of camcorders. For this price, you’ll get the camcorder with built-in LED light, a lens cover with hood, a battery charger, a shoe cap, large eyecup, video light diffuser, USB cable, AC adapter and power cord, an NP-F770 battery, a CR2025 battery, a wireless remote commander, accessory shoe kit and a limited 1-year warranty.
Test Footage
Sony HXR-NX5R, an addition to the NXCAM family is the upgraded version of HXR-NX3/1 with OLED viewfinder and WIFI streaming capabilities, and camcorder with multiple recording options: AVCHD, DV, XAVC-S.
Sony HXR-NX5R design and features:
The camcorder does backup recording through its dual SD card slots. This full HD camcorder boasts of 20x zoom, 40x digital zoom, 3 Exmor CMOS sensors which red, green, and blue for high resolution and wide dynamic range. All these designs and features are added to deliver lifelike images.
Sony HXR-NX5R supports 3G-SDI output, HDMI, and composite. It also features dedicated rings for focus, zoom, and iris. It also includes 5 customizable buttons.
It also has a joystick that allows control and access key camera functions without going through the menu button. Sony HXR-NX5R camcorder design provides a wide-angle OLED viewfinder for easy image monitoring.
Image and Video
The 3 Exmor CMOS sensors and a 20x optical zoom G lens with 40x Clear Image Zoom ensure superb clarity and sharp images. The Sony G lens technology features optimized resolution, bokeh, stability, and focus.
It also has a built-in LED light above the lens when you need more lighting. The camera has two media card slots that are compatible with SDXC and SDHC cards as well as a Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo.
It also has the slow and quick motion functions that enable 1080p recording with adjustable frame rates. The Sony HXR-NX5R features a 3 built-in Neutral Density or ND filters (1/4, 1/16, 1/64) to vary the depth of field with iris control.
Memory and Storage
For the storage, the Sony HXR-NX5R automatically switches recording between the dual memory slots. Hours of recording depends on the capacity of your memory card. But when using two (2) 32GB memory cards, you can record 6 hours non-stop footage on this camcorder.
The two memory card slots are compatible with SDXC and SDHC cards, Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo.
Extras and Connectivity
Users of Sony HXR-NX5R can take advantage of its advanced network functions like FTP wireless functions, live streaming, and built-in WIFI. With these upgraded functions, users can send clips quickly and conveniently.
The remote control makes Sony HXR-NX5R ideal for multiple camera shoots and increases creative options. The remote commander is lightweight; can be handheld, mounted, or can be attached to a tripod for operation. Use the remote control to monitor and control focus, zoom, iris, and recording and display functions such as white balance and shutter speed.
Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe provides power and signal connections to compatible Sony accessories like the Sony wireless microphone (sold separately).
Sony HXR-NX5R provides all connectivity options that journalists, webcasters, and professionals expect like G-SDI (Full HD 50p/60p output), composite (BNC), and audio XLR terminals. It is well-balanced and has all almost all the features any professional needs.
Final Thoughts
Sony HXR-NX5R is a well-thought piece aimed to address the work needs of professionals who need to shoot quickly and conveniently. It is easy to navigate and the touch screen adds to its user-friendly features. This camcorder is also ideal for small budget productions without compromising picture and sound quality. Sony HXR-NX5R is an equipment with great functionality and value for money.
Specification
Image Sensor | 3-Chip 1/2.8″ CMOS Sensor |
Sensor Resolution | 2.07 MP |
Gain | -6 to 30 dB |
Minimum Illumination | 1.2 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed |
White Balance Range | 2300 to 15,000K |
Focal Length | 4.1 to 82mm |
35mm Equivalent Focal Length | 28.8 to 576mm |
Optical Zoom Ratio | 20x |
Max Digital Zoom | 40x |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.6 |
Minimum Aperture | f/11 |
Filter Size | 72 mm |
Control Rings | Focus Zoom |
Image Stabilization | Digital |
Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
Shutter Speed | 1/3 to 1/10,000 sec |
Built-In ND Filter | Mechanical Filter Wheel with 2 Stop (1/4), 3 Stop (1/8), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters |
Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo |
Recording Media | 1 x SDXC/Memory Stick PRO Duo Hybrid Card Slot 1 x SDXC Card Slot |
Recording Modes | XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit: 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps (50 Mb/s) AVCHD 4:2:0 8-Bit: 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps (17 to 28 Mb/s) 1920 x 1080i at 59.94 fps (17 to 24 Mb/s) DV: 720 x 576i at 59.94 fps (25 Mb/s) |
Audio Recording | 2-Channel |
IP Streaming | FTP, FTPS, MPEG2, RTMP, UDP: 1920 x 1080 |
Video Connectors | 1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output 1 x HDMI Output 1 x BNC (Composite) Output |
Audio Connectors | 2 x 3-Pin XLR Input 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone Output 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Stereo Output |
Other I/O | 1 x 3.5 mm LANC Input 1 x USB Micro-B Output |
Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Video Output, Audio Output |
Display Type | LCD |
Screen Size | 3.5″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,560,000 Dots |
EVF Display Type | OLED |
Screen Size | .39″ |
EVF Resolution | 1,440,000 Dots |
Battery Type | Sony L-Series |
Power Connectors | 1 x Barrel Input |
Power Consumption | 7.8 W |
Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
Storage Temperature | -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C |
Accessory Mount | 1 x Multi-Interface Shoe |
Tripod Mount | 1/4″-20 Female |
Built-In Light | Yes |
Dimensions | 15.3 x 7.9 x 7″ / 38.86 x 20.07 x 17.78 cm |
Weight | 4.7 lb / 2.13 kg |
Package Weight | 9.7 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 16.6 x 13.2 x 9.6″ |
Unboxing
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