The Sony HXR-NX5U is the first professional handheld AVCHD camcorder with three 1/3” type Exmor CMOS imagers with ClearVid™pixel array, high performance G lens system, twin dual memory slots and optional flash memory unit capability.
To ensure that the image presented to the codec is of the highest quality, the HXR-NX5U advanced imaging system couples three 1 /3-inch Exmor™HD sensors with ClearVid pixel-array and 3D-LUT Enhanced Image Processor “EIP” to a high-performance “G” type HD lens with outstanding optical performance. This combination captures fine detail and image texture, subtle color gradations and wide exposure latitude with low light sensitivity performance similar to the DSR-PD150. The EIP high quality signal path (1920x1 080, 4:2:2) feeds a highly efficient, full raster h.264/ MPEG-4 Sony compression engine for HD of exquisite image fidelity.  The HXR-NX5U is not only about the video performance, it’s a camcorder of many firsts. It combines Sony sophisticated design, an advanced imaging sytem and smart compression engine with groundbreaking workflow innovations.

Flexible memory recording
Two memory cards slots accept either Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo or type IV SDHC
Memory cards. Docking directly to the side of the camera, the HXR-FMU128, an optional Flash
Memory Unit with 128GB capacity provides up to eleven (11) hours recording time at 24Mbps; the
highest bit-rate supported by the AVCHD specification. Simultaneous Hybrid (HD + SD) or backup
(HD+HD) recordings to the HXR-FMU128 and a memory card is possible.
 

The HXR-NX5U camcorder sequentially cycles between memory card slots once the recording
card is full. Recording time may be extended indefinitely by hot-swapping full cards for empty
ones. For example, when using two 32GB memory cards, six hours of continuous HD footage can
be recorded. If a longer continuous recording time is required, the user simply waits until the
first card is full and recording has switched to the second card before ejecting the first card and
inserting a new blank memory card. This procedure can be repeated as required, extending
recording for as long as necessary.
MPEG-2 for SD Recording Format
 

The HXR-NX5 dual codec provides independent or simultaneous AVCHD and/or SD DVD VIDEO
format recording capability. The SD recording format follows DVD-VIDEO discs file structure and
MPEG-2 compression codec. Customers who make delivery or view dailies in DVD-VIDEOs will be
able to directly create recording suitable for distribution on DVD-R discs using this format.
Linear PCM audio
In addition to Dolby Digital AC3, commonly found in other AVCHD camcorders, the HXR-NX5
offers uncompressed linear PCM digital audio recording. This feature, coupled to the lack of a
tape transport mechanism provides not only quiet operation, but also faithful audio fidelity.
Tape based camcorders are equipped with notch filters to cut tape transport induced low
frequency noise.

Comprehensive AV I/O

• SMPTE TC I/O

A novel capability on camcorders in this price range, the HXR-NX5 has an RCA jack and
I/O select switch that allows the user to synchronize not only NXCAM, but also devices
with LTC SMPTE capability. i.e. slates, outboard audio recorders, servers, Ambient’s
Lockit boxes etc.

• HDSDI, 10-bit 4:2:2 uncompressed live out with embedded audio and TC (RP188).

VITC adjustable between lines 15 to 20.
As stated above, the embedded Time Code on the HDSDI signal follows SMPTE RP188.
Since few monitors can display, native 24p signals, 3-2 pulldown is added to 24
progressive output signals, RP188 marks the 3-2 cadence by aligning TC numbers ending
in double zeros (00) and zero five (05) with the “A” frames. This facilitates external
devices to apply a reverse TeleCine algorithm to remove pulldown. i.e. Final Cut Cinema
Tools.

Full size HDMI Ver. 1.3 port with super white (highlights above 100%) and xvYCC wide color gamut capability). Simultaneous HDMI and HDSDI output is possible.

• Two XLR audio inputs, independently selectable: MIC/ Line, independent REC levelcontrols, sophisticated audio trim, filtering and +48V phantom power.

• Composite RCA + LR audio output jacks.
• Component breakout cable jack.
• USB 2.0 port.
• LANC type remote jack, compatible with Sony LANC based remote controllers.

G Lens
Designed and constructed to the highest standards of optical performance while incorporating
Sony’s original technologies, the G lens achieves superb clarity and sharpness with beautiful
defocusing characteristics. Thanks to its six-blade iris, advanced coatings, aspherical lens
architecture and extra-low dispersion glass elements, the G lens is specially designed for
maximizing the performance of the HXR-NX5U’s advanced Exmor imaging system and full raster 1
920x1 080p MPEG-4 compression engine.
 

A built-in global positioning system (GPS) receiver allows satellite navigation data plus absolute
time to be recorded directly onto footage for reference or interfacing with popular internet
mapping systems. GPS data can be extracted from video files, using CMU (Contents Management
Utility) software, in a commonly used latitude/longitude NMEA data format. This GPS information
can be invaluable for several applications such as location scouts, nature documentary
production, legal reenactments and other applications where precise camera placement location
is important. Even for those who don’t require capturing the exact camera placement
coordinates, absolute time recording is a big plus.
3.2-inch HD LCD Touch Screen panel

•  XtraFine™touch panel LCD with 921,000 pixels (1920 x 480) for easier character reading and focus adjustment.
• Non overscan type virtually displays 100% of the recorded picture.
• 6500K Color temperature approximates professional monitor perfromance.
• High brightness 100 cd/m.
• File navigation, most settings can be adjusted via touch screen.
• 0.45-inch LCOS viewfinder with 1,227,000 pixels
• Sequential RGB backlight provides three times the resolution of conventional LCD panels.
• Non overscan type virtually displays 100% of the recorded picture.
• 6500K Color temperature approximates professional monitor performance.
• High brightness 100 cd/m.

Content Management Utility
A disc containing the CMU, a user friendly Microsoft Windows application for managing
recorded footage, file transferring and backup to HDD or BluRay data discs is included with
each HXR-NX5 camcorder.

• CMU reconnects files divided into 2GB data chunks during recording due to FAT32 specification.
• Clips may span onto separate cards when the recording time exceeds the capacity of a single memory card. The CMU reconstitutes spanned clips.
• CMU maps GPS data embedded in video data.

Active SteadyShot is a new optical stabilization feature for the HXR-NX5 which is six times more
powerful than the SteadyShot found in previous Sony camcorders. Additional stabilization range is
provided by the increased optical feature lens coverage area, improved detection and state-ofthe-
art predictive compensation algorithms. It significantly reduces the need for cumbersome
and expensive external stabilization systems. Improved stabilization allows the user to
concentrate on composition and shot transition, rather than worry about how to stabilize the
camera. Depending on the shooting environment, users can select normal SteadyShot or Active
SteadyShot for hand-held applications. When not in use, the stabilization feature can be easily
switched off.