Sony PMW-300 Professional Camcorder
The Sony PMW-300 HD422 is a 2.07MP 1/2 inch cinema camera — with 1080p video. Used copies start from $1,060.8 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Sony PMW-300 Professional Camcorder
Used Sony PMW-300 HD422 Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Sony PMW-300 HD422
Key Features — Sony PMW-300 HD422
1080p 10-Bit Recording: Records Full HD video at 10-bit color depth, providing meaningful latitude for color grading in post-production.
MPEG HD422, HD & DVCAM Formats: Three recording format options allow the camera to fit into a range of professional broadcast and production pipelines.
S-Log & Rec.709 Color Profiles: Supports both S-Log for grading flexibility and Rec.709 for broadcast-ready output straight from the camera.
OLED Viewfinder: 1024x768 OLED viewfinder delivers a sharp, high-contrast monitoring image for accurate framing and exposure evaluation.
3.5-Inch LCD Monitor: Onboard 960x540 LCD panel provides a large, practical reference display for run-and-gun or studio setups.
Dual XLR Audio Inputs: Professional XLR inputs allow direct connection of balanced microphones and other broadcast audio equipment.
Camera Specifications — Sony PMW-300 HD422
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Documentary, Event, Studio, Video / Cinematography |
| Type | Other |
| Sensor | 1/2 inch |
| Resolution | 2.07MP |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Max Frame Rate | 60fps |
| Bit Depth | 10-bit |
| Video Color Profiles | S-Log, Rec.709 |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Display | 3.5 inches LCD |
| Display Resolution | 960x540 |
Description — Sony PMW-300 HD422
The Sony PMW-300 is a professional camcorder featuring a 1/2-inch sensor with a 2.07MP resolution and a Sony 1/2-inch Bayonet lens mount. It records Full HD 1080p video at 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps in 10-bit depth, with support for MPEG HD422, MPEG HD, and DVCAM recording formats. Color science options include S-Log and Rec.709, providing flexibility across graded and broadcast-ready workflows.
Storage is handled via SxS, SDHC, or SDXC media. The magnesium alloy body measures 210 x 247 x 457 mm and weighs between 3.9 kg and 4.2 kg. Monitoring is available through a 3.5-inch LCD at 960x540 resolution and an OLED viewfinder at 1024x768 resolution.
Connectivity includes Mini HDMI, USB, XLR, and 3.5mm mic input. Audio recording is supported via XLR and 3.5mm inputs. The camera runs on a BP-U Series battery with approximately 3 hours of runtime.
Autofocus operates via contrast detection without subject or eye tracking, and there is no image stabilization of any type.
Pros — Sony PMW-300 HD422
- ✓10-bit video recording supports meaningful color grading headroom
- ✓S-Log and Rec.709 color profiles offer production flexibility (videoSpecs.colorProfiles)
- ✓Three recording format options — MPEG HD422, MPEG HD, and DVCAM — suit various workflows (recordingFormat)
Cons — Sony PMW-300 HD422
- ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in challenging outdoor conditions (bodyDesign.weatherSealing: None)
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — optical, digital, or in-body (imageStabilization.type: None)
- ✗Body weight of 3.9–4.2 kg may be demanding for extended handheld shooting (weight.min/max)
Reviews — Sony PMW-300 HD422
Videos — Sony PMW-300 HD422
Sony PMW-300 Review — A&S Broadcast Limited
Frequently Asked Questions — Sony PMW-300 HD422
What recording formats does the Sony PMW-300 support?+
The PMW-300 supports three recording formats: MPEG HD422, MPEG HD, and DVCAM. This range covers broadcast and professional production workflows. Media is recorded to SxS, SDHC, or SDXC cards.
Does the PMW-300 support S-Log for color grading?+
Yes, S-Log is listed as a supported color profile alongside Rec.709. The camera also records in 10-bit, which supports the color grading process when working with S-Log footage.
What frame rates are available on the PMW-300?+
The camera supports 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, all at a maximum resolution of Full HD 1080p. The maximum frame rate is 60fps.
What audio inputs does the PMW-300 offer?+
The PMW-300 provides XLR and 3.5mm mic input audio connections, making it compatible with professional-grade microphones as well as consumer-level audio accessories.
What is the lens mount on the PMW-300?+
The PMW-300 uses a Sony 1/2-inch Bayonet lens mount. The camera's sensor is a 1/2-inch format with a 2.07MP resolution.
Is the PMW-300 weather sealed?+
No, the bodyDesign.weatherSealing field lists 'None,' meaning the camera does not offer environmental protection. The body is constructed from magnesium alloy, but care should be taken in wet or dusty shooting conditions.