Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Sony adds built-in video light, live broadcasting to latest pro camcorder

By Hillary K. Grigonis August 24, 2016

Sony’s new HXR-NX5R may be only one letter off from its predecessor, the HXR-NX5U, but the professional camcorder sees a number of new upgrades that aim to eliminate the need for external accessories, including live wireless broadcasting. Sony says the camcorder is also the first to include a built-in video light with adjustable levels.

The camcorder’s built-in Wi-Fi can be used for live broadcasts or file transfers to an FTP site. The NX5R is compatible with the Sony UWP-D series wireless microphones.

In what Sony is calling an industry first, the NX5R utilizes a built-in video light to minimize the need for external equipment. The light is adjustable through a simple dial at the side.

Dials and controls are also an improvement — the camera includes a new joystick that, combined with some direct function buttons, can be used to adjust a number of different settings menu-free.

“The HXR-NX5R’s flexible operations, file transfer options and easy-to-use features are designed for professionals who need to quickly and easily shoot, edit, and deliver high-quality content,” Sebastian Scala, Pro Video marketing manager for Sony’s Professional Solutions Americas group, said in a press release. “It’s ideal for corporate or event/wedding production, news gathering, documentaries, online content creation, nature, sports, and more.”

Compared to the earlier NX5U, the latest version doubles the optical zoom to 40x. The camera still uses a three-sensor system and hasn’t yet ventured into 4K. Multiple HD recording formats are now available, however, including high-bit-rate XAVC S at 50Mbps and AVCHD/DV.

With the new camcorder, Sony also introduced the RM-30BP, a new remote control with a wide array of different shooting settings, including manual focus, zoom, and exposure settings. For videographers using more than one rig, the MCX-500, also announced today, is a new switcher designed for live broadcasts from multiple rigs.

While Sony hasn’t yet included pricing details, the NX5R is expected out next month, with the remote to follow in October and the switcher in January 2017.

Pre-order at B&H

Topics

Hillary K. Grigonis

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…

Photography

‘Photoshopped’ royal photo causes a stir

The Princess of Wales with her children.

[UPDATE: In a message posted on social media on Monday morning, Princess Kate said that she herself edited the image, and apologized for the fuss that the picture had caused. “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she wrote, adding, "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused."]

Major press agencies have pulled a photo of the U.K.’s Princess of Wales and her children amid concerns that it has been digitally manipulated.

Photography

Nikon sale: Get up to $700 off select Nikon cameras and lenses

nikon d780 review product 1

Crutchfield has a huge sale on many different Nikon cameras with some of the best camera deals that we’ve seen in a while. With nearly 30 different items in the sale, the best thing that avid photographers can do is take a look for themselves. However, if you want a little insight before you dive in, take a look at what we have to suggest below.

What to shop for in the Nikon sale
Nikon makes some of the best DSLR cameras around with our overall favorite -- the -- available for $2,197 reduced from $2,297. The camera is perfect for both photographers and videographers with a 24.5-megapixel full-frame image sensor. Its rugged magnesium-alloy body is weather-sealed against dust, dirt, and moisture so it’s great for all occasions. The Nikon EXPEED 6 image processor is optimized for low-light performance while maintaining long battery life with an autofocus sensor module with support for 51 focus points. You just need to add a lens to reap the benefits with features like the 273-point phase-detection AF system detecting and tracking subjects throughout the entire frame.

Photography

Best camera deals: Save on DSLR, action cameras, point-and-shoot

Best DSLR cameras for beginners Canon Rebel T7i

While utilizing one of the best camera phones can be nice for capturing everyday happenings on the fly, a more traditional camera offers superior optics, sensor size, and overall image quality. A camera by a brand such as Canon, Sony, or Nikon is a great way to more deeply explore the photography process, or to simply ensure you’re getting higher quality photos of the moments you don’t want to miss. Right now there are a a lot of savings out there if a traditional camera interests you, and there’s big savings to pounce on whether you’re looking for a DSLR camera, an action camera, or a point-and-shoot camera. We’ve rounded up all of the best camera deals out there right now, so read onward for more details.
Best DSLR camera deals

DSLR cameras are bulkier than mirrorless cameras, but they produce high-quality images that will let you capture the most beautiful moments. You'll be able to see directly through the lens with the mirrored optical viewfinder while composing your shot, and you've got your pick among years' worth of lenses, depending on what kind of pictures you want to take. DSLR camera deals are always in demand because they're expensive though, so hurry if you want to pocket the savings from the bargains we've gathered below.