Extending the NXCAM line of solid-state camcorders, Sony’s HXR-NX5R offers improved network functionality over previous cameras in the line, and it allows you to select from XAVC-S 50 Mb/s to AVCHD/DV recording. Suitable for documentaries, corporate, weddings, events, nature, sports, and journalism, the NX5R shoots at NTSC broadcast frame rates from 59.94 to 23.98. The built-in Wi-Fi and FTP wireless connections enable you to send footage to your editor from the camera while on location, instead of having to send the media cards to the editor. The legacy codec support allows you to shoot and subsequently edit your footage into older projects shot on AVCHD or even DV formats. However, just because the NX5R supports older codecs doesn’t make it any less capable. It incorporates a 3G-SDI output that supports Full HD 1920 x 1080p video at 59.94 fps, as well as 1080i, 720p, and the previously mentioned 720 x 480i.

Three 1/2.8″ CMOS Exmor sensors and a 20x optical zoom Sony G lens with 40x Clear Image Zoom provide sharp and clear images. And if you need more illumination there is a built-in LED light above the lens. Professional audio is not forgotten with two XLR inputs that support Line, mic, and mic +48 (phantom power). The Slow & Quick Motion function enables 1080p recording at selectable frame rates. The camera features two media card slots that support recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo or SDHC/SDXC media cards.