Sony announced the HXR-NX3, a pro camcorder that adds W-Fi connectivity and an MP4 recording option to the NXCAM line-up, allowing such functions as using an iOS or Android device to monitor recording and control zoom, iris, and touch auto-focus remotely.

The NX3 employs a trio of three 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensors, capturing red, blue and green light signals independently. The fixed G lens has a wide angle of view of 28.8mm and a 20x optical zoom range. (Sony says a 40x digital-zoom option on the new LSI chip utilized in the NX3 delivers the equivalent of a 1152mm focal length with "virtually the same quality as optical zoom," but DPs will have to be the judge of that.)

Video is recorded in the AVCHD 2.0 format at up to 1080p/60, with 60i and 24p modes included for direct playback on Blu-ray players. 1080p/30 and 720p60 are also available. The dual SD slots can be used in relay or simultaneous recording modes when recording AVCHD (but not MP4), and a clean HDMI output allows uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 images to be recorded externally, and the camera also supports DV recording.

Sony said remote-control functions are available for smartphones and tablets running iOS v4.3 through v7.0 and Android v2.3 through v4.3, and that MP4 video files can be transferred directly to smartphones.

The NX3 also has XLR audio inputs, a built-in three-step ND filter, a built-in LED light for quick illumination of a shot, and a 3.5-inch LCD screen. 

The HXR-NX3 is slated to ship in January for a SLP of $3,495.