Sony's pro XDCAM handheld camcorder — three 1/3-type Exmor R sensors, 4K, broadcast workflow.
The Sony PXW-Z190 is a professional handheld XDCAM camcorder announced at NAB in April 2018, using three 1/3-type Exmor R CMOS sensors rather than the single large chip of the Z150. It sits in Sony's line as the long-zoom workhorse for news, education and corporate work where reach and deep depth of field matter more than shallow-focus looks.
The three-chip block feeds a 25x zoom covering 28.8-720mm equivalent, and the lens carries three independent manual rings for focus, zoom and iris, which operators coming from broadcast glass appreciate. It records 4K at up to 50p/60p in XAVC Long GOP, has an electronic variable ND filter, face detection AF, dual SD slots, 3G-SDI, HDMI and twin XLRs, plus wired and wireless network features for file transfer and streaming. The small sensors mean it is not a low-light champion, but in decent light it produces clean, broadcast-friendly pictures.
Its significance is as the spiritual successor to a long line of 1/3-inch three-chip ENG handhelds, adding 4K 50p and variable ND at a working-journalist price. Plenty went into UK councils, universities, churches and regional production houses, so used examples surface regularly, often with modest hours.
On a used Z190, run the variable ND through its full range watching for banding or stiction, and check all three lens rings for smooth, even resistance since the independent ring mechanism is a known wear point on hard-used bodies. Test 4K 50p recording to both slots, inspect the SDI BNC for damage, and check the retractable lens hood shutter closes properly. Institutional ex-fleet bodies are common in the UK; they are often good buys but confirm the hour count and that firmware has been kept current.