Sony adds five cameras to system lineup with R Series launch

Sony Electronics will introduce a new line of system cameras at the 2026 NAB Show, consisting of five models that share a common 2/3-inch three-chip 4K CMOS image sensor with global shutter functionality.

The R Series includes the HDC-5500R, HDC-5500RV, HDC-3500R, HDC-3500RV and HDC-3200R, along with the HDCU-3500R camera control unit and the HKCU-LUT35 3D LUT option board.

The cameras will be on display at the NAB Show in Las Vegas with availability scheduled for summer 2026.

The models carry forward specifications from Sony’s HDC-5000 and HDC-3000 series, including 4K capture, wider dynamic range and the elimination of rolling shutter distortion. The HDC-5500R and HDC-5500RV also support 4K high frame rate shooting, Ultra High Bitrate transmission and 12G-SDI.

Sensor performance and color tools

The R Series cameras allow operators to select sensitivity based on scene conditions while managing the balance between sensitivity and dynamic range. Sony cited a signal-to-noise ratio of -64dB, with the company positioning the sensor for use in outdoor stadiums with mixed sunlight and shadow and in concert venues with variable lighting. The performance figure is scheduled to be supported through an update planned for December 2026.

The HDC-3500R, HDC-3500RV and HDC-3200R can connect to camera control units equipped with the HKCU-LUT35 option board, which enables 3D LUT color adjustments. The compatible control units are the HDCU-3500R and the previously released HDCU-3500. The older HDCU-3100 is not compatible.

The HDC-3200R adds support for the S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine wide color gamut modes already used in the HDC-5000 and HDC-3500 series. Sony said the addition is intended to make color matching more consistent in multi-camera productions that mix models across the lineup.

Transmission options

The R Series expands transmission options across the lineup. The HDC-5500R and HDC-5500RV will support video trunk over two 1.5G SDI lines, a capability scheduled for the December 2026 update. The HDC-3500R and HDC-3500RV support a transmission method Sony calls HB+, which handles video trunk and prompter signals over one 3G SDI line or two 1.5G SDI lines. HB+ requires connection to the HDCU-3500R.

Advertisement

The video trunk function allows signals from separate video equipment to travel over existing fiber optic cables. In prompter applications, the two 1.5G SDI line configuration can carry on-air video alongside multi-monitor feeds, allowing operators to view other cameras’ angles without adding cables.

The HDC-3200R adds network trunk support at up to 1 Gbps. The function uses the fiber optic cable between the camera and control unit to carry signals such as camera tracker data and IP teleprompter feeds.

Operability changes

The HDC-5500R, HDC-5500RV, HDC-3500R and HDC-3500RV include a slide mechanism for the viewfinder as standard, designed to accommodate the 7.4-inch OLED color viewfinder HDVF-EL760. The mechanism allows the viewfinder to be locked in position, including placements closer to the tripod’s rotation axis for added stability, or extended forward when operator positioning is constrained.

The four models also carry the intercom operation panel previously used on the HDC-5500V and HDC-3500V. Sony said the change is intended to keep operation consistent in productions that run a mix of older and newer cameras.