JVC
GY-HC500U
Connected Cam 1-inch camcorder with 20x zoom, 4K60p ProRes 422 10-bit, HLG/J-Log1, 3G-SDI, weather sealing, and SRT streaming.
$3,395
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
Sony
PXW-Z300
Flagship 3-CMOS XDCAM with 1/2-inch Exmor R sensors, 17x f/1.9 zoom, AI subject AF, 4K60p, flexible LCD arm, and content authentication.
$8,298
Launch priceReleased Oct 2025
PXW-Z300 is 6.1 years newer.
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Wins
GY-HC500U
Wins
PXW-Z300
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BPXW-Z300 has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 0)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher AF frame coverage (94 % vs 0 %)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- BPXW-Z300 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareGY-HC500U
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
PXW-Z300
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300 share virtually identical body dimensions.
GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm GY-HC500U · 72mm PXW-Z300
Sensor size, to scale
GY-HC500U
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
PXW-Z300
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GY-HC500U
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Resolution
9.35 MP vs 8.3 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
PXW-Z300
AF points / zones
759 vs 0 — higher is better
AF frame coverage
94 % vs 0 % — higher is better
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 120 frames — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GY-HC500U
Pros
- ✓1-inch sensor + 20x f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓4K60p Apple ProRes 422 internal
- ✓HLG / J-Log1 HDR
- ✓3G-SDI + weather-resistant body
- ✓SRT / RTMP streaming
Cons
- –Heavy at 3.6 kg configured
- –SSD ProRes needs optional adapter
- –Premium over GY-HM250
- –9.35MP effective sensor
PXW-Z300
Pros
- ✓3× 1/2-inch 4K Exmor R 3CMOS
- ✓17x f/1.9 constant aperture zoom
- ✓AI subject recognition + auto framing
- ✓4K60p XAVC Intra/Long + MPEG HD422
- ✓Electronic variable ND + 12G-SDI
Cons
- –Premium flagship pricing
- –3CMOS not single large sensor
- –Heavy at 2.6 kg body-only
- –New platform learning curve
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300 at major authorized retailers.
JVC GY-HC500U
Sony PXW-Z300
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, GY-HC500U or PXW-Z300?
PXW-Z300 scores 10.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for GY-HC500U — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300?
GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP and PXW-Z300 is 8.3 MP, so the GY-HC500U captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300 have in-body image stabilization?
GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while PXW-Z300 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the GY-HC500U or the PXW-Z300?
GY-HC500U reaches 20 fps electronic. PXW-Z300 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300 record 4K video?
GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p. PXW-Z300: 8K / 6K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the GY-HC500U and PXW-Z300 weather sealed?
GY-HC500U: Yes. PXW-Z300: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the GY-HC500U and 520 shots for the PXW-Z300, giving the GY-HC500U the edge.
How much does each cost?
GY-HC500U launched at $3,395 and PXW-Z300 at $8,298. The GY-HC500U is $4,903 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GY-HC500U vs PXW-Z300 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.