The PMW-500 is Sony Professionals first XDCAM HD422 Camcorder with solid state recording. It supports full-HD 422 50-Mbps MXF record and playback based on highly developed MPEG-2 Long GOP compression technology. Uniquely, it can also be switched to record in HD 420 35-Mbps MP4 format which makes for seamless integration when used alongside XDCAM EX models. Its 2/3-inch type three Power HAD FX CCD sensors deliver the same outstanding picture quality and low-light performance as the acclaimed PDW-700, however it records onto Solid State SxS media rather than optical Professional Disc.