The manuals for the PXW-X160/180 are also up on the same site.

Ron Evans

Hmm, looks like it does not include the AX100's 120fps in any mode at all. It does however retain the touchscreen manual focus.

I'll be anxious to see more sample videos. I'm also hoping Sony will give more details soon about the upgrade to 4K and what else is included with that.

I does not have a " My Buttons feature" for the LCD which I like on my NX30U but does have assignable buttons though.

Ron Evans

Heading for IBC opening in Amsterdam today. Hoping that Sony has it on the stand. Would be good if we finally can put some hands on the X70 and it will no longer be a "behind glass" presentation only. Will let you guys know.

This is the sort of think that is so awesome about DVinfo ... people around the globe which effectively give us all an incredible resource like a major news network would have.

Andrew

30p is NOT a 1.5G HDSDI standard, never has been and never will be. This is not a Sony limitation, it is an industry wide limitation because 30p and 25p were not in use when the 1.5G HDSDI standards were laid down. So to be compliant with industry standards most cameras use PsF.
The standard for 30p over HDSDI is 30psf, a signal that electronically is identical to 60i but actually contains a true progressive stream.

The X70 outputs 30p over HDSDI using PsF, like just about every other camera.

HDSDI is so much better than HDMI. It's 10 bit, 422. The connector won't just fall out, and is much more reliable.

It's a non-issue. Something Sony has already done nicely on their other cameras for a long time.

Nothing wrong with 29.97 psf. It's the best of both worlds. You get 100% of the progressive look you need and can still transport it over the industry normal 60i standard. A 2:2 pulldown is basically lossless. It just joins the top and bottom fields back to it's original 30p source frame. (no pixels lost, no motion artifacts)

It's a win/win situation!

(The only theoretical problem could maybe arise if the system tried to pull a top field from frame "5" and a bottom field from frame "6" and try to join them together...ehhh, I doubt that would ever happen)

CT

I brought this up and looked into it because the new Canon XF205 DOES output a true native 30p signal over 3G-SDI. Maybe I need to check the manual again, but I'm quite sure I read this.

29.97psf is an issue for those using popular vision mixers such as Blackmagic ATEM 4k and Roland VR50, etc. When in 1080p mode, that input signal has to be progressive. Tricasters do have a 2:2 pulldown setting, but out of our price range for multi-cam live mixing/streaming. Sure there are "inline" solutions from Atomos and AJA to do the 2:2 pulldown before it reaches the mixer, but thats just one more added cost, one more fail potential point, and everything else that comes with hardware required where another camera would not need it.

To summarize, those looking for the ideal video camera in this price segment to produce live streaming events up to 1080p with "minimal add-on conversion hardware", the XF205 currently remains the best choice.

Extensively had the hands on the X70 today at IBC. Sony has three models on the stand, so all chances to just try the camera. And I must say, Sony made a very interesting move with this camcorder. Though, in lowlight the camera with it's 1" sensor is not as good as I was hoping for after reading the first reviews. Inside the exhibition hall on 0dB, with a clear ND, shutterspeed 50 and iris wide-open, it just didn't do it. I needed at least 9 dB gain to achieve an acceptably illuminated picture. It's not a lot better than Canon XA20/25 but way better than JVC's HM150.

Furthermore, the lenshood doesn't include a closing feature. You gonna do it with an oldschool lenscap there. Yeah, that nasty thing you always loose or bungles on your camcorder on a cord. The PMW-100 does already had that and this X70 also unfortunately. In that aspect, the XA20/25 is better designed.

Ow and yeah, something expected was on my request confirmed by an official Sony representative. The PMW-100 is already out of production and will leave the productline officially after the X70 is released.

While you are there, ask them about the future of the PMW-150 and 200. Just curious.

See the Area 51 post: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/area-51/523163-pmw-100-150-200-discontinued.html

Andrew

I think it was already mentioned that the PXW-X160/180 would replace the NX5U, PMW-150/160. I am sure the announced PXW-X200 will also replace the PMW-200.

One thing someone could ask about is when the firmware update will come out for the PXW-Z100 and the FDR-AX1.

Ron Evans

Yep, that was also my thought Ron. Though I see the PXW-X70 as a whole new camcorder. The PMW-100 was a different camcorder. For those who need/love the SxS workflow there is no entry-level camcorder anymore. Also it doesn't support the XDCAM HD 422 codec anymore. And while XAVC seems the way to go most broadcasters still require it. I wouldn't be too surprised if there would be a PXW-X100 with a single 1/3" chip, XAVC and XDCAM 422 codecs and a 10x or 12x lens soon.....

I do not think Sony will bother to replace the PMW-100 as the PXW-X160 is not a lot more expensive and a much better camcorder.

Ron Evans

Has anybody read about the future upgrade specs yet? 4:2:0 100 mbp/s or even 4:2:2 sampling?

Nothing yet? Price?

CT

The Sony representative could confirm the already expected update-price to me yesterday: €500 / $600. Nothing about the update itself yet. I hope the XDCAM HD 422 codec is brought back. To me that would make it much better to justify than 4K. But yeah, ENG work is always pretty oldschool ;-).

No 120fps in any resolution at all? Has there been any mention that it might be added with the 4K upgrade?

Dan Carter / post #147 ...X70 Operation Manual is now online: http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/support/op.../1237493097718

yes, thats right, but curios....for the real "German-Manual"
you need go to the "Spain" Sony-Site and load down the "Spain Manual" ...and you have the real German Manual version
http://www.sony.es/pro/support/operation-manual/1237493097811

in cause to ... from the "German" Sony-Site you load down the ...Spain Manual version ...LOL
http://www.sony.de/pro/support/operation-manual/1237493097781

Oh...it is a Sony.....

OK ..search the english manual + real german manual...

can not find one hint or word in cause to "remote control" input traditional over Lanc
or Sonys new USB-Multi connetor .... like my AX 100 have
please, can anyone on IBC ask for this ??

on a tripod, without traditional "remote control" ... is a >no go< for me...

Yes the interface is there with the Multi/Micro jack on page 4 of the manual next to the mic input with plug in power. items 12 and 13 on the diagram.

Ron Evans

Looking at the manual, no pre or "loop" record buffer it seems. That's disappointing to me.

Well, I decided to go ahead and pre-order this camera. NOW, come on Sony get this thing out to the public please. I hope it lives up to my expectations. As long as it compares favorably to the Canon XA20, I'll be happy with it.

I'm wondering what the holdup is on shipping the camera. None of the major dealers have any idea - in fact one dealer said Sony sent them an email backing down on a September delivery and giving "sometime in the fall" estimate.

Has anyone heard any other news as to expected shipping?

Before I sell my AX100, I need to see what this X70 will have for a 4K (UHD) codec.

If it has the same 60mbp/s 4:2:0 codec, I don't think I'd buy it.

CT

Barry,

CVP website states 19th september:

Buy - Sony PXW-X70//C (PXW70C) 1.0 type Exmor R CMOS sensor compact XDCAM camcorder with 12x zoom lens recording XAVC, AVCHD and DV (http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/sony_pxw-x70-c)

Does anyone know if this camera can output timestamp for legal video ?

Just got confirmation that Sony has shipped some of these cameras out to my dealer so hopefully I will have the camera in my hands in the next week. They confirmed that I will be getting one of the first shipments from them. Can't wait to put it through it's paces.

I had a form email from my dealer (B&H) that they expect it in in "late September" so I asked them for further clarification.

Who is your dealer or are they not a sponsor of dvinfo and thus you are not allowed to mention them?

Well, it's not B&H. I have ordered a lot from them in the past and they do an excellent job. I almost ordered from them, but I decided to use a dealer that is more local and more focused on my area of interest. I order from Campbell's Cameras. They specialize in video equipment specifically for the hunting and fishing industry. With all things being equal, I just wanted to buy from a more local company that is more focused on my field of interest. I'll probably end up getting most of my accessories from B&H as they have a larger selection.

I'm really looking forward to seeing results from this camera. I'm very curious to see if the picture profiles are really as adjustable as they sound. The sample footage did not look as good as expected, but I'm hoping that can be adjusted.

How's the rolling shutter, stabilization, and autofocus?
Does it really have no waveform, just a histogram?
Does it have 120fps in any mode at all?
I was glad to see that it does include the AX100's touchscreen manual focus - very important to me.

And, I'm curious to see the depth of field - a 1 inch chip @ 2.8-4.5, compared to others that have a 1/2 or even 1/3 inch chip with wider aperture.

My dealer sent me the tracking info. I will have my camera tomorrow. Can't wait to get my hands on it. Who knows, maybe I'll be the first person to actually take delivery of one :)

That is amazing. B&H and Adorama have no idea (except late this month or early next month) when the cameras are coming in.

Post your early impressions!

... and sample footage.

Andrew

So, has anyone seen a cable that will go from the Multi terminal to a female 2.5mm mini jack? Looks like I can do it using two cables, but would really prefer just one cable. Actually, I'd really just prefer to have a LANC that has a multi port so I can just plug it in directly, but so far I have not found one. I know sony has a remote, but it is very limited, I really need one that will at least do focus.

Amazon.com: Sony VMCAVM1 A/V R Adapter Cable: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VMCAVM1-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00CDIE0QW/ref=pd_tcs_compl_p_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PYWRGEVNYR2S64K7QAK)

Amazon.com : VariZoom VZ-AV/LANC Mini Audio/Video to LANC Converter : Camera And Camcorder Cables : Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/VariZoom-VZ-AV-LANC-Audio-Converter/dp/B003P9VN86/ref=pd_tcs_compl_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TV2Y5JSJB8E4G6ADSV5)

So, has anyone seen a cable that will go from the Multi terminal to a female 2.5mm mini jack? Looks like I can do it using two cables, but would really prefer just one cable. Actually, I'd really just prefer to have a LANC that has a multi port so I can just plug it in directly, but so far I have not found one. I know sony has a remote, but it is very limited, I really need one that will at least do focus.

Amazon.com: Sony VMCAVM1 A/V R Adapter Cable: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VMCAVM1-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00CDIE0QW/ref=pd_tcs_compl_p_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PYWRGEVNYR2S64K7QAK)

Amazon.com : VariZoom VZ-AV/LANC Mini Audio/Video to LANC Converter : Camera And Camcorder Cables : Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/VariZoom-VZ-AV-LANC-Audio-Converter/dp/B003P9VN86/ref=pd_tcs_compl_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TV2Y5JSJB8E4G6ADSV5)

the vivitar 8-button lanc controller comes with the cable (2.5mm female to sony AV/R) so you just need to get the VMCAVM1. Now the vivitar does lots of stuff (including focus +/-) but also selectable and constant zoom speed plus variable. and more. The zoom rocker makes a loud(ish) click but there are ways to fix it. you'll have to open it and put a piece of paper on the 2 switches (of the zoom) and then gaffer tape to cover the paper and fix it. After you close it the clicks are gone making this cheap controller one of the best that I had. I use a manfrotto now (on a sony EX1r) and I still miss that controller because it was good, and the angle on the tripod handle was perfect plus the zoom rocker was vertical making it more intuitive (at least to me). I use a manfrotto (on EX1r) now and I still miss the vivitar. seriously.

My camera has arrived. First impressions is that it is basically the same body as the AX100, with a few changes. Mainly to the hand grip which is larger and has the joystick. I think the joystick would have been better if it has been placed where the HDMI port is. The joystick is to the far right and is actually a little difficult to operate with my thumb. Not a huge deal though. The XLR handle is very good quality and seems to be made of metal, where the body of the camera seems to be a plastic just like the AX100. The LCD screen seems really nice, as well as the OLED viewfinder. If you have the LCD open, but put your eye up to the viewfinder, the LCD shuts off and the viewfinder turns on. When you take your eye away, the LCD comes back on. If you open the LED or pull out the eyepiece, the camera powers on. It shuts off if you close the LCD or push in the eyepiece. If either one is still open, the camera stays on. I love the size and weight of the camera. Even though it is small and relatively light weight, it feels very nice and is of very good quality.

These are just my impressions from about 15 minutes of handling the camera. I have alot of reading and fiddling with the camera to really get to know it. I haven't even had a chance to jump into the menu system. One thing I did notice, was there's no button for the Night Shot mode on the camera like on the AX100, not sure how to access it. It also doesn't appear to have the ability to take pictures like the AX100. I guess Sony expects their pro line video cameras to be used for video :)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/shr2807/20140918_091738_zps2gauqro5.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/shr2807/media/20140918_091738_zps2gauqro5.jpg.html)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/shr2807/20140918_091717_zps2tvjs3rz.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/shr2807/media/20140918_091717_zps2tvjs3rz.jpg.html)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/shr2807/20140918_091727_zpstthtm8yp.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/shr2807/media/20140918_091727_zpstthtm8yp.jpg.html)

Can you look into if it can superimpose time stamp ? Awesome you get the camera already!!!

I'm pretty much a hobbyist, so I'm not real familiar with time code, but here's what the manual says about it.

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/shr2807/20140919_070255_zpsec6r9t5c.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/shr2807/media/20140919_070255_zpsec6r9t5c.jpg.html)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k525/shr2807/20140919_070312_zpscfqgnfgd.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/shr2807/media/20140919_070312_zpscfqgnfgd.jpg.html)

So, has anyone seen a cable that will go from the Multi terminal to a female 2.5mm mini jack? Looks like I can do it using two cables, but would really prefer just one cable. Actually, I'd really just prefer to have a LANC that has a multi port so I can just plug it in directly, but so far I have not found one. I know sony has a remote, but it is very limited, I really need one that will at least do focus.

Amazon.com: Sony VMCAVM1 A/V R Adapter Cable: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VMCAVM1-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00CDIE0QW/ref=pd_tcs_compl_p_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PYWRGEVNYR2S64K7QAK)

Amazon.com : VariZoom VZ-AV/LANC Mini Audio/Video to LANC Converter : Camera And Camcorder Cables : Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/VariZoom-VZ-AV-LANC-Audio-Converter/dp/B003P9VN86/ref=pd_tcs_compl_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TV2Y5JSJB8E4G6ADSV5)

Having bought 2 AX100 for my theatre work (an upgrade from my MC50 and CX550 cameras) I was amazed to find that Sony had changed the multi-terminal port again. They don't even seem to sell any accessories themselves that actually fit it!!. So had to buy 2 of their adapters to fit the previous multi-terminal cable, which in itself converts the 2.5mm lanc jack. Just another way to rip off customers and annoy them over a silly little thing. So yes at the moment you need 2 cable to connect a 2.5mm lanc terminal to the multi-terminal.

stephen, is the zoom rocker continuously variable?

Thanks for the info. I went ahead and ordered them, so hopefully they will work. It is a pretty big oversight on their part, whether it's intentional or unintentional. I also emailed Varizoom and their response was that the do not have a LANC controller to fit the Sony Multi port at this time. It's been out a while now, hopefully someone will step up and make a real remote for it.

Can you look into if it can superimpose time stamp ? Awesome you get the camera already!!!

page 101 in the manual says this is possible with interlace video. Default is OFF. Someone with the camera can confirm.

Ron Evans

stephen, is the zoom rocker continuously variable?

It is variable on the hand grip out of the box, I think you can change a setting to make if fixed if you choose through the menu. The rocker on the handle can be either by changing the switch on the side of the XLR handle.

Well, I decided to go ahead and pre-order this camera. NOW, come on Sony get this thing out to the public please. I hope it lives up to my expectations. As long as it compares favorably to the Canon XA20, I'll be happy with it.

I'm wondering what the holdup is on shipping the camera. None of the major dealers have any idea - in fact one dealer said Sony sent them an email backing down on a September delivery and giving "sometime in the fall" estimate.

Has anyone heard any other news as to expected shipping?

A bit off topic but I do need to chuckle:

Sony JUST announced this camera and folks are clamouring for it to be released NOW, whereas a certain Australian company announces a camera in April that might ship before NEXT NAB and no one says a word, except to speculate on just how awesome it will be.

These days have to be terrible days to be a camera engineer...

PS. Nothing personal to the two DVInfo'ers quoted.

A bit off topic but I do need to chuckle:

Sony JUST announced this camera and folks are clamouring for it to be released NOW, whereas a certain Australian company announces a camera in April that might ship before NEXT NAB and no one says a word, except to speculate on just how awesome it will be.

These days have to be terrible days to be a camera engineer...

PS. Nothing personal to the two DVInfo'ers quoted.

Well, I think that the company should be ready to get the camera to market before they officially announce a camera. What's the point of announcing a camera they are designing? Sony announced this camera and gave a ship date of September. They set the expectations. For me at least, they have meet those expectations and I am proudly in possession of the X70. I'm not sure why my dealer got it ahead of other much larger dealers, but I do know that they had the camera's NDA'd into them. Maybe the larger dealers are going to be getting theirs in on the slow boat. Either way, a company should not set expectations unless they are sure they are going to meet them, or they risk souring their audience.

The camera was announced at the end of July. It apparently will ship at the end of September.

Most retailers don't know anything about the cameras until they are officially announced - my Sony retailer here in Canada JUST found out what MSRP on the new FS-7 is two days ago and hasn't received HIS cost yet.

I think that a two month roll out on the X-70 is remarkable.

But I'm old and jaded.

The camera was announced at the end of July. It apparently will ship at the end of September.

Most retailers don't know anything about the cameras until they are officially announced - my Sony retailer here in Canada JUST found out what MSRP on the new FS-7 is two days ago and hasn't received HIS cost yet.

I think that a two month roll out on the X-70 is remarkable.

But I'm old and jaded.

What I can't believe is how little information was leaked about this camera once it was announced. There are literally zero videos out there that were not produced by Sony with this camera. Usually there's stuff that makes it's way out and we get to see some real world samples before the camera makes it to market. That's pretty remarkable considering how easy it is to distribute information these days.

Just ordered the X70 with CVP today. I have had my hands on this little baby extensively last week on IBC. It is a great little camcorder in my opinion. Ordered a Manfrotto 755XB tripod, MVH500AH head, Rode NTG1 mic and two Transcend 64 GB 90 MB/s SDXC cards as well. I'm confident this together is an amazing kit that will do great jobs.

Just ordered the X70 with CVP today. I have had my hands on this little baby extensively last week on IBC. It is a great little camcorder in my opinion. Ordered a Manfrotto 755XB tripod, MVH500AH head, Rode NTG1 mic and two Transcend 64 GB 90 MB/s SDXC cards as well. I'm confident this together is an amazing kit that will do great jobs.

Just a note on the MVH500AH, the plate is too long for this camera. If you put it on like normal and line up the anti rotation pin, you cannot remove the battery as the plate extends beyond the battery release and even part way onto the battery. If you take out the anti-rotation pin, and slide the plate forward, it kinda gets in the way of access to the manual lens zoom/focus ring. It's still somewhat usable, but not ideal. I will be sending back my MVH500AH, and have orderd a Vanguard PH-123v to use in it's place. It has a shorter plate. Kinda bums me out as I loved my 701HDV head and was sure I wanted the MVH500AH.

I'm getting the Sony VCTVPR1 - $95.00 from B & H and it has a handle that works with the multiport connector on the X70. I'm sure it is no match for the Manfrotto but I wanted something small and simple to carry in the ThinkTank camera case. It is only 2.5 pounds and folds to about 19-20" enough to fit inside the camera bag.

I do have a Manfrotto 504HD that has served well with my PMW-200 (already sold) and hopefully will work well with the PXW FS7K arriving in December (according to Sony - but they are now MY expectations of arrival date [referring to previous discussion] LOL

Just a little update. I received my accessories by UPS last night. I can confirm that using the mulit to AV/R cable connected to an AV/R cable to 2.5mm jack cable, connected to a LANC controller does function properly. It's a bit of a cluster and a PITA, but it does work. Hopefully they will start making some LANC controllers with the mulit port on them.

Just a little update. I received my accessories by UPS last night. I can confirm that using the mulit to AV/R cable connected to an AV/R cable to 2.5mm jack cable, connected to a LANC controller does function properly. It's a bit of a cluster and a PITA, but it does work. Hopefully they will start making some LANC controllers with the mulit port on them.

yes it is. all those patch cables can (and will) disconnect in the long run. let alone having them in another bag left in the car or lose them . I did the most idiotic remedy taping the connections between plugs with gaffer's tape and after a couple of times they did disconnect so I had to remove the tape before plugging them tight again.So don't use tape. Anyway if you shoot something important would be a good idea to get backup cables. If you have time could you check the profiles and see if there is a sharpness control (detail)? When you have time of course...

Any raw footage you care to share?