Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Windows version is (1.1.0.87) with DPX or XAVC as options

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Looks like you'll have to stump up for Prepare .

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Exactly the same as you, Mac 10.6, updated Browse- Nothing- the file menu transcode button is greyed out I used the pop up 'new version available which is 1.02 but if I follow your instructions David and go to options/about etc an even newer version 1.1 appears. Then magically I can transcode multiple files. What on earth was the pop up for?
It's like being in a computer game maze.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Paul as I mentioned the transcode to XAVC Intra will work in Vegas 12 so you can edit your X70 video. Transcode is quite fast too. XAVC Intra is the full version of XAVC rather than the LongGOP of the X70 so file size is bigger about 5 times as big !!! But is easier to edit with. OF interest too is the fact i could not get the data code button on the X70 I had as a demo to work but this latest version of Catalyst shows all the data code information !!!

Ron Evans

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Just figured out that part of my problem is that I shoot 720p60. In a test, 1080p60 WILL transcode to ProRes and XAVC. This is still a problem for me, as my work issued editing platform is FCP X, and if you use FCP X, you will no doubt be aware that you cannot export/render/share a 720 file from a 1080 master unless you do something like drop a 1 second 720 clip at the beginning of the timeline.

I must say though, I did nee a noticeable improvement in quality on the XAVC footage I ingested via SDI. The night gained up colorful stuff looked smoother, less noise, colors popped a bit more. :)

Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Paul,

Also looking at the SDI option. Are using it with Sony Vegas? Will this simple card, an SDI cable and Vegas 13 do the job?

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/pro...specs/W-DLK-06

Gabor

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

If you are using Vegas then you are on a PC. You can convert to XAVC with Browse and the only downside is file size. Its fast too. Files are about 5 times the size of XAVC-L from the X70. Play fine in my Vegas 12 and so I am sure do so in Vegas 13. Paul's problem is he is on a Mac with FCPX. As mentioned before Edius 7.4 plays native files just fine.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

My primary issue is that I shoot/broadcast news in 720p60, which invalidates all of the usable codecs in browse. I believe that 1080p60 transcodes in batch processing are workable for non news situations. My speedy 4770k i7 PC took about a minute to transcode a single 30 second file. Making as XAVC S Media Player compatible file took another 4 minutes to transcode that XAVC 30 second clip.

If I am not mistaken, once you convert to regular XAVC, you can do cut's only editing without rerendering, smart rendering is what it's called.

Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Ron,

Thanks for your help. David mentioned on the earlier page that selecting multiple clips was possible. Is that only in the mac version of Catalyst Browse? Or can I do that in the Windows version as well? Any idea how? Simply holding down the Shift-key doesn't help.

Gabor

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

A bit more like a TV commercial (back in the 1980s) for colour photographic film?

Andrew

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Gabor, FYI, BlackMagic Media Express will not ingest at 1080p60, you would have to output 1080p30 or 720p60 regardless of the format of the recording for Media Express to see the inbound signal.

Paul;

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Selection is standard windows either use shift or ctrl etc. then go to file menu in bottom right of pane and select what you want. I just did a test of encode speed to XAVC on my WIn 7 64bit i7 3770K with 16G RAM encoding 2 files total of 4 min 35 sec reading from one hard drive and writing to another and it took 5 min 38 sec. These XAVC Intra files run in either Vegas 12 or Edius 7.4 on my PC.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

I hate to say this but this new camera has a control layout I wish the Sony's had........if it didn't have that 1.23" sensor.....

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1096582-REG/jvc_gy_hm200_gy_hm220_4kcam_streaming_camcorder.html
Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Anyone have any thoughts on how this cam compares, image-wise, to an EX1/R? I realize the EX is HD only with no upgrade path but that's fine 'cause right now so is the 70.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

I shot a film festival as B camera (CX900) to an EX1 shooting A camera. The other photographer said my video looked much cleaner than his in the available light and with LED lighting.

Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

I know this is from a different camera to the one we are discussing, but on the topic of exceptionally good imaging (better than a SLR camera) in low light situations ...

Here are a couple of frame grabs from my PMW-300, which had the sensor running at 12dB gain. It was a Blues Brothers tribute band performing at a private dance event. The CU shot of the singers was posted to their Facebook page and generated a heap of likes and "awesome photo!" comments.

Also worth noting on the Facebook page was a comment from the band's friend/photog promising to not drink so much so that she can take better photos next time. Yeah, the mind boggles.

Andrew

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

In what respect was the image cleaner on the CX900? Are we talking noise/grain here? Do you know what the two cams' settings were compared to each other as far as gain/exposure/etc.? Thanks.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Unknown, he just said it looked better when he viewed both versions on his Mac......assuming cleaner less noise/grain.

Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Just got a Fujinon WCV-82SC converter from Broadcast Brokers in France sent to Thailand (100 euros).
The rings to allow the 82-62 adaptor to be fitted need to be around 8 mm. I only have a 4mm one at present so will have to get more from Ebay. So if anyone gets their hands on this converter remember to get several cheap UV filters, remove the glass and fit!

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Paul , in November you put up a YT video showing very accurate colours and elsewhere suggested starting from the 'Still PP
could you let us know what setting you have please, I think they are great
thanks
Mike

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Mike, heading in to my station a few hours early tonight to do some more extensive vectorscoping of my X70. I should have post-able finalized ITU709 and Cinematone PP calibrations. I have learned a lot about how these cameras are adjusted, and will also post a how to tutorial on the best ways to eyeball calibrate the settings without a vectorscope or chart/monitor etc.

Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Paul,
Thanks
Mike

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

After my dismal experience with the AX100, some of which I fully lay on my own lack of knowledge, then an even more frustrating couple of day stint with Sony's new X-180 (which went back due to a myriad of defects and quirks), I bought the X70. Initially this purchase was a gap filler due to the delay in Sony releasing the X200 camera, but the X 70 has turned out to be a very good choice.

I received it a day before a three week still shooting assignment on the east coast, so I packed it and it's manual in my carry on for some in flight familiarization. The X70 is one of those cameras that just fits and behaves right. Two hours into my flight it had become an old friend and I had shot beautiful, stabilized clips of the sky scapes we were navigating. All of the buttons, toggle switch menu navigation, varying functions, made sense and once I had gone through them a couple of times, they became old hat.

I reviewed the clips on the camera display, but because of a hectic schedule and the holidays, I had not been able to see them on an appropriate display. Today I plugged the X70 into a 65" flat screen and watched everything that I have shot on it. The subject matter ranged from clips of beautiful cloud formations slipping by the Gulfstream, to dusk city skylines with bright fountains dancing in the frame, to my Grandchildren on Christmas morning in a poor light mix of daylight and incandescent . The Sony handled all of this very capably with no blown highlights and very little noise in the night scenes. Based upon my experiences, for $2,200 this little camera was a very pleasant surprise.

I have an Atomos Shogun arriving in a few days that should really round out this system nicely, while I wait for someone else to be the test bench on the X-200 when it is finally released.

A side note, were it not for all of you here, and your willingness to share your vast equipment and technical experience, I would still be at the starting gate wondering what to do and which way to go. This is an invaluable forum, populated with great people and I for one very much appreciate you all. And to the sponsors, because of this thread and the knowledge I have gleaned here, Y'All have sold some nice gear.

Sincerely,

Jim Wilson

P.S. A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2015 to everyone here!

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Glad you're happy with the results - what settings did you use? Did you adjust the Picture Profiles, Knee, exposure, etc.?? Please share!

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Hi David,

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I didn't fiddle with any custom settings/profiles at this point. My clips look very good, but they have that untweaked, little bit neutral flat character that a RAW file has before one shines it up. This was just my initial shakedown cruise, I need to become much more familiar with what the X70 can do. Oddly, while we were at a movie tonight, B&H sent me an email notifying me that the Sony X-200 is now in stock. I'm sure it's a great camera, but I think I'll hold off and get to know the X-70 before I decide to jump off with the 200.

I'll get back to you on any settings that I find beneficial, please let me know if you find any that you like.

Happy New Year!

JW

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

you mean the pmw x-200? that thing is 6300...quite a price bump.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Hi Josh,

Yes, I realize that we're not talking apples to apples. I bought the X-180, but it failed miserably right off the bat. A great Sony Tech person convinced me to hold out for the X-200 which was to be released in late October or early November, which turned into 12/31/14. The 200 was a couple grand bump from the 180, but supposedly it had the chops to justify it. So, I was comfortable with the investment, just not sure about the tool. Something that additionally complicates my decision is that I have an upcoming project that may require something like the Red Dragon product, again a huge step into yet another world.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

oh im sure for that price its amazing!

anyway, anyone have input on how low light is on the 70, compared to, again, an ex1? Im thinking of how its an f4 lens, wondering how much gain you can get away with on the 70 before it gets nasty.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Josh, I shot some clips of the Jacksonville Florida city skyline at night with very slight gain bump and they were virtually noise free. I don't have the video handy, but I can show you the lighting scenario in a still image.................

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

That'd be great, thanks. I think the other major drawback to me with this cam was the limited zoom. . .many claim the 24x digital zoom is next to noise free. . .any thoughts on that?

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Jim, could you elaborate what it was that you didn't like about the PXW-180? I tried a demo unit at a local dealer recently and the files both at the legacy XDcam EX 4:2:0 level and the newer XAVC 4:2:2 options seemed to be noticeably superior to what I got from my workhorse EX-1R in terms of noise and detail at about +6 dB gain and up.

The overall control and handling felt better too though it was a little bigger and heavier which I didn't like. The longer zoom range, faster and surer AF performance, the continuously variable ND etc. makes run and gun or ENG use a lot easier to me.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

The "24x" Clear Image zoom renders the image quality to that of a $200 bottom of the line camcorder when you hit it. With the gain pumped up, the noise increases as the pixels are magnified. It is VERY NOTICABLE at night.

I set the AGC to 24db, and shoot at 1/60 at night. It gets dark really really fast. f3.5-4.0 are just a little zoom in away.

Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Not the 180 but I tried out the 160, same thing sensor wise. There is a lot to like about these cameras but like all things beautiful nothing is perfect.

What I didn't like about it was the noticeable softening of the image if you went much below f5.6. F11 looks very ordinary almost SD reso on a large screen. Looks like the typical diffraction you get on 1/3" type cameras when you stop down a fair way, especially at the longer end of this particular lens.

Another other thing I didn't like much was the amount of light loss on the lens when fully zoomed in. Sure it is nice to have a 25 x zoom but its miles from being constant aperture. We all know broadcast B4 lenses tend to drop off at the long end a little in spite of their claims to being constant aperture glass. But if you think B4s are bad for this then try this lens. If running manual iris while zooming the light loss is quite noticeable. If on auto then the iris will compensate. If you want to use it manually then develop your skills of riding the iris up and down while zooming.

Highlight handling was also not a strong point on the camera. We all know that dynamic range suffers the smaller the sensor. So there is not much one can do about this on these little sensors.

Lastly anything above 9dB the noise floor was getting quite noticeable. Again most of us know that the signal to noise ratio on smaller sensors is nowhere near as good as it is on larger sensors. 1/3" 17 sq mm up against 1/2" 30 sq mm per sesnosr so roughly only half the light gathering capacity. Up against its bigger PMW 1/2" brothers there is no comparison in my opinion. There are a number of YouTube vids out there now of 160s up against PMWs and some of them demonstrate this quite well. This will only get worse as the new PXW-X200 is now landing.

All in all I found it a good camera to use and codecs wise you will get no argument from me but it didn't ring my bell in the important areas of dynamic range, gain noise in low light and worst of all the big drop in the light gathering capacity of that 25 x lens as you zoomed in to the long end.

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

That's too bad about the 24x zoom. Most of what I've read swears up and down that the quality is almost imperceptibly different from the normal zoom range.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Chis, never seen a 2/3" lens claiming constant aperture. I can tell you the only thing I like about my HM790 is the 1/3" HTs18x4.2BERM which has a CONSTANT f1.4 aperture. I will be getting an 890 some day, and the bump to f11@2000 with f1.4 at maximum telephoto is something to look forward to. :-)

How would I test my HTs18's diffraction level? I would like to find out what the sharpest f-stop and the smallest I can dial in to avoid image degradation.

Paul

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Thanks, Chris for giving your view on the camera. I guess generally speaking the small sensors plus that ambitious zoom range would be too much a compromise technically for a "step-up" from my EX1R. Looks like either the new PXW-X200 or the much cheaper X70 are the only practical choices for the kind of fast shooting and mostly hand-held, no scene set-up shooting I do.

The X200 in particular seems to strike the perfect balance between size, convenient run and gun controls and the overall IQ. 2/3" cameras are significantly bulkier and lack convenient automated controls like AF and image stabilization. Bigger format cameras are IMO out of the question for fast run and gun shooting.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

I am not sure what else you expected. The 160/180 are updated models of the PMW160 and NX5U both with 1/3" sensors. With that sensors size they will start to go soft quickly above F5.6 and on my NX5U I try and stay in the F3.4 to F4 range. That way I do not see the ramp in the lens when zooming either. To stay there one must use ND's or gain and I agree that with the NX5U above 9db and it really starts to show grain. 12db is the absolute limit. Using this approach the 160/180 have the nice feature of variable ND which would make it a lot easier to follow my approach. Set iris and gain and ride exposure using the variable ND. I looked at upgrading to a 160 from my NX5U but the issue of new media and batteries etc still leave me thinking.

Ron Evans

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

I will be getting my hands on an X200 for a try out in the next couple of weeks or so. Looking forward to putting it through its paces. To me that camera ticks a lot of boxes, a lot of which you outlined WC. F13 sensitivity with those new 1/2" sensors in that size camera will be decent performers I'm sure . The new 17x lens and overall size and ergonomics plus XAVC really appeal to me.

I have a number of clients, mainly sports broadcast, who will still require me to shoot XDCam disc so for them I will continue to do so. For that sort of work a nice hi-res 2" viewfinder and long B4 lens with remote servo is still the easiest kit to work with. For anything else though something like the 200 would fit the bill quite nicely I think. An x200 and an x70 would make for quite a nice little combo and all up for my mixture of work they offer more flexibility than just a full size ENG type camera. As always there is no perfect camera. Like a carpenter, different sized chisels for different aspects of the job.

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

Paul,
you are far more experienced than me, but I'm finding that the24X zoom loses a little quality but is still at least as good as the HMC150 I had before. I can't see it being as poor as a $200 camcorder
I'm limiting AGC to 18 where I can, that seems OK. But at 33 gain you need 'Neat ' to take away some of the noise.

Re: Sony PXW-X70 announced: Pro XDCAM version of AX100
 

$200 camcorders look pretty good circa 2015. :-)

How does Neat handle motion, say 30db of gain at 60 frames per second?

Paul