New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Sony : Sony?s new palm-sized NXCAM HD camcorder takes image stabilisation to a new level : United Kingdom

balanced Optical Steady Shot
built in projector
1/2.88 inch sensor
96GB internal memory +SD/MS
detachable XLR unit
24Mp stills !

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Looks like a "pro" version of their consumer HDR-PJ760V cam.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Here's a write-up if the camera. I like the XLR module.

Sony HXR-NX30 camcorder: built-in projector, 96GB storage for $2,500 (video) -- Engadget

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Price differential to the HDR-PJ760V for the extra features is more reasonable than the NX70 to the CX700. This would work well with my NX5U I think and a good replacement for my CX700. If I can lock the timecode between my NX5U and this it would be really useful. If they have implemented the manual controls of the NX70 it will be good too.

Ron Evans

edit: Having watched the video again I think it will work locking timecode to the NX5U. With both in free run and using the remote to reset to zero they will be in sync. Very nice as long as it the same remote !!! Now if only Sony would have a firmware upgrade for the NX5U for 60P !!!!

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

If the HDR-PJ760V doesn't have the balanced OSS, (is not mentioned in the specs) then is a formidable upgrade for the price difference.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

If you mean the Balanced Optical SteadyShot. Yes the HDR-PJ760V does have it. 96GB Full HD Camcorder with Projector | HDR-PJ760V | Sony USA.

Differences are the XLR audio, PCM audio, timecode, and I expect the manual controls that are available in the NX70 though we will have to wait for the full specs. Of course in typical Sony fashion these are likely all there in the consumer models anyway just not enabled.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

It looks like they intend for this to duke it out with the XA10, especially since they're pushing the image stabilization so hard (which is excellent on the XA10).

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

And a projector built into the camera. FINALLY!!! All it is missing is a built in mp3 player / iPod dock.

While I can't help myself tease about this, I'm also really wanting to see how well the projector would work. Maybe use a softbox or bounce board as a screen if you don't have a white wall?

Might be very valuable to some people. If it is more than just a novelty & inexpensive to put into a camera, it might be very nice to have standard on more cameras. Or build it into a stand alone device with HDMI or HD-SDI inputs.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Yes I am sure the XA10 is the target. But I think the present CX700 OSS is very good too and the new one is supposedly 13 times better, the XA10 doesn't have 60P either. So it will have a lot of features not available on the XA10.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

In the HDR-PJ760V* nomenclature they claim a 24.1Mp still capability in the 16:9 mode, yet they state that the effective sensor resolution is 6145K and the gross pixels are 6650K

96GB Full HD Camcorder with Projector | HDR-PJ760V | Sony USA

Does anyone know they derive a 24.1Mp photo from a 6Mp sensor?


*It applies to the NX30 since they share the same basic hardware.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

interpolation...

Sony does some interesting things in the still camera line with multiple exposures overlaid to improve image quality, and I'd expect some cross polination of the technology. Still, that's a pretty agressive "up-rezz"!

This looks again like a "beefed up" version of this year's consumer cameras, with a few more features, and an XLR/mic added into the mix, plus of course an extra $1k on the price tag, and "pro" level support.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

With this camera, the PMW-100, FS700 and free S-Log, it seems Canon really ticked off Sony and Sony is going full force against many of Canon's cameras (XA10, XF105, C300 and upcoming 4k camera).

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

All they need now is a NX5U replacement to defend against the Panasonic AG AC160 with enough improvements to also go at the XF300 series at the 1/3" group and new 1/2" EX family to create a new space again.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

I will be getting the Sony HDR-CX760V is the consumer version without the projector. It looks like it might out preform my NX-5. I had to get it because my NX-5 has a lens problem that is intermittent and can't send it in right now because of jobs coming up. It comes in today from BandH. The way the lens wobbles is very interesting, Sony really thought outside the box on this one.

Dan

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

My CX700 certainly gives cleaner image than my NX5U but of course does not have the controls that the NX5 has in particular it does not have gain control, no ND filters so needs an external Variable ND which I got for it. OSS is good on the CX700 so should be exceptional on the 760.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Ron,

I have been playing with the settings an the only thing you want that is not on this camera is ND filters. It has peaking in three colors and manual everything. What a camera. The low light is very very good. Blows my NX-5 away but not my FS-100. NX-30 must be even better I would think.

Dan

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Dan
Does it have gain control ? The CX700 has peaking, shutter etc but no gain control though the NX70 does have the gain control so I am assuming the NX30 will also have this as a differentiator with timecode and 1280x720P60 and with PCM audio. I will certainly look at the NX30 when it comes out. I already have the variable ND so that isn't a problem. As a B camera to the NX5U it will match nicely with timecode reset etc. A better fit than the CX700 means I can stay with Sony rather than go to the XA10 with the need to get more batteries and chargers. Yes the CX700 sees in the dark with low noise too. NX5U is no match.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Ron,

It has gain control but I don't think you can use all the manuals at once.The NX-30 probably unlocks that feature. Haven't had much time to play with it but I can say the "Balanced Optical Steadyshot" is the best I've ever seen. I plan on putting it on a glide cam and see how it fly's this weekend. It look like an eyeball.

Dan

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Dan
Just downloaded the manual and can see it has gain limit. Something I do no have on the CX700.

Ron

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

In Europe they market the Sony hdr-pj740ve which has only 32Gb of memory and in typical Sony tradition is more expensive than in US. I checked the specs and it seems to be a difference in size as well. Does anybody know if there is 96gb euro model and if the size difference is legit or a mistake in specs? Both models look alike in pictures though.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Downloaded the manual for the HX30? If so where?

Thanks.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

I was referring to the CX760V manual. I too would love to see the NX30 manual.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

According to the Sony Press release, the NX30U will be out in June. I plan to purchase a new camera this summer to replace my ageing HVR-A1U. I've been looking at the HXR-NX70U, but, this new camera intrigues me alot. Should I focus on getting on getting the NX70U or wait for the NX30U to come out and compare and contrast them and then make a decision? What should I do? NX70U or NX30U?

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Well since the NX30 is really a consumer PJ760 with XLR attachment and clearly some firmware upgrades to timecode etc you may be better off buying the NX30 and the waterproof housing Underwater Handycam Camcorder Housing | SPK-HCH | Sony USA for the PJ760. It will cost less, be a true waterproof housing and the unit will have the latest great image stabilizer. No contest as far as I can see. I will be looking to get one in the summer to replace my CX700.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Has anybody been able to confirm yet if the NX30 allows for true independent gain, shutter and iris control?

Has anybody spotted the NX30 user manual yet?

CT

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Only 2 seem to be available now, see on the right side under "brochures" on this site:
Sony : HXR-NX30E (HXRNX30E) : Product Overview : Other

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

I found this but you have to register first. http://www.pro.sony.eu/biz/lang/en/e...nx3d1e/manuals

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

I have a demo unit that I'm reviewing. It doesn't appear possible to get full independent control of iris, shutter and gain. You can choose to manually control the exposure, shutter and iris, but then the others become automatic, only one can be controlled manually at once. You can set an AGC gain limit which can be as low as 0db and this stays set while you change the exposure, shutter or iris but full simultaneous manual control of both shutter and iris appears impossible.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Well that is sad. Save your money and get the HDR-CX760, it's image is wonderful.

Dan

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

IS is outstanding, but unfortunately that is not something that I really need, cuz I don't shoot handheld, and my G10 has slightly better image;

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

This is as I expected. It's a PJ760 with some firmware changes to give timecode, LPCM audio, full indication on the LCD, 720P etc and of course has XLR audio with mic and I expect the larger FV70 battery. I think the difference in price to the PJ760 is reasonable and I will replace my CX700 for it when it comes out in Canada. Will make a better companion to my NX5U. I think the picture will be identical for the NX30, CX760, PJ760 etc in the new lineup from Sony as they are all essentially the same camera.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

I"m suprised to see that the g10 outperforms the sony in low light, I always thought sony had the edge with their xmor technology. Too bad only that the nx30 is so expensive and it's way to much for what it offers, for only 500 euro extra I can get a panasonic ag ac130.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

so am I, cuz i was really hoping to replace my g10 and low light performance is my main concern, but I am afraid I will need to go higher price bracket to get better than G/XA10 low light performance

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

European prices must be very different. AC130 is about $3695 and NX30 is $1998 at B&H Photo that's almost $1700 difference so you could buy a matching PJ760, bag and extra batteries as well and still be less than the AC130. If you are to handhold the camera there is no competition the Sony's are far superior with their image stabilization. They are just very different cameras with totally different purposes.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

So am I as my CX700 at 21 db has a lot less grain noise than my NX5U at 12db and certainly sees more in the dark than I can see !!!

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

If I recalculate to US dollar there are 2 large videostores in Belgium that sell the panasonic ag ac130 for 4252 dollar and the other asks 5190 dollar.

For the nx30 The price is 3544 dollar but I just found another store selling it for 3164 dollar. (that's all vat included, are the prizes on B&H in or ex vat?)

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

For comparison the list price from the manufacturers WEB site , AC130.....$3895 and for the NX30 .... $2300. Tax is not included because it is totally different depending on where you live.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

@Alister;

Thanks for the info on your test NX30 unit! Can you tell me if the NX30 displays any "gain" information at all during recording? The term "exposure" is such an ambiguous thing. I expect this from a "consumer" camera but not from a "pro" NXCAM model.

Seems that the NX30 offers very little firmware features over it's "crippled" PJ760 "Handycam" sister.

Could your test camera possibly not have the final firmware loaded?

I was excited about buying an NX30 as a 4th camera for my collection but if it's got the typical "Handycam" crippling tricks than I see no need to replace my CX760.

Thanks for the info Alister! (cant wait to see your full review!)

CT

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

I was looking for the "professional" version of the CX760 and was hoping the NX30 would be it. But now that you confirm that it doesn't do ALL manual at the same time, I can pretty much rule it out.

It's a disappointment for sure.

Do the people at Sony really think that an XLR adapter and a few negligible differences justify the price difference between the NX30 and the CX760?

I'm planning on purchasing the Product: DR-100MKII | TASCAM Tascam DR-100MKII and use it to record audio.

The Tascam's pre-amps are guaranteed to be quieter than what Sony will offer with the NX30 and I can use it in place of a wireless microphone by placing it anywhere I want, without being limited.

Re: New Sony HXR-NX30E Palmcorder with advanced Stabilization
 

Right now, B&H is listing the CX760v for just under $1400 ($US) and is taking orders for the NX30 at just under $2000 ($US). For the extra $600, what you get with the NX30 that you don't get with the CX760, as far as I can glean from the above and B&H, is:

* a lens hood
* an XLR audio module with phantom power capability
* an external stereo shotgun mic
* ability to record LPCM audio
* ability to shoot 720p/60 (in North America) in addition to the 1080i and 1080p/60 that you get with the CX760;
* the projector
* a slightly larger LCD viewscreen (3.5" versus 3")
* ability to lock Auto Gain levels

Ron indicated there may be an ability to lock timecode with an NX5. Any info on how this is or will be done?

Any additions to the NX30 over the CX760 that I have missed in my list?

Has anybody found a place to download a user's manual for North American versions of the NX30? (B&H is projecting camera availability at the end of June, so maybe a manual has not been posted yet.)

The B&H website lists "FMU storage" is an option. Any idea what that means? Can you add an FMU128 as one can with the NX5? Why would you do that? (Other that maybe, going on a very long shoot where you might have a long time between opportunities to offload video?) Or are they simply talking about the ability to record to cards as well as internal flash memory?