Sony PXW-X70 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
Sony PXW-X70 - OVERVIEW
PXW-X70 is the first professional XDCAM compact camcorder model of Sony, with which the brand promised to offer exceptional robust performance, superb shooting speed, and stunning video quality. It comes in small size; but, is packed with a wide range of applications.
The larger Exmor R sensor is 8 times larger and more efficient in low-light shooting than 1/3” or super-16 sized image sensors. The standard optical zoom, manual controls, 10-bit 4:2:2 4K recording functionalities, XLR inputs, dual media slots, built-in Wi-Fi technology in the video camera make it a complete and convenient package for fieldwork.
SONY PXW-X70 REVIEW
Design & Features
Sony X70 comes with a lightweight (1.4kg) and ergonomically designed body that makes it easy and comfortable to use. The fat handgrip provides extra comfort to the users; so, they can comfortably hold the camcorder and shoot for long hours. The brand brings the focus magnification functions under your fingertips with manually controlled lens rings so that you can manually adjust the focus and zoom with ease. On that handgrip area, it also features a customizable button; that lets you enable the auto IRIS function, just with one push.
You will find a small joystick at the backside of the handle area to navigate the camera settings menus and check the zoom, focus, and exposure. On the side of the camera body, there are manual controls to provide easy adjustment of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.
Now you must have understood that the PXW-X70 comes in small size, but it does not compromise the build quality and features.
The 3.5” 1,56M dot LCD screen provides extra touch-friendly composition options and a color-rich preview of the recording footage. The outstanding color-rich contrast, OLED brightness, and highly-sensitive response of 0.39” viewfinder let you capture and compose scenes with much ease.
The branded wide telephoto zoom lens is perfect for capturing life-like videos and images in landscape mode. It provides a stable 12X optical zooming range, while the digital extender enhances the zooming value up to 24X magnification range in HD. It helps you to cover a breaking news story; where you can’t get the opportunity to capture your subject from close.
On the other hand, the advanced BIONZ X image processing engine gives the images a more realistic appearance. The extended clear image zoom is exceptionally transparent. No one would come to know about the usage of digital magnification; unless you tell them, thanks to its remarkable transparency and efficiency.
The integrated lens features an optical stabilizer that also performs like an electrical stabilizer with time and needs. The steady-shot function effectively works against the shakiest hand.
A back-illuminated 1-inch 20 megapixel Exmor R CMOS image sensor that is built-in the camera maintains clarity and resolution in all circumstances.
Image and video quality
Sony PXW-X70 records video in 4K full HD and pictures at 14MP with up to 99 camera profiles. The camcorder offers a wide dynamic range and color gradation options that you can apply during recording to do on-camera editorial work or ease the post-production phase.
The PXW-X70 camcorder records videos in three different formats - XAVC QFHD/HD, AVCHD, and DV codec. It is capable of recording 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC Long GOP 1920x1080P HD video in 50p/60p/50i/60i/ 30p/25p/24p mode and 50 Mbps and 35 Mbps rate, 1920x1080P video in 50i/60i mode at 25 Mbps, and 720P video in 50p/60p mode at 50 Mbps rate.
For 8-bit 4:2:0 AVCHD format, it offers two resolutions – full HD and 720P. With DV format, you only can record 720P video.
Storage
The PXW-X70 incorporates two memory card slots. The slots are compatible with the Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2), Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SDCX, and SDHC type memory cards. In the relay recording mode, the camcorder starts saving recorded files in the second memory card; when the first becomes full. The simultaneous recording option allows you to choose different formats and bit rates for recording.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The X70 Sony camcorder offers several connection options to enable a secure broadcast workflow, such as - type-A HDMI, Multi/Micro USB BNC, 3G HD-SDI, DC port, etc. The hotshot mount and MI shoe mounting phase support wide audio/video devices for achieving a decent audio-video recording system.
The Wi-Fi NFC connection is compatible with 2.4 GHz bandwidth and IEEE 802.11 b/g/n format. It supports wireless remote control functioning with RMT-845 remote commander.
BEST FEATURES OF THE sony pxw-x70 professional xdcam compact camcorder
The portable design, easy remote-friendly operation, large-format image sensor, versatile wired connection options, one-touch wireless connection, and the 2 modes (1280x720 / 640x360 ) live streaming facility of the camcorder make it perfect for outdoor shooting.
SPECIFICATIONS OF SONY PXW-X70
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 9.3 - 111.6 mm |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 12X |
Maximum Aperture | F2.8 - F4.5 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 1 cm |
Filter Size | M62 mm |
Control Rings | Focus Zoom IRIS |
Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1" |
Sensor Type | Backside-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS sensor |
Effective Resolution | 14.2 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Optical + Electrical Stabilisation Mechanism with Steady Shot Function |
Built-In ND Filter | Clear, 1: 1/4ND, 2: 1/16ND, 3: 1/64 ND |
Shutter Speed | 1/6 to 1/10,000 sec |
Gain | -3 to 33 dB |
Minimum Illumination | 3 Lux at 1/60 Shutter Speed |
White Balance | 2300 to 15,000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | XAVC QFHD/HD, AVCHD, DV |
Video Resolution | 4:2:0 XAVC: |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 3.5" |
Resolution | 1,56M Dot |
Display Type | LCD Touch Screen |
EVF
EVF Display Type | OLED |
Screen Size | 0.39” |
EVF Resolution | 1.46M Dots |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | 3Pin XLR Inputs, Type-A HDMI, Multi/Micro USB |
Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11ac) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | MI Shoe, Hot Shoe Mount |
Power
Battery Model | Sony NP-FV70 Lithium-ion battery packs |
Battery Capacity | 1960mAh |
SONY PXW-X70 TEST FOOTAGE
SONY PXW-X70 UNBOXING
SONY PXW-X70 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Sony PXW-X70. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.
If you wish to check the official user manual of this Sony PXW-X70 camcorder, click here.
SONY PXW-X70 accessories
Batteries
Though the Sony PXW-X70 has a battery life of 200mins having an extra battery in your camera bag will make you worry-free. Because just-in-case the battery pack gets drained out, you can continue shooting with another battery pack while you can charge it in the meantime. It is always advisable to choose the original batteries of your camera brand to expand the warranty and its lifespan.
If you wish to purchase NP-FV70 Batteries and Charger Kit for Sony, click here.
Tripods
As you can see, the camcorder does not offer a dedicated image stabilization mechanism, excluding the steady-shot function. But, you don’t need to worry about handshake distortion during video recording; when you place the camcorder on a stable tripod; while activating the steady shot mode.
Additional Memory Cards
If you feel that the capacity of the included memory card is limiting your shooting, you can keep a compatible, fast, and high-capacity memory card along with you. You can try purchasing any of these: SanDisk 128GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card, SanDisk 32GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card.
Conclusion
Sony PXW X70 is an easy-to-operate, small handy camera that is capable of providing stunning HD results. The combination of the large image sensor and easy-switchable ND filters lets you control depth-of-field more efficiently than other handy cameras to expand your creativity. If you are on a tight budget it could be a good fit for you as your first professional video camera. Otherwise, you can use it in the place of the camera–B in a consistent shooting workflow for exclusive newsgathering, shooting BTS, and candid moments.
