Sony Launches the First Compact XDCAM Professional Camcorder

10 years ago

4K recording capability will be available in a future update

Sony has launched the 4K-ready PXW-X70. It is the first compact XDCAM professional camcorder ever produced, the press release announced. Expanding the popular file-based XDCAM family to a new smaller form factor and lower price point, Sony has combined stunning picture quality, speed of shooting and robust performance into a package which is ideal for a wide range of applications from news gathering and documentary to events work.

The PXW-X70 features a 1.0 type Exmor R CMOS Sensor with a resolution of 20 megapixels. The sensor, which is even larger than the Super 16mm film frame,delivershigh resolution and fantastic low light performance, as well as offeringmore depth of field control as demanded by today’s diverse shooting requirements. The new camcorder has the ability to record High Definition in XAVC Long GOP, enabling 422 10-bit sampling at 50 Mbit/s. This in-turn supports a broadcast-quality workflow,increasingly adoptedby productionsin manydifferent professional applications.

This addition to the expanding next generation XDCAM familyfollows the recently announced PXW-X180 and PXW-X160 and builds upon Sony’s successful heritage of compact professional camcorders. The PXW-X70 is the first professionalcompact camcorder from Sony to include Wi-Fi-enabled control via Smart Phone or Tablet using the Content Browser Mobile application. An upcoming release will also provide customers with the ability to upgrade the PXW-X70 to record in 4K Ultra High Definition, with file transferring, and live video streaming capabilities.

“This first compact member of the XDCAM family brings the performance and workflow benefits associated with XAVC to an even wider range of shooting scenarios,” said Vivian Saldanha, Business Head – Content Creation, Sony Professional Solutions Middle East and Africa. “Over the past couple of years we’ve seen the broadcast industry really embrace the picture quality benefits associated with large sensors; the one-inch sensor at the heart of the PXW-X70 sets a new standard for colour, depth and texture in a professional compact camcorder. Coupled with the ability to upgrade to 4K, this represents a multipurpose,future-proof option for customers looking for a tough camcorder which doesn’t compromise on image.”