Hello -

Just wondering, aren't these the same camera ... just the NX30 having an add on XLR unit?

It also looks like the XLR unit (on the NX30) is detachable.

The NX30 is based on last year's PJ760V. The 790 has a new hotshoe, relocated mic, and a brighter projector.

Matt is correct, the NX30 is the "pro" version of the PJ760 - adds a bigger battery stock (70 vs. 50), the audio block/mic, and I think also some firmware tweaks to add features.

Effectively the same guts and shell, goosed a bit to better meet the professional market.

Thanks for the replies!!

Any chance that Sony sells the XLR unit separately (I searched their site and couldn't find it) .... so that I could attach it to the new 790?

Maybe Sony will come out with an updated version of the NX30 .... NX40?!

As there's a new hotshoe starting with the current generation handycams the audio block from the NX30 (and NX70 and NX3D1) wouldn't work, but Sony did release the XLR-K1M. It's essentially the same XLR adapter with the updated MIS shoe. I'd assume since it's a stand alone accessory that plugs into the MIS shoe that it would work with everything that has the MIS shoe but at the moment it's only listed as compatible with the A99 and VG900/30.

That being said, the price difference between the PJ790 and NX30 is $400, the XLR-K1M is $800.

The NX30 differences are the XLR unit and the mic, LPCM audio choice as well as Dolby, bigger battery, full set of cables, full timecode control not just a counter fixed shot/photo button rather than just the photo button. Lot more than $400 !!! It also has 720P60 and not sure if the PJ760 had 720P60 .

Ron Evans

.... That being said, the price difference between the PJ790 and NX30 is $400, the XLR-K1M is $800.

Regarding the XLR-K1M .... YIKES!! Nice adapter though.

Now here's what's confusing me ....

This link has the cam listed at $2300: Sony Product Detail Page HXRNX30U (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-nxcam/product-HXRNX30U/)

This link has the cam listed at $1999: Sony NXCAM Camcorder | HXR-NX30U | Sony USA (http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666464663#specifications)

To me, these look like the same cam ... model number and everything. Am I missing something here?

The NX30 differences are the XLR unit and the mic, LPCM audio choice as well as Dolby, bigger battery, full set of cables, full timecode control not just a counter fixed shot/photo button rather than just the photo button. Lot more than $400 !!! It also has 720P60 and not sure if the PJ760 had 720P60 .

Ron Evans

Ron ... I don't see in the specs anything about either cam being able to shoot at 720/60p. I may be totally missing this, so if you would be so kind as to point this out to me where you saw this info., I'd greatly appreciate it.

I have the NX30U and it does shoot 720P60 at FX and FH rates as well as 24P and 30P at these rates. I checked the consumer version and it does not shoot at 30P or 720P60 as far as I can tell from the manual.

Ron Evans

Those additional resolution/frame rates don't seem to be well documented/advertised... definitely add a bit more "interest" to the "NX" vs. a PJ or CX, which as you state, don't have those additional modes. I'm perfectly happy to shoot 1080/60p, but it might well be handy to have the options!

The NX seems to sell (retail?) for around the $2K point, which actually doesn't seem too bad for the additional features/audio block/mic. I picked up the "little sister" PJ710, and it's turning out to be a nice "budget" option (no VF, but otherwise similar to the 760's). That magic eyeball spoils you really quick for handeld shooting!

The NX30 will record at 1920x1080 60P at 28Mbps, 60i, 30P and 24P at 24Mbps and 17Mbps and 1280x720 60P at 24Mbps and 17Mbps. It will also record 1440x1080 60i at 9Mbps and 5Mbps. Definitely more flexible than the consumer versions. Considering the timecode control, XLR audio, LPCM audio , mic, bigger battery, comes with all the cables you need too, the cost difference is a deal I thought. It comes with AV cable, a host USB cable, USB extension cable, HDMI cable. Yes $2K is about street price.


Ron Evans

Thanks Ron for clarification about the 720/60p.

Bummer when you can't even get this information off the manufacturer's website!!

And what's more confusing, is the two different prices for (what appears to me) the same cam.

Yes. I couldn't find the manual on the site either so sent request to support and asked for it. It is an improvement over my CX700. Will work well with my NX5U as the timecode can be synced with the same remote. Save a little time in multicam editing to sync up timelines.

Ron Evans

Just curious, how's the STILL image quality from this cam ... both on screen (computer, HDTV) and print?

I haven't taken any stills with it yet but do not expect it to be much different from my CX700. I will take some tomorrow and report back.

Ron Evans

I was on the lookout for a B cam to go with my NX 5. I originally had a Sony HXR-MC2000 as a B cam but wasn't happy with it.
I looked at the NX30, couldn't see any prices for it in Ireland, but the prices in the UK were in the region of $2427 (€1864) or so.
In the US, it was actually dearer for a PAL version coming in at $2471 (€1898)
My partner is in NY at present and she will be making a purchase for me, so after looking at the finances etc.
i concluded that the PJ760 (PAL version) seems to tick most of the boxes and beats any of the CX700 series cams here with a price of $1283 (€985). The price difference is pretty big at a little over $1700 (€900).
In Ireland one vender has a CX700 for $1171 (€1000)

I haven't taken any stills with it yet but do not expect it to be much different from my CX700. I will take some tomorrow and report back.

Ron Evans

Hey Ron -

Have you had a chance to click some pics?