So I was really interested in purchasing this cam, mostly glowing reviews out there...until I read this post. I haven't really read about this issue from others, so is this just an isolated problem with this cam, are others experiencing it also?

Just looking for advice to pass or not. The UX180 looks decent, or I can wait until NAB for new releases (anyone have rumors on what is coming)?

I believe one other person reported a similar issue with their Z150. The kicker is that I have had three Sony cameras in a row with back focus issues, so it appears to be a sore point of Sony's design. My camera continues to buzz and vibrate, blurring my telephoto shots. If I was shooting a wedding, and zoomed in for the kiss or the "I do's", then I would be screwed, as you must zoom to wide angle to get the buzzing and vibrations to stop, and the focus to return.

Then again, see my 4K post, maybe the picture will win you over...perhaps I just have horrible backfocus luck!

Paul

Can any of you answer a question for me please.
I have a PXW X160, have had it for about 2 years.
It has been solid.
I only use manual focus and zoom with the rings. I may have used the zoom toggle once when I first got it, it worked fine. There is a switch on the 160 that disables the zoom toggle, so even if I bump it or touch the handle zoom it does nothing.
So the question-
Am I immune to these lens issues by using full manual?
Or is it irrelevent because the zoom is motorised even when using the ring?
Thanks for any feedback.

The issue with these small cameras is the continuously variable servo controlled backfocus, necessary to make these lenses act as parfocal, meaning focus does not change when zooming. See the post below in the EX Handhelds forum regarding my experience with this issue on my X180. The last post includes a link to the firmware that supposedly solves these issues...the X160 would have it's own firmware though.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdcam-ex-pro-handhelds/527557-x180-lens-issue.html