100 mbps 4k x70? at DVinfo.net

Jody Eldred · August 4th, 2015, 03:28 PM

Some may know that I did some tests comparing/contrasting the AX100 4K 100 mbps XAVC-S and the X70 4K 60 mbps XAVC-L. These tests were of virtually the same footage shot at the same time and projected in 4K onto a 15-foot screen in a high-end 4K color grading suite here in Los Angeles. In the opinion of two cameramen and two colorists present (one of them the senior colorist), while both cameras looked excellent, the X70 images looked slightly superior. They definitely graded better.

There have been various discussions about why Sony didn't put 100 mbps in their professional camera but did so in the consumer version. Briefly, the two codecs are significantly different and the professional codec performs better.

I just received this word from Sony's X70 product manager regarding possible future 100 mbps in the X70: "We are working on that, but have not clarified whether or not whether it is technically feasible to incorporate 100Mbps. It is different from those of consumer FDR-AX100 and other models."

Cliff Totten · August 4th, 2015, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the update Jody.

In my own testing, I can see that 60Mbp/s is quite remarkable. I'll say that it does hold it's own reasonably well. On side by side testing between the X70 and AX100, I can say that 60Mbp/s it will "break" before 100Mbp/s does. However, in 60Mbp/s' defense, I must say that you need to stretch it pretty hard in the shadow or darker tones for it to crack. Yes, it's fairly durable.

Interestingly enough, the luma channel in 60 reveals more blocking than the 100 luma does in the lifted shadows. But it's true, nobody is watching black and white in 4k that has been stretched pretty hard like that.

So yes, 60Mbp/s is OK and it's not stopping me from loving this little X70. I very happy with it today as is.

I tip my hat to Sony for trying to get 100Mbp/s in the PXW-X70 and I hope they are successful. I know they want to and market pressure is out there calling for it. (not to mention pressure form Sony's own cheaper models) I called Sony Teaneck last month to get some more info and they admitted that a "good number" of customers are asking about 100Mbp/s. He had no information for me.

I don't know if this is any help but I would gladly disable all of the WiFi control or IP streaming options. I'd gladly surrender any proxy .mp4 file dual (low res video) recording or even dual card writing to have 100Mbp/s mode to save processing power. A message can pop up that says "X, Y and Z will be disabled" when shooting 100Mbp/s. If I ever needed those back, I could drop back to 60mbp/s at any time.

Thanks again for the update. Let's hope Sony can pull it off!.

I'll keep Cheuk in my prayers. ;-)

James R. Wilson Sr. · August 5th, 2015, 10:05 AM

The X70 continues to amaze me as I use it in a multitude of situations. I'm getting familiar with my FS/7 and eyeing an F-55, but the X70 is always something that I reach for in a time crunch because it just works.

Thanks for your real world analysis, makes me feel even better!

Buff Corsi · August 26th, 2016, 04:29 PM

I just updated my new Sony X70 to 4K and noticed that I had the option of 60Mbps or 100Mbps. This is my second X70 and the older one now needs to be updated to 100Mbps but I can't seem to find where to go for this update. I'm assuming it is on the Sony.com site, but darned if I can locate it. Any help?

Paul Anderegg · August 26th, 2016, 04:50 PM

I think a lot of people bricked their X70's attempting 3.0, make sure you do it correctly and follow the instructions to the letter.

https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.co...el-PXWX70.aspx

David Dixon · August 27th, 2016, 07:00 AM

Yes, firmware 2.0 was required for the 4K update, but firmware 3.0 later added the 100Mps option in 4K.

August 4th, 2015, 03:28 PM	#1
Jody Eldred Mustang. Legend. Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 36	100 mbps 4k x70? Some may know that I did some tests comparing/contrasting the AX100 4K 100 mbps XAVC-S and the X70 4K 60 mbps XAVC-L. These tests were of virtually the same footage shot at the same time and projected in 4K onto a 15-foot screen in a high-end 4K color grading suite here in Los Angeles. In the opinion of two cameramen and two colorists present (one of them the senior colorist), while both cameras looked excellent, the X70 images looked slightly superior. They definitely graded better. There have been various discussions about why Sony didn't put 100 mbps in their professional camera but did so in the consumer version. Briefly, the two codecs are significantly different and the professional codec performs better. I just received this word from Sony's X70 product manager regarding possible future 100 mbps in the X70: "We are working on that, but have not clarified whether or not whether it is technically feasible to incorporate 100Mbps. It is different from those of consumer FDR-AX100 and other models."

August 4th, 2015, 06:46 PM	#2
Cliff Totten Trustee Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 1,197	Re: 100 mbps 4k x70? Thanks for the update Jody. In my own testing, I can see that 60Mbp/s is quite remarkable. I'll say that it does hold it's own reasonably well. On side by side testing between the X70 and AX100, I can say that 60Mbp/s it will "break" before 100Mbp/s does. However, in 60Mbp/s' defense, I must say that you need to stretch it pretty hard in the shadow or darker tones for it to crack. Yes, it's fairly durable. Interestingly enough, the luma channel in 60 reveals more blocking than the 100 luma does in the lifted shadows. But it's true, nobody is watching black and white in 4k that has been stretched pretty hard like that. So yes, 60Mbp/s is OK and it's not stopping me from loving this little X70. I very happy with it today as is. I tip my hat to Sony for trying to get 100Mbp/s in the PXW-X70 and I hope they are successful. I know they want to and market pressure is out there calling for it. (not to mention pressure form Sony's own cheaper models) I called Sony Teaneck last month to get some more info and they admitted that a "good number" of customers are asking about 100Mbp/s. He had no information for me. I don't know if this is any help but I would gladly disable all of the WiFi control or IP streaming options. I'd gladly surrender any proxy .mp4 file dual (low res video) recording or even dual card writing to have 100Mbp/s mode to save processing power. A message can pop up that says "X, Y and Z will be disabled" when shooting 100Mbp/s. If I ever needed those back, I could drop back to 60mbp/s at any time. Thanks again for the update. Let's hope Sony can pull it off!. I'll keep Cheuk in my prayers. ;-)

August 5th, 2015, 10:05 AM	#3
James R. Wilson Sr. Photographer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Allen, Texas Posts: 155	Re: 100 mbps 4k x70? The X70 continues to amaze me as I use it in a multitude of situations. I'm getting familiar with my FS/7 and eyeing an F-55, but the X70 is always something that I reach for in a time crunch because it just works. Thanks for your real world analysis, makes me feel even better! __________________ Jim

August 26th, 2016, 04:29 PM	#4
Buff Corsi New Boot Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 9	Re: 100 mbps 4k x70? I just updated my new Sony X70 to 4K and noticed that I had the option of 60Mbps or 100Mbps. This is my second X70 and the older one now needs to be updated to 100Mbps but I can't seem to find where to go for this update. I'm assuming it is on the Sony.com site, but darned if I can locate it. Any help?

August 26th, 2016, 04:50 PM	#5
Paul Anderegg Trustee Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, Califonia Posts: 1,559	Re: 100 mbps 4k x70? I think a lot of people bricked their X70's attempting 3.0, make sure you do it correctly and follow the instructions to the letter. https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.co...el-PXWX70.aspx

August 27th, 2016, 07:00 AM	#6
David Dixon Major Player Join Date: May 2011 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 495	Re: 100 mbps 4k x70? Yes, firmware 2.0 was required for the 4K update, but firmware 3.0 later added the 100Mps option in 4K.