The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof”

Mike Beckett · April 1st, 2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson

I just need the price to get a bit more sensible - I won't be an "early adopter" at $3,200....or whatever that ends up being in Sterling with all our taxes and our typical UK "local pricing" on cameras.

Andy,

Prestons have listed the NX70 at £2160 incl VAT (£1800 ex VAT). This is very interesting, putting it in the same price range as the JVC HM100, Panasonic HMC40/41 etc. It's around £300-400 less than the Canon XF100.

See: H Preston - Sony HXR NX70

Andy Wilkinson · April 1st, 2011, 06:17 AM

That's more like it! Thanks.

Mike Beckett · April 1st, 2011, 10:24 AM

Release seems to be a way off yet - July, according to B&H. So we'll have to see if the price holds.

I'm getting seriously tempted by this camera. It looks like it has a remote (Lanc) too, judging by the spec on B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761581-REG/Sony_HXR_NX70U_HXR_NX70_Compact_Dust_and.html
"Remote: 2.5mm Stereo Mini (x1)"

Which would be good for me, when on-tripod. I was put off the JVC HM100 because of a lack of wired remote zoom.

Mike Beckett · April 2nd, 2011, 12:57 PM

I've spent some time today examining the specs of the NX70, and comparing it to my Panasonic HMC41 (HMC40 in USA).

Overall, it does seem to provide benefits for me (1920x1080 50p, water proof for the Irish weather, better low light, much wider lens, much better viewfinder and LCD amongst others, including the nightshot gimmick). And it's probably more comfortable for my uses than the CX700.

Questions for me at the moment are what on-screen guides we get. The CX700 has zebras, peaking and guide frame, so hopefully those will carry through to the NX70 as well. I would be surprised if they were missed off the pro model. (Edit: silly me, just noticed the Histogram button!)

Time will tell. I read that this will be previewed in April, when we will get a clearer idea of the nature of the beast. Come June, I will hopefully be pulling the trigger on this, it fixes a good few things that annoy me about the Panasonic. It does look like a great little "mini pro" camera.

Edit: ProAV are listing the camera at £3000 incl VAT: http://www.proav.co.uk/Cameras-Camco...654_sc773.aspx

Let's hope that gets adjusted down a bit.

Ron Evans · April 2nd, 2011, 01:57 PM

There are a few differences other than the lens ring etc from the CX700, the histogram and also it records PCM audio rather than just Dolby AC3. Hopefully we will find out more as time goes on. I am looking forward to seeing the manual when it appears on a Sony site somewhere.

Ron Evans

Les Wilson · April 2nd, 2011, 02:06 PM

There was a comparison on camcorderinfo of the CX700 (which the NX70 is supposedly based on) with the Panasonic tm700/900. They put the Panasonic on top and their only complaint about the TM900 was that it wasn't as much of an improvement over the previous model TM700 whereas the CX700 was a significant improvement over it's previous model. A somewhat twisted analysis.

Anyway, having used the TM700 as a B-Cam/POV cam, I am glad I did not compromise on the lens ring and histogram. It made using the camera one handed and from the side possible. This camera might be too large but it DOES have the water and dust protection as plusses. YMMV

Dave Blackhurst · April 2nd, 2011, 02:19 PM

My only observation on CCI "reviews" is that I have yet to read a review of a Sony camera that isn't "twisted" - not sure why, but they don't seem to like Sony all that well... so you have to take it into consideration when reading.

I have to wonder if the camera they tested had been around the block a couple times - they noted the control wheel being twitchy, and the OIS being worse than the CX550, no way to know without a CX700 in hand, but I'd be a bit surprised if the "backwards steps" are that significant. They LIKED the menu, which seems like a huge backwards step in real world usability... hourses for courses I suppose!

The NX70 is a far more interesting animal, and I still suspect we may see a AX7000... Sony is a creature of habit after all. The FX7 is VERY long in the tooth, having suffered discontinuation AND resurrection, and is at a price point Sony really needs to hit to compete with the XA1. Maybe some announcements with NAB?

edit: took a swing by a German review site that is usually pretty decent... looks to me like Sony may need to do some tweaking with the new sensor, which isn't unusual. The CX700 certainly doesn't impress in the low light department.

Ozzy Alvarez · April 5th, 2011, 08:51 PM

To anyone who has seen this camcorder, the HXR-NX70, and the footage that it shoots, perhaps you can tell me if it is different or similiar from the footage shot with the HXR-MC50? It seems the NX70 is what we wanted the MC50 to have been. Other than having XLR adapters, progressive shooting, and all these bells and whistles, is there really a difference between the two cams? What I mean is when all is said and done, is the footage yielded gonna be significantly different between the two cams or have a similiar look?

Ozzy

Andy Wilkinson · April 6th, 2011, 12:56 AM

Ozzy, I don't think that anyone outside Sony will have seen footage yet as this is a pretty recently announced cam (or if they have, they will be on a NDA - Non Disclosure Agreement for those that have not worked under one).

That being said NAB is very close and one would expect Sony to have one or more on their stand. Maybe if someone who's visiting could take a memory card and get some clips and post them up that might be useful (albeit it won't be ideal - but at least a start).

At the moment, all we have is an indication of how it will perform with regard to it's specs with respect to little sister models (like the CX700 which have been tested by camcorderinfo, Slashcam etc.) that a few early adopter 'DVinfoers' have also enlightened us on. In addition, we can consider the slightly older though very similar CX550/MC50 etc. (who's picture performance is well known by many).

Maybe Sony will "launch" some decent example videos shot with it at NAB (filmed by people under those NDA's, who knows).

Personally, I SUSPECT it'll be very similar (if not identical) in picture performance to the CX700, i.e. very close to the cam you ask about - but let's wait and SEE. It just needs a little patience! [I'm as keen as you are to know, believe me!]

Mike Beckett · April 12th, 2011, 06:24 AM

Video review from Visual Impact UK here:

YouTube - Sony HXR-NX70 Visual Impact Review (visuals.co.uk)

NAB Hands-on (from a Swiss reviewer) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Iua...ailpage#t=119s
(Link updated - the NX70 is about 2 minutes in to the clip)

It's enough to get the gist of it, and there's a glimpse of the NX70 having a shower, and a quick look at the menu system.

Glen Vandermolen · April 12th, 2011, 06:28 AM

This would seem to be the ideal camera for 'The Deadliest Catch" TV series. Not sure how the AVCHD codec would be for broadcast.

Ron Evans · April 12th, 2011, 06:53 AM

The menu system is just like my CX700. The CX700 does not have histogram or PCM audio making the HXR NX70 a better match for the NX5U etc but the base technology is clearly the CX700.

Ron Evans

Mike Beckett · April 18th, 2011, 05:55 AM

A video of the Sony demo at NAB is online here: YouTube - Sony Booth - HXR-NX70U - NAB 2011

Not much new, just a shot of the fish tank and the Sony slides/video that was running.

Mike Beckett · April 21st, 2011, 12:55 PM

Brief preview video from Jigsaw Systems in the UK:

YouTube - Sony's NEX-FS100 and HXR-NX70 cameras: a sneak peak

Mike Beckett · May 9th, 2011, 01:52 AM

Several of the dealers are revising their pricing for the NX70.

B&H is now showing $2,799 - compared to the Canon XF100 at almost $3000, so $200 cheaper.

Prestons in the UK is now showing £2,399 incl. VAT, around £150 cheaper than the XF100 at UK prices. Other UK dealers still have it sitting at £3000.

April 1st, 2011, 06:17 AM	#32
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” That's more like it! Thanks. __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

April 1st, 2011, 10:24 AM	#33
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” Release seems to be a way off yet - July, according to B&H. So we'll have to see if the price holds. I'm getting seriously tempted by this camera. It looks like it has a remote (Lanc) too, judging by the spec on B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761581-REG/Sony_HXR_NX70U_HXR_NX70_Compact_Dust_and.html "Remote: 2.5mm Stereo Mini (x1)" Which would be good for me, when on-tripod. I was put off the JVC HM100 because of a lack of wired remote zoom.

April 2nd, 2011, 12:57 PM	#34
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” I've spent some time today examining the specs of the NX70, and comparing it to my Panasonic HMC41 (HMC40 in USA). Overall, it does seem to provide benefits for me (1920x1080 50p, water proof for the Irish weather, better low light, much wider lens, much better viewfinder and LCD amongst others, including the nightshot gimmick). And it's probably more comfortable for my uses than the CX700. Questions for me at the moment are what on-screen guides we get. The CX700 has zebras, peaking and guide frame, so hopefully those will carry through to the NX70 as well. I would be surprised if they were missed off the pro model. (Edit: silly me, just noticed the Histogram button!) Time will tell. I read that this will be previewed in April, when we will get a clearer idea of the nature of the beast. Come June, I will hopefully be pulling the trigger on this, it fixes a good few things that annoy me about the Panasonic. It does look like a great little "mini pro" camera. Edit: ProAV are listing the camera at £3000 incl VAT: http://www.proav.co.uk/Cameras-Camco...654_sc773.aspx Let's hope that gets adjusted down a bit.

April 2nd, 2011, 01:57 PM	#35
Ron Evans Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,222	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” There are a few differences other than the lens ring etc from the CX700, the histogram and also it records PCM audio rather than just Dolby AC3. Hopefully we will find out more as time goes on. I am looking forward to seeing the manual when it appears on a Sony site somewhere. Ron Evans

April 2nd, 2011, 02:06 PM	#36
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” There was a comparison on camcorderinfo of the CX700 (which the NX70 is supposedly based on) with the Panasonic tm700/900. They put the Panasonic on top and their only complaint about the TM900 was that it wasn't as much of an improvement over the previous model TM700 whereas the CX700 was a significant improvement over it's previous model. A somewhat twisted analysis. Anyway, having used the TM700 as a B-Cam/POV cam, I am glad I did not compromise on the lens ring and histogram. It made using the camera one handed and from the side possible. This camera might be too large but it DOES have the water and dust protection as plusses. YMMV

April 2nd, 2011, 02:19 PM	#37
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” My only observation on CCI "reviews" is that I have yet to read a review of a Sony camera that isn't "twisted" - not sure why, but they don't seem to like Sony all that well... so you have to take it into consideration when reading. I have to wonder if the camera they tested had been around the block a couple times - they noted the control wheel being twitchy, and the OIS being worse than the CX550, no way to know without a CX700 in hand, but I'd be a bit surprised if the "backwards steps" are that significant. They LIKED the menu, which seems like a huge backwards step in real world usability... hourses for courses I suppose! The NX70 is a far more interesting animal, and I still suspect we may see a AX7000... Sony is a creature of habit after all. The FX7 is VERY long in the tooth, having suffered discontinuation AND resurrection, and is at a price point Sony really needs to hit to compete with the XA1. Maybe some announcements with NAB? edit: took a swing by a German review site that is usually pretty decent... looks to me like Sony may need to do some tweaking with the new sensor, which isn't unusual. The CX700 certainly doesn't impress in the low light department. Last edited by Dave Blackhurst; April 2nd, 2011 at 02:53 PM.

April 5th, 2011, 08:51 PM	#38
Ozzy Alvarez Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kenilworth, NJ Posts: 85	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” To anyone who has seen this camcorder, the HXR-NX70, and the footage that it shoots, perhaps you can tell me if it is different or similiar from the footage shot with the HXR-MC50? It seems the NX70 is what we wanted the MC50 to have been. Other than having XLR adapters, progressive shooting, and all these bells and whistles, is there really a difference between the two cams? What I mean is when all is said and done, is the footage yielded gonna be significantly different between the two cams or have a similiar look? Ozzy

April 6th, 2011, 12:56 AM	#39
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” Ozzy, I don't think that anyone outside Sony will have seen footage yet as this is a pretty recently announced cam (or if they have, they will be on a NDA - Non Disclosure Agreement for those that have not worked under one). That being said NAB is very close and one would expect Sony to have one or more on their stand. Maybe if someone who's visiting could take a memory card and get some clips and post them up that might be useful (albeit it won't be ideal - but at least a start). At the moment, all we have is an indication of how it will perform with regard to it's specs with respect to little sister models (like the CX700 which have been tested by camcorderinfo, Slashcam etc.) that a few early adopter 'DVinfoers' have also enlightened us on. In addition, we can consider the slightly older though very similar CX550/MC50 etc. (who's picture performance is well known by many). Maybe Sony will "launch" some decent example videos shot with it at NAB (filmed by people under those NDA's, who knows). Personally, I SUSPECT it'll be very similar (if not identical) in picture performance to the CX700, i.e. very close to the cam you ask about - but let's wait and SEE. It just needs a little patience! [I'm as keen as you are to know, believe me!] __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

April 12th, 2011, 06:24 AM	#40
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” Video review from Visual Impact UK here: YouTube - Sony HXR-NX70 Visual Impact Review (visuals.co.uk) NAB Hands-on (from a Swiss reviewer) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Iua...ailpage#t=119s (Link updated - the NX70 is about 2 minutes in to the clip) It's enough to get the gist of it, and there's a glimpse of the NX70 having a shower, and a quick look at the menu system. Last edited by Mike Beckett; April 12th, 2011 at 11:08 AM. Reason: Sorry, the video was Swiss - not German!

April 12th, 2011, 06:28 AM	#41
Glen Vandermolen Space Hipster Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,596	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” This would seem to be the ideal camera for 'The Deadliest Catch" TV series. Not sure how the AVCHD codec would be for broadcast.

April 12th, 2011, 06:53 AM	#42
Ron Evans Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,222	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” The menu system is just like my CX700. The CX700 does not have histogram or PCM audio making the HXR NX70 a better match for the NX5U etc but the base technology is clearly the CX700. Ron Evans

April 18th, 2011, 05:55 AM	#43
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” A video of the Sony demo at NAB is online here: YouTube - Sony Booth - HXR-NX70U - NAB 2011 Not much new, just a shot of the fish tank and the Sony slides/video that was running.

April 21st, 2011, 12:55 PM	#44
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” Brief preview video from Jigsaw Systems in the UK: YouTube - Sony's NEX-FS100 and HXR-NX70 cameras: a sneak peak

May 9th, 2011, 01:52 AM	#45
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: The new SONY HXR NX70 “Water & Dust proof” Several of the dealers are revising their pricing for the NX70. B&H is now showing $2,799 - compared to the Canon XF100 at almost $3000, so $200 cheaper. Prestons in the UK is now showing £2,399 incl. VAT, around £150 cheaper than the XF100 at UK prices. Other UK dealers still have it sitting at £3000.