Review: Sony PXW-X70 Professional XDCAM Compact Camcorder

The traditional camcorder LANC control for wired external zoom, start/stop, iris, and focus controls has been replaced on this camera with a USB multi-controller. I bought a Sony RM-VPR1 remote control for just over $50. Initially I was concerned about its tiny zoom rocker offering less variable zoom control compared to my old Manfrotto LANC controller but I was able to zoom smoothly despite the limited rocker travel. I did find that its clip was too small to clip onto my professional Vinten tripod pan handle, and was constantly scared of accidentally hitting the camcorder on/off button on the zoom controller’s right hand side. I really hope Sony improves this offering because it feels more a consumer solution than a professional one that this camera deserves to be matched with.

I have previously complained about Canon’s poor menu button placement on the XA20/25. They placed the button under the LCD screen hinge, angled down, making it really hard to toggle when mounted on a tripod with the LCD open. Sony did a bit better with the X70, but their menu button is in the same inconvenient spot, under the LCD screen hinge, and I consider this a design flaw.

The audio inputs on the X70 include two XLR inputs, one mini input, and an internal microphone. I found selecting between the XLR inputs and the other two options in the menu unintuitive. The only way to select the XLR inputs was to put the audio input selection to automatic, which for an operator who operates everything in manual mode, doesn’t sit well with me. Additionally the only way to adjust the headphone volume level is via the menu. I found the levels too low even for small in-ear buds, and there is no way to send the left or right channels to both ears.

Like many new Sony video cameras, the X70 has the ability to connect additional devices to the Sony Multi Interface Shoe (hot shoe). Unfortunately on the X70, the XLR pre-amps occupy the only MI shoe so if you want to add the transmitter for webcasting or FTP upload or a compatible MI shoe microphone receiver, you have to first remove the top handle.

In terms of accessories, the must-have X70 accessory is the Sony BC-TRV Travel charger (or alternatively the Sony BC-QM1) (Figure 5, below) and some spare NP-FV100 batteries as the X70 ships with a smaller FV70 battery and doesn’t come with an external battery charger.

Figure 5. Sony's travel charger is a must-have for anyone shooting events with the X70.

The ability to record time and date stamp in 60i mode might seem like a small feature of limited use, but for me, as a legal videographer who is required to record the time and date stamp for legal video depositions, the X70 delivers a must-have feature in an affordable camcorder form factor that my previous Canon could not.

Ultimately, I’m very happy with my X70 and the prospect of upgrading it with 4K UHD internal recording means that it will hold its value longer than an HD-only model, which is important to me as a video producer and product reviewer who always wants the latest and greatest in professional video production tools.