Reddit reviews Sony PXW-X70 Professional Hand Held Camcorder

Hi /u/squeeeeenis - the best solution in your price range would probably be a [$1999 Sony PXW-X70] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NPAJH8I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NPAJH8I&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) professional camcorder.

This camera has a relatively large 1" sensor, pro XLR mic inputs, records to a broadcast quality 10-bit 4:2:2 codec, has an SDI out connection and a [$499 paid upgrade path] (http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60286/51926/1036?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorama.com%2Fsocbkzx70fx.html) to 3840x2160p Ultra High Definition "4K" resolution.

In addition, the X70's optical steady shot system makes for very stable handheld shots, as seen in the walking shots in this travel piece: [San Blas Islands of Panama. December 2014.] (http://player.vimeo.com/video/119601178)

Here are a few more examples:

Documentary

• [Classic Days - Schloss Dyck 2015] (https://vimeo.com/135595246)
  
  
• [Documentary - Life of street performer from Japan] (https://vimeo.com/139793673) (intercut with the Canon T3i)
  
  Musical Performance
  
  
• [Chris August sings The Maker] (https://vimeo.com/118133998) (intercut with the Panasonic GH4)
  
  Here is the image quality this camera can produce after the 4K upgrade (please watch at 2160p and your monitor's highest resolution):
  
  
• [Test Sony PXW-X70 in 4K by magazinevideo] (https://youtu.be/iQDiCeoZwP4)
  
  
• [Sony pxw-x70 test 4K - Night view of Seoul, Korea by yoonkee sung] (https://youtu.be/MAYWXxBdWZQ)
  
  In my view, the X70 with the 4K upgrade is best all-in-one (power zoom lens included) 4K video solution you can get below $3000.
  
  Hope this is helpful, good luck with finding the right camera and best of the holidays!

Hi /u/thegeekist - welcome back! The AC90 is a great camera, but time has passed it by.

In this price class, you may want to consider the new [$2250 Sony PXW-X70] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NPAJH8I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NPAJH8I&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) (a [little less from 6th Ave Express via eBay] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=321551232221&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)).

The X70 has a great 12x zoom, a relatively large 1" sensor, a professional 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC codec (much better than the AC90's 8-bit 4:2:0 AVCHD), built in pro XLR mic inputs, a built-in ND filter plus HD-SDI out in addition to HDMI.

Since the codec is so new, you will need to download Sony Catalyst Browse (download free [here] (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/images/products/catalyst/downloadnow.png)) to transcode it to something your NLE can use.

Here is what this camera can do:



http://vimeo.com/104434534



And here's a nice hands-on review from Philip Johnston, the HD Warrior:



http://vimeo.com/107308927



Hope this is helpful, and good luck with your decision!

I would have to agree with most others here saying it a problem of the cam op and not of the camera you are dealing with. Auto settings is a thing of middle school video productions where I live. That being said, HybridCamRev's suggestion of the Sony PXW-X70 with the 4k upgrade is a great option. If you want to stick to canon, the Canon XC-15 would also be an option. Definitely look into reviews and footage from each camera you are considering before you purchase. Let me if you have more questions!

Hi /u/thestaringman - you might want to consider the new Sony PXW-X70 camcorder instead of buying an older technology camera used.

It is [less than $2300 in the States] (http://amzn.to/1mKCtkZ), [less than £1900 in the UK] (http://amzn.to/1nEcVXH) and [less than $2800AUD delivered to Australia from Adorama in the States via eBay AU] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/705-53470-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=371149049118&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229515&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg).

This camera has 3G-SDI out, dual SD card slots, a solid broadcast quality 50mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 XAVC codec, a 12x optical zoom, built-in ND filters and a relatively large backlit 1" sensor, which will give you "DSLR-like" control over your depth of field.

Sony plans a $500 upgrade to UHD "4K" in a few months, so it is more future proof than an older 1080p camera.

Here is what this camera can do:

http://vimeo.com/104434534

Nice review from Philip Johnston, the HD Warrior:

http://vimeo.com/107308927

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

The Sony PXW-x70 has everything you need, new it's about $2000 but there are used available on Amazon for $1,500 or so:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sony-PXWX70-HD422-Camcorder-3-5-Inch/dp/B00NPAJH8I

Also, a used Panasonic HPX-170 would be perfect for your setup:

https://smile.amazon.com/Panasonic-AG-HPX170-High-Definition-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B001E96LGI

It looks like those are going for about $1,600 used on Amazon. (No HDMI out on this one, but a $50 converter would get you by until you can get your switcher.)