Sony has unveiled the PXW-X70, the latest addition to the manufacturer’s range of XDCam devices which shoots 422, 10-bit images at up to 50Mbps.

It will replace Sony’s HXR NX70 and PMW-100 cameras which will be discontinued from September.

Sony Professional strategic marketing manager Bill Drummond said the “small, light and fully featured” camera would be suited to ENG applications or for use as a B or C camera.

The ability to transfer files to an FTP server and stream images to video platform Ustream will be available via a free software upgrade during the first half of next year.

At the same time, a paid-for software upgrade will enable the camera to capture 4K images. 

The PXW-X70’s recording formats include Sony’s 4K-specific XAVC codec, which was introduced towards the end of 2012, along with AVCHD and DV file-based recording. When shooting in XAVC, the PXW-X70 uses the MXF file format, compressing 1920 x 1080 images using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.

The camcorder also features a 1.0 inch type Exmor R CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20 megapixels and is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens with 12 x optical zoom.

The PXW-X70 weighs less than 1.4kg, including the XLR handle unit, battery (NP-FV70), lens hood and large eye-cup.

It offers 3G-SDI and HDMI output connectors plus an XLR x 2 handle unit with zoom lever.

Other features include a manual lens ring, palm grip with large zoom lever, two SD memory card slots for backup, simultaneous and relay recording, and a three-level switchable ND filter. 

Sony Professional Solutions Europe product marketing manager Robbie Fleming added: “This first compact member of the XDCAM family brings the performance and workflow benefits associated with XAVC to an even wider range of shooting scenarios.

“Over the past couple of years we’ve seen the broadcast industry really embrace the picture quality benefits associated with large sensors; the one-inch sensor at the heart of the PXW-X70 sets a new standard for colour, depth and texture in a professional compact camcorder.

“Coupled with the ability to upgrade to 4K, this represents a multipurpose, future-proof option for customers looking for a tough camcorder which doesn’t compromise on image.”

The PXW-X70 will be available at the end of September/early October for approximately £2,000.