X70 4K Firmware Update

Well, it’s here.

This is the link . Sony V2.00 Update

Here are the exact instruction on how to install the update: V2.00 update procedure

There are several reports that, in combination with FCPX’s last update, you can now natively import XAVCL into FCP.

This update does not automatically give you 4K.  There’s another step (purchase) which hasn’t been made very clear at this date, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon. However, if you want to record in XAVCL right now, you can.

18 June 2015

Ok, here’s the latest on the 4K update with a rebate available to the US market.

X70 4K Firmware Update

12 responses

  1. I just spoke to Sony, no video output from HDMI nor SDI when recording 4K I bought 2 cameras and the upgrade, this mayor drawback was never mentioned when I did the upgrade to 4K INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! theese cameras are good for nothing when working in a studio!!!!

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  2. Thanks for the awesome review. Much appreciated. We have recently purchased an X70 and are now weighing up the pros and cons of the upgrade. We shoot live content and need to stream HD, but we would like to record 4k to card at the same time.

    With the 4k upgrade, is there a way to record 4k whilst outputting an HD [1080p30 or 720p60] feed out the SDI port (or even HDMI port) to the encoder?

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    • 4:2:0. A lot of people are unhappy with what’s apparently the lowest bitrate of all 4K cameras (and Sony has said they’ll try to upgrade it supposedly), and frankly, I don’t even know what it all means. However, most users are very happy with the camera for all the reasons I covered and more (as a run and gun camera), and once I dive into all that next week, what I’ll want to know is how much better 4K output to 1080HD will look like because I never intended to use the camera for a 4K output; rather, I’d like the additional information for a) better quality, b) cropping facility. The one thing that is certainly not ok is the fact that they are charging for it. It should be free considering it’s the lowest bit rate 4K. So I hope a LOT of people let Sony know about it. I for one will, because I’ve got more views of that X70 video review (by more than double I think) than anyone out there, including Sony and those who put theirs up months before I did. So maybe they’ll listen to me before I get really mad.
      Ok, I just checked–the original Sony video has almost as many views, but that’s probably because I linked to it in my own blog. I’ve left the rest of them in the dust.

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      • Does anyone know if the PXW-X70 is now capable of 4k output through the HDMI port? If so, is it 4:2:0 or 4:2:2?

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      • I am not sure what is the benefit of a 4k upgrade if it is limited to 4:2:0. Yes I agree about the advantages of cropping but if the colour sampling is poor, keying and grading will be very difficult. Also, some broadcasters insist you shoot 4:2:2 (whether it is HD or 4k). Perhaps Sony will have another firmware update to 4:2:2 in the future.

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  4. Rebate? Can’t see a mention of that – see that the 4K upgrade is being slated in a lot of places. About £360 for a lower quality 4K as many people are putting it. Worth it? I could use the streaming and FTP but 4K not yet at this level perhaps? Thoughts. Still love the camera as is though.

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    • My thoughts are this. Purists rag on about its bitrate for 4K. Like I said in the original review of this camera (never intending to use it for 4K output), “if you want a 4K camera, get one that’s already ‘ready'”
      If, however your primary output is HD, no matter what flavor of 4K this is, the X70s 4K will be a hell of a lot better than 1080HD. So…, that gives you more options. a) better quality HD output if shot in 4K (since there’s 4X amount of information in every frame–or thereabouts), b) you can now crop your shots with near impunity without quality degrade. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

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    • Regarding the rebate for 4K, this is what I’ve got (from the X70 FB group) “The 4K upgrade is here! It’s easy to install and Sony has the loyalty program. The box will have a sticker that tells users to visit a webpage where they get contact info for POSC…. gives you ‘inside’ access and can help you upgrade in 5 – 10 minutes. Sony wants to show their appreciation to early adopters of the PXW-X70 camcorder: End-user purchasers of PXW-X70 who took delivery of their product on or before March 31, 2015 and who purchase a CBKZ-X70FX 4K license key between June 15, 2015 and August 31, 2015 are eligible to receive a $300 mail-in rebate from Sony!”
      He provided this link: https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.com/sony-part-number-CBKZX70FX.aspx

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