Good And The Bad - First Impressions of the Sony PXW-Z90

A review of the Sony PXW-Z90 4K camcorder after a couple of weeks of use and experimentation. These are my first impressions and thoughts.
In this video discuss 11 good points and 11 bad points and those little annoyances and niggles of the PXW-Z90.
Overall, this a fantastic camera. It's an incredibly small device producing broadcast quality output and a portable camera that means you can have it with you more of the time.
If you're thinking about buying the camera, hopefully this will be useful to you. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments below. I will always answer them if I can.
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Business Enquiries: [e-mail]
Collaboration: [e-mail]
Camera: PXW-Z90
Mic: RØDE NTG3
Recorder: Atomos Shogun Inferno

[@tdcattech]

Just remembered an additional one. The Z90 only comes with a charger that connects to the camera. Therefore, you can only charge a battery on the camera unless you buy and additional charger from Sony.

[@AlexTabachnyy]

Thank You! You are spot on! I am so disappointed in this camera as a tool. Stepped Zoom / Focus ring, zoom is not slow enough, stepped gain/iso, the implementation of Audio as you mentioned. And everything else you said are spot on. No one else ever says these things! Best review I’ve seen!

[@tdcattech]

Thanks Alex. I'm certainly not trying to be negative, just honest. There's lots of good in this camera. I don't have thousands to spend or a team to carry multiple cameras to achieve the different looks so I need a camera to be more versatile. I have struggled a little with the Z90.

[@firstmanvideos]

Spot on TDCat Tech! Wonderfully reviewed and many salient points covered (except for the lens cap bit). You started off by saying your not a professional but 8 mins in, I'm convinced your comments are critical in influencing a serious buyer like myself. Love your shirt & I dont like touching the screen too. Keep up with the good work and keep on with the critical reviews for Sony products!

[@rainappleby]

Hello. I need help. New Sony PXW Z90 cameras. New 64 GB SD cards. These cameras can record videos, but after a minute or two, and occasionally even less, they stop recording and request that the recordings be recovered. We push OK button several times before it restart again. Recordings were cut in the middle. Instead of long uninterrupted recordings, we have clips. Before I was able to record again, there were various delays because of it. SD cards and cameras are all showing the same on the screen (I forgot what it says). Why are these cameras can't record uninterrupted? What did we do wrong? Please, anyone? Thanks

[@ppiddy9862]

Really helpful thanks. I'm very close to buying the Canon XF 400 but your reviews & other videos about this camera is making me delay that decision a bit longer!

[@SassePhoto]

Excellent review, you have a very nice way explaining. I was missing two parts: Wifi for live streaming and super slow motion. Both very useful to me. Thoughts? Thank again, great work

[@travelingtimothy]

Great video, the zoom is a problem for me.

[@bobuk5722]

Ah, glad I found you. That comment about stabilisation backs up my interpretation of the specs - the XF 400 series has more, so smaller pixels. Low light performance not prrhaps as good as a result, but much more room for IBIS. For me it's the most critical factor although the inclusion of HLG is very tempting. BobUK.

[@abooboo654]

did you encounter judder issues when panning in 4K 25 frames, i ask because the ax100 had some serius judder issues which make it really more of a b roll cam instead of a main one for me. great channel BTW

[@user-sb6nh4bf6p]

Hello i want to know the difference between z90 and z90v and which is better, thank you for review and your response

[@KStarDid]

Would you say 6 years later that it's still much better than a Canon XA60 which is more recent and cheaper ? I am hesitating between the two.

[@ZiitsprungMedia]

im absolute not able to activate the "LOW LUX" function. In the Manual says: to enable Low Lux, the Switch must be on "AUTO" and the AUTO MODE SET also to AUTO, what i did... but LOW LUX is still not available.. what did I overlook? help needed.. thanks guys.. :-)

[@swphotography928]

I use this same camera at church for livestreaming and the focus is horrible, when I focus on an instrument it's perfectly in focus, but once I move to something else it's extremely out of focus and it gets confusing cause the focus is sometime left to focus and sometimes it's right to focus.

[@jonpaultucker]

Thanks for your honest review. Do you know if the stepped zoom and focus can be bypassed by using a remote like the RM1BP? When shooting a conference on a tripod it would be great to know if this could allow slow smooth zooms. Cheers

[@jasongurr]

WOW no mixture of both XLR and internal that is a show stopper for me. I have XF200 and I use both all the time in fact I can do 4 channel recording.

[@tdcattech]

I know! It's pain. I don't have endless gear so a camera has to perform many functions for me and I may well shoot and comment at the same time. The internal mic is great for this.

[@ZenGeekDad]

Main (for me) noted CONS: 8:38 - "Slow manual focus over a meter (between focal distances) goes by steps, not continuously; just doesn't look good." This sound deeply concerning; but maybe(?) tolerable, given strong AF and LCD-touch-to-focus with robust focus-lock. 10:15 - "When adjusting internal mic audio software faders, display does NOT show audio levels as you adjust." A non-issue for external mics through the handle, given hardware faders.

[@GraphicMill]

How is the zoom ring for generating a slow gentle zoom?

[@shrekpower]

Thanks for the awesome review, I saw this beautiful camera on the used market for around 1200$USD and I was wondering would you still consider to buy this camera as of today or you think there is something a little better available these days similar to that?

[@tdcattech]

One of the key things this camera is missing that matters to a lot of people is 4K 60p. I imagine there are better alternatives out now but if you want Sony, this is still a fantastic camera. The image out of this is outstanding. Sony have improved their AF and now offer better specs in mirrorless but if you want this form-factor and this size, it's great. $1,200 is a steal.

[@shrekpower]

@@tdcattech Thank you very much for the reply I appreciate it!

[@muturikanini9513]

Hello Marc....have you identified an updated or equivalent model?

[@shrekpower]

@@muturikanini9513 i went with sony a7c

[@meirwigoder2822]

Thanks for your review and especially for the relaxed way you explain things unlike so many review videos today that run very fast, often with music and quick editing as if they were worried it maybe dull. Have you reviewed any of Sony's mirror-less cameras. i realize the advantage of being to change lenses but find them too small, dark screens, and too much like a still camera whereas the camcorder still has the grip of video cameras. My question: is the quality of the Sony camcorder as good as the latest mirror-less video cameras? And, what Sony Camcorder (now at the start of 2022) has the best low lighting resolution and very good stabilizer? thanks again for your review

[@videophoto1436]

Hello, which one is better to buy Z 90 or AX53 ? How you compare those two cameras? Is still worth to buy AX53?

[@tdcattech]

They're hard to compare. The Z90 is better to buy if you need the extra features it offers and can cover the massive extra cost. If I had to summarise... AX53: • Smaller • Better stabilisation • Simpler to user • Superb image quality for the money Z90: • Full manual control • Pro audio connectivity (not better but often needed) • Better autofocus system • NTSC / PAL switchable (that matters to me) There's loads more to consider though.

[@videophoto1436]

@@tdcattech Thank you for your answer!

[@schoeferfilm]

I have this cam and i am principially happy about it. But 4K in 50p is not possible,or? I find only QFHD in 3840 x 2160 in 25p 😩 my other cams could manage 4K in 50p 🤔 How could i solve this problem? Do you have an idea? I don`t want to give up my Z90 😉 best regards from 🇩🇪

[@tdcattech]

Not possible, I’m afraid. It’s a 4K 25/30p camera. That is a shame but I’m sure Sony’s intended target market for this type of camera wouldn’t mind too much. The problem is that if you want to do something more creative, you’re going to miss it.

[@mohandass3442]

fantastic video what an explanation just thinkng to purchase tell me please advice with folded hands tks

[@schoeferfilm]

I love the Z90 - very good quality 👍🏻🎥 If you want to see my first Z90 footage - here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4Gof3uwhKqpebc

[@EEVblog]

Super useful, thanks.

[@tdcattech]

Cheers. Appreciate the feedback!

[@anthonypeirce5875]

tried out a sony FDR ax700 today what a fab crisp 3.5inch screen to look into and EVF was fab to stabilization was good auto focus amazing panning and tilting with video head and tripod was used for this

[@kalkydra]

In terms of image quality would you say the new panasonic ag-x10 is better than this Sony camera? Cheers

[@Fygas_V_Tanke]

Thanks. Did you say that with the handle attached, the internal microphone is disabled ??? This is really a problem! If you have Z150, why don't you compare it to Z90?

[@tdcattech]

You can’t use both at the same time. You can still use the internal mic with the handle attached, but if you want to use the handle XLR audio, you have to select it, which, in turn, deselects the internal mic.

[@paulallenMacca]

Would this have better 4K quality than on the Sony FDR-AX700,im trying to choose between the Sony FDR-AX700,Sony PXwZ90 and Panasonic HC-X1 i film mainly Buzzards in the Sky.

[@Kanephan]

Four years later, has Sony released any updates to address the stepped focusing or the audio level issue you mentioned at 10:05?

[@fredman4iz]

Without sounding helpless, would you use this camera for music videos / low budget movie/tv shows? Obviously with the extra attachments Watched your video but so far can’t find anything regarding what the intended use is, other than that great video mate very helpful.

[@dirkoberjasper7207]

Thank you for the great review. What do you think about the lack of 4K/60p-recording? Is 4K/30p enough for fluent pan moves? With my Sony AX53 (4K/25p only) I've got some problems with that. Thank you.

[@tdcattech]

Not that big a deal on a camera of this price but it would be nice. I tend to shoot 1080 50p and take advantage of the better spec codec but you're dead right. 25p always looks quite rough when doing any kind of handheld footage. Great on a decent tripod but handheld and I always shoot 50p.

[@roustus66]

2 Years late I know, but 4K/25p recording (& I imagine 30p also) does result in slightly jerky panning which is my biggest gripe about this camcorder. It also results in jerky movement of subjects moving across the field of view, such as cars, etc. I've tried everything I can think of the eliminate or reduce this issue but without success except for, funnily, using Sony's Catalyst Editing Suite which does give better results than FCP X in handling this, but the rest of the editing capabilities of Catalyst and its price exclude that editing suite as far as value for money. I don't have an issue with battery usage (I thought is was good actually) & the larger 100 battery hasn't caused me any concerns. Otherwise I think it's a brilliant camcorder, especially the focusing setup.

[@StylecutlureTV]

Very helpful, thank you. How long does the battery last on the Sony

[@ninjacaptor]

Oh and another thing I am dyslexic I find it very hard to do a lot of stuff but it comes to computers and everything I want to know is this camera easy to use but like you said just wondering

[@ninjacaptor]

I was thinking about getting the Sony z9d but some of the stuff that you point it out now I'm not sure what other camera falls into the same line as the Sony z90 which does everything you say that this one doesn't do there's the new Panasonic that came out does that one had the capabilities that the Sony z9d have and more and is it as lightweight are you doing a review on that soon

[@Frankprodu]

Hello, is there a possibility to make a transmission with the PXW-Z90 to a computer, without the Sony RX station?

[@davidgaul572]

In the three plus years that you did this video, did Sony do any upgrades or address the issues that "niggled" you?

[@InterCity134]

Good data. Between several reviews I’d not been clear I’d the screen even has a touch interface. So can you focus lock using the touch screen to touch a spot and have focus stick to that come what may? I record how to vids where I need this to detail zoom in and want it locked in the work and not loose focus as I’m moving my hands around And over the work pieces as AF the tries to lock on my hands.

[@norfilmshetland]

Very balanced crit. I bought mine for a tiny backup for news stories when size and weight are crucial (plus you can get away with a very light tripod). MPEG2 4:2:2 50 is required for rapid ingest, and this camera is capable of this - but only with a 450 GBP 'upgrade'.

[@bikemivie6219]

Is it possible to record in XAVC LONG 1080p and convert it into MPE2 4.2.2 with premiere>?

[@norfilmshetland]

@@bikemivie6219 plenty of batch converters (pavtube, Microsoft etc.) but frequently no time for that in news environment. They usually want the pics before you've shot them!

[@ninjacaptor]

I plan on getting the Sony z90 next month but it's been out for already like for 5 years and something is probably on the way of replacing it the thing is is that where all the stuff happening I don't know what to do cuz I shoot conventions like horror conventions Anime conventions comic book conventions tattoo conventions I'm not sure when they're going to be coming back around since all this happened just wondering should I wait to see what might be replacing it cuz every 5 years Sony replaces their cameras sometimes sooner than that not sure what I should do I need help can you please get back to me

[@ninjacaptor]

@Cargo Ray yeah i thought it was a bit older

[@KainsTorment]

Hi I really hope you can help my as most people I’ve asked on KZbin never get back to me but you seem nice. I’m actually disabled in a wheelchair. I’m a frontman and guitarist for a rock band called KAIN’S TORMENT and I need to record my gigs in low light cramped pubs and the odd festival gig. I want to record a 40 minute set up to 2 hours in 4K for the best possible picture and great sound, the finished edited video will end up on KZbin via Final Cut Pro X on a high end Mac. With the help of Sony I did narrow it down to the Sony AX700 Camcorder but I’ve hit a brick wall with Sony now. Then I saw the Sony PXW-Z90 and thought that’s just what I’m after, then I saw this video and I’m not sure now. I know hardly anything about cameras etc but can any of you tell me straight which 4K camcorder is ideal for the best job for recording gigs? Also which external mic is best for gigs? I’m not bothered about looking through the viewfinder ac my carers will use the screen to film my gigs etc so i’ll get the bigger battery Or is there any better camcorders to use for gigs that I dont know about? I will go up to £2,500 ish. Although I’m a camcorder novice I know just what I want etc. Thanks for any help. Kain PS If you dont know then can you point me in the right direction please.

[@mondotv4216]

You can switch to internal mic in the menus even with the handle on - you just can't have both. I think there are three settings INT EXT or AUTO. AUTO is the default. Well I'm assuming this because it's basically an upgraded X70 which I own...

[@tdcattech]

Correct. This is the little annoyance. It would be nice to have internal in CH2 and the lav or shotgun in CH1. I would find this useful but I might be alone. 🙂

[@thaddelgado8555]

is this cam good for low light environment?

[@DeePrymeMusic]

Yes it is. With its 1 inch exmor sensor it’s able to let it more light to display good quality under low light environments, without cranking up the ISO so high producing no noice.

[@procamara359]

No it's bad in lowlight.

[@DeePrymeMusic]

@@procamara359 I use the z90v and it’s very good under low light conditions. I don’t know if there’s a difference in the z90 and the V. But in general reading the specifications even tells they all have the xmor sensor and features so, it is. Even when it’s totally dark, it has the night shot feature.

[@muturikanini9513]

Thanks for this..is there an updated model of this camera? Same size factor ( for ENG use)?

[@tdcattech]

Not that I know of. This is still a current product with Sony and they haven't made any equivalent yet. As much as I would appreciate their latest autofocus tech and 4K 60fps 10-bit, this is still going to get the images you need in superb quality.

[@muturikanini9513]

@@tdcattech thank you so much (from Nairobi, Kenya)

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Interesting review - thanks. I agree about the lens cap and auto on feature, both very frustrating aspects! - you didn’t mention the Neutral Density filters, good or bad, thoughts? Will you keep the camera or might you go for the Canon? - that has a built in lens hood, separate on / off switch and 4K 60, although quite a lot more expensive : - (

[@tdcattech]

If Sony can resolve the manual focus issue, I am otherwise very happy with the camera. I love the image from Sony cameras. I find the colours very natural and true to life. I would love to try the Canon XF405 but that's easier said than done. I need to start working for a camera shop! The ND filter works well. 1/64 is only just enough for the brightest of days which could be a problem for some. The switch on the back is a bit fiddly but that's down to the compact size again. I also wish the ND 'warning' was a little more prominent on the screen.

[@nemethmik]

Peter Taranscorsese Have you seen or tested the joystick and Evf on the xf400?

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Miklos Nemeth - ho, I don’t own either camera but I’m thinking about buying the XF400 or NX80 - what are your thoughts?

[@nemethmik]

As TDCatTech, here very nicely explained the joystick, the EVF is superb on the Z90, but not so the touch screen (it's resistive screen, no touch menus at all, touch is only for touch to spot focus (which works brilliantly, BTW) and touch to spot metering). On the other hand the XF400 has quite mediocre EVF (compared to the Z90), and its joystick is a total design nonsense (it's on the left hand side on the rim of the battery compartment, and it operates only the menus), but the touch screen is excellent (capacitive). So the X400 is a fully touch screen camera, the X90 is primarily an EVF+joystick camera.

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Miklos Nemeth Thanks, I’d not realised that - very helpful - Peter

[@user-eh9zb7zg2o]

Thank you very much for the review. Please tell me, if you install XLR-handle (without gun), will record the internal microphone? I apologize for my English, I read the subtitles translation and maybe I misunderstood something.

[@tdcattech]

Yes, you can record the internal mic if you select it in the menus. However, you cannot record the internal mic and XLR at the same time.

[@user-eh9zb7zg2o]

Thank you! A big Hello from Russia Siberia Omsk city!!!

[@denisedonlon7021]

@@tdcattech Can you record audio with XLR handheld and a wireless lav at the same time?? thanks!

[@tdcattech]

@@denisedonlon7021 Yes. If you're using one XLR for e.g. a shotgun and the other for the wireless lav, it's just a standard left and right channel setup for each of the mic.

[@rknewspachora6436]

can z 90 have feature of micro mode

[@alexeytheinterpreter]

Thank you very much. Not being able to use the built-in mic (which you paid for!) when the XLR handle is connected is a huge con. Something they will never advertise.:-)

[@tdcattech]

There are many ways around it but the quality of the internal mic is excellent when you're close to the camera, so if you needed a bit of audio from the person operating the camera, it would be a great addition. This is probably unlikely for most users of the camera, but it mattered to me.

[@alexeytheinterpreter]

@@tdcattech Yes, this is exactly the case, a bit of audio from the person operating the camera or some ambient noise.

[@matt22blaster]

Damnit. This was my next until you said no 4k/60p

[@lnoncent]

I have the ax 53 and I wanna get either the nx 80 or the z90, is there a big difference comparing the ax 53 and the z 90?

[@tdcattech]

Z90 is a professional camera whereas the AX53 is a consumer camcorder. That's not to say that the resulting image won't be excellent from the AX53 but how you get there will be different. The main three points that might make the Z90 better for some... 1. Pro audio connectivity 2. Fully accessible controls (except the single ring) 3. Full picture profile control I still use my AX53 as a camera to grab and shoot when weight, stability and size are an issue. If they lauched an updated version, I would pick one up in a heartbeat.

[@lnoncent]

@@tdcattech Great, thank you. But if you're looking at both cameras same raw footages, can you easily tell which one is which?

[@crcouser]

What kind of shotgun mic did you use to record this video? Sounds great!

[@tdcattech]

RØDE NTG3

[@crcouser]

No wonder! Thanks :)@@tdcattech

[@andysmith7903]

Hoocap 72mm version solves the lenscap issue.

[@ZiitsprungMedia]

Thank you! Very Useful information. I will recieve this Camera in 3 Days... I'm very excited. Greetings to your cute, little son! :-)

[@tdcattech]

Thanks. Let me know if you have any questions when you get your camera. I totally forgot I left that section in at the end. He's changed so much in the last year!

[@ZiitsprungMedia]

@@tdcattech First of all: Sorry for my poor english. - its not my first language.. :-) i'll try my best. :-) Hi and thank you to offer me for help. The Camera is now since 2 Days in My Hands, and tested it very intensive with very satisfactory results. But... What do I have to do to shoot in some Log's? for example in S-Log 3 Gamut 3 Cine, or some else? should i put the settings by my self in the Profile settings? When Yes: How and which values have to be entered? And can you recommend a website or video that explains so, that i can learn more in detail about LOG? This topic is relatively new to me, but I have recognized the potential in it. Thanks a lot for you answer. Greeting from Switzerland

[@ScottOwens28]

Have you done a review on the Canon XF400/405?

[@tdcattech]

No. I’d love to get my hands on one to review and directly compare to the Z90.

[@acevent5759]

Can this camera do really good slow motion ?

[@tdcattech]

It’s reasonable but not compared to e.g. recent mirrorless cameras released by Sony or something like the FX6. Cameras in 2021 can generally film 4K 120fps or higher which really opens up your options. If you’re happy with HD, this ain’t bad at all! 👍🏻

[@dinoatcharterdotnet]

Is there a good AC power adapter for the Z90?

[@tdcattech]

It comes with one. The charger is also an AC adapter.

[@ScottOwens28]

Is there an Infrared or NightShot Mode on this camera? Thanks!

[@tdcattech]

There is indeed. Not something I've really played with but it's there.

[@semcortesfilmes6659]

TDCatTech where?? I just cant find it

[@bcnewsvideo]

I agree with you Sony has great codec. I think this camera is designed for run-and-gun or documentaries.

[@tdcattech]

Absolutely. It's perfect for that. It's not perfect but the quality and control in something so small is superb.

[@simongentry]

ty sir

[@jeyveh]

since your not impressed with the camcorder... will you sell it?

[@tdcattech]

There are bad things about it but the camcorder is fantastic. I love it. Superb image quality and great value for money. I'd love an FS5 or FS7 but that's out of my budget. :-(

[@petrub27]

@@tdcattech fs5 second hand is 2k

[@tonilaznik]

Hi! I have a question for you I have purchased the same camera last week. Basically I agree with with most of your cons/pros . . . . What I have noticed is when using manual focus and setting it to infinity, the whole frame is softly out of focus . . . . even when i tried to close the F stop to 11 . . . . Did you noticed the same effect? Thanks for the answer T

[@tdcattech]

I've just tried this (only quickly) and you might be right. I just focused to infinity on some objects c. 400m away and I had to go back a step on the focus ring (I use the word step because it is clear steps...see my vid on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2XOf62IfbyikLc ) The display then said 220m. This was fully zoomed in so it's possible that infinity really was further away.

[@tonilaznik]

thx for the answer . . . . so it looks like a design issue. Hate it but I think I will have to get use to it, since I like the other futures . . .

[@tdcattech]

Yes. It's always about compromise at this price I suppose. This camera has a lot of good to offer.

[@lingham2099]

After using both the AX53 and the Z90 for a while, do you see a compelling reason to "upgrade"? I have an NX30 with XLR (which I find I remove for weight and convenience). I use my camcorder for family travel. Do you find the 1" sensor an overall advantage or disadvantage in terms of stabilization and focus (on the run)?

[@tdcattech]

I could make a whole video to answer this very question. End of the day, it's content that counts. The AX53 produces excellent image quality, but there are many advantages to the Z90 which may or may not be relevant to you. To name a few... 1. Better autofocus system (it's excellent) 2. Full manual control 3. Better connectivity (full-size HDMI) 4. NTSC / PAL switchable

[@tdcattech]

Sorry...I didn't answer your question. No, the 1" sensor doesn't make much difference to me. Of course, it's better on paper, but I find the IQ equally agreeable on both. Stabilisation is worse on the Z90 because there's no floating lens. It really needs a gimbal to compete.

[@lingham2099]

@@tdcattech thanks...that helps. I appreciate your response.

[@148bus]

I was thinking about buying this camera, but with those faults i will look elsewhere, Enjoyed the video.

[@tdcattech]

I've used this camera for years now and am incredibly happy with the image quality. Which issue puts you off the most?

[@rickmcnulty7909]

Nice review but...I can't believe that you actually spent time on the " lens cap" issue! Seriously? For anyone using a great product like this camera, if you don't like it, simply take it off and leave it off? Hello? As a professional videographer/photographer for 40 years I actually always have put lens caps on every lens glass.....for protection. One scratch, BAM! New lens time!! It's kind of like buying groceries. If you don't like your milk in a bag from grocery store.....just take it out. Why use it as a negative point?? Simple!!

[@tdcattech]

I would want to replace it for protection. It's just something to get lost. There are much nicer solutions such as a shutter in the hood that are never separate from the camera. Just a personal gripe. I don't like lens caps!! :-)

[@yaswanthdigitals5982]

Nice talking good future

[@user-sb6nh4bf6p]

Hello i want to know the difference between z90 and z90v and which is better, thank you for review and your response