Canon
XA70
1-inch 4K professional camcorder with Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 15x f/2.8–4.5 zoom, built-in 3-stop ND, dual XLR, and XF-AVC/MP4.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2022
Sony
PXW-Z90
Palm-sized XDCAM with 1-inch Exmor RS sensor, 12x Zeiss zoom, Fast Hybrid AF, 3G-SDI, dual XLR, and XAVC 4K up to 30p.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Dec 2017
XA70 is 4.9 years newer.
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Wins
XA70
Wins
PXW-Z90
14 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BPXW-Z90 has higher Resolution (14.2 MP vs 8.29 MP)
- AXA70 has higher AF points / zones (1053 vs 759)
- AXA70 has higher AF frame coverage (100 % vs 94 %)
- AXA70 has lower AF low-light limit (-6.5 EV vs -4 EV)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareXA70
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
PXW-Z90
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
XA70 and PXW-Z90 share virtually identical body dimensions.
XA70 and PXW-Z90 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm XA70 · 72mm PXW-Z90
Sensor size, to scale
XA70
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
PXW-Z90
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
XA70
AF low-light limit
-6.5 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
AF points / zones
1053 vs 759 — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
Reasons to choose
PXW-Z90
Resolution
14.2 MP vs 8.29 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 8 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
XA70
Pros
- ✓1-inch 8.29MP sensor + DIGIC DV6
- ✓Dual Pixel CMOS AF with face tracking
- ✓15x 25.5–382.5mm f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓Built-in 3-stop ND + Wide DR look
- ✓Dual XLR + IR shooting + UVC
Cons
- –No SDI (HDMI only)
- –Premium over XA65
- –Fixed lens only
- –8-bit 4:2:0 recording
PXW-Z90
Pros
- ✓1-inch stacked Exmor RS (14.2MP)
- ✓273-point Fast Hybrid AF
- ✓Built-in ND (1/4, 1/16, 1/64)
- ✓3G-SDI + dual XLR handle
- ✓S-Log3 / HLG / S-Cinetone
Cons
- –4K limited to 30p
- –Small palm body ergonomics
- –XAVC 100Mbps max in 4K
- –Superseded by newer NX800/Z200 line
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the XA70 and PXW-Z90 at major authorized retailers.
Canon XA70
Sony PXW-Z90
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, XA70 or PXW-Z90?
XA70 scores 8.5/10 versus 8.0/10 for PXW-Z90 — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the XA70 and PXW-Z90?
XA70 is 8.29 MP and PXW-Z90 is 14.2 MP, so the PXW-Z90 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the XA70 and PXW-Z90 have in-body image stabilization?
XA70 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while PXW-Z90 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the XA70 or the PXW-Z90?
XA70 reaches 20 fps electronic. PXW-Z90 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the XA70 and PXW-Z90?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the XA70 and PXW-Z90 record 4K video?
XA70: 4K up to 60p. PXW-Z90: 4K up to 60p.
Are the XA70 and PXW-Z90 weather sealed?
XA70: Yes. PXW-Z90: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the XA70 and 640 shots for the PXW-Z90, giving the PXW-Z90 the edge.
How much does each cost?
XA70 launched at $2,499 and PXW-Z90 at $2,799. The XA70 is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way XA70 vs PXW-Z90 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.