Sony continues to raise the bar with the introduction of its rain- and dust-proof HXR-NX70U NXCAM Compact Camcorder. This rugged little trouper is the perfect companion for those tough location shoots where weather and climate cause lesser cameras to buckle and fold. Meeting stringent dustproof and rainproof requirements, the NX70U's sealed body keeps out all but the toughest of elements, making it ideal for documentary and news videographers traveling to far-flung, unpredictable locations. But beneath the NX70U's weatherproofing is a first-class performer that hits all the professional sweet spots. Its back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor combines with an ultra wide 26.3-263mm Sony G lens and Optical SteadyShot to provide outstanding full HD 1080p images even in low light. The Dual Rec function, meanwhile, lets you shoot 12.3MP stills while recording video, all of which can be captured to the unit's spacious 96GB embedded flash memory or your choice of Memory Stick or SD/SDHC media. And just because the NX70U is small doesn't mean it stints on professional features and controls. An assignable lens ring gives you manual control over focus, zoom, or iris, while the detachable handle with dual XLR inputs--and an on-camera shotgun mic--provides the option of recording 2-channel audio using high-end external microphones. Helping you nail focus and exposure are the zebra and peaking indicators, which can be viewed through either the large viewfinder or high-resolution 3.5" touchscreen LCD. Documentarians in particular will find the built-in GPS receiver useful, as it allows you to "tag" your locations for logging and future reference, with all GPS data extractable to a PC and mappable via Google's mapping service. And if achieving a more cinematic look is your thing, then the camera offers 24p recording to supplement its standard 60p, along with CinemaTone technology to provide realistic, film-like skin tones to your footage. So step outside, grit your teeth against the rain and sand, and hit Record: the NX70U will capture the scene and live to tell the tale. Rain- and Dust-Proof PerformanceYou can be confident rainy or dusty shooting environments will not affect the reliable operation of the HXR-NX70 thanks to its IEC60529 IP54 rating. The camcorder's sealed body design makes sure that harmful sand and large dust particles do not get inside. A waterproof performance rating of IPx4 means that the main camera body is protected against rain showers and water splashes. However, it should not be submerged underwater or sprayed with pressurized water from a tap or hose. When used with accessories such as an external microphone, a rain cover should be used to protect the accessory and connection. IP5x rating does not guarantee 100% protection against exposure to extremely fine particles.Ultra Wide Angle 26.3mm G lensEngineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, the 26.3mm focal length offers a broader perspective than previous lenses for enhanced wide angle shooting so you can capture more of the scene when close in.Assignable Lens Ring (Focus/Zoom/Iris)Get the most out of your camcorder with enhanced manual controls. The assignable lens ring allows for manual adjustment of focus, iris, and zoom settings so you have complete creative control.Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active ModeOptical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode provides superior compensation for camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting. In addition, the innovative 3-Way Shake-Canceling feature adds electronic roll stability for even smoother video capture.Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS SensorJournalists rarely shoot under studio lighting conditions and Sony's back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor delivers stunning lowlight sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the Exmor R sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light-gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lowlight conditions. The sensitivity is roughly double that of conventional CMOS sensors of the same size and pixel size.1920 x 1080 Full HD 60/24p Recording & 12.3MP Still ImagesThe compact HXR-NX70 shoots in full high-definition quality (1920 x 1080) with a choice of 60p, 60i and 24p frame rates. It can also simultaneously shoot 12.3-megapixel (4672 x 2628) still images. It also supports playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV, for complete flexibility in reviewing your footage.96GB Embedded Flash Memory for Up to 40 hours of HD RecordingBuilt-in flash memory provides extra capacity, ideal when working remotely, as well as providing additional workflow options for backup and sharing content. 96GB embedded flash memory can record and store up to 40 hours of