Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K | Canon - XA70 |
|---|---|---|
| XLR input | false | true |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds | 1" |
| Optical zoom | 0 | 15 |
Between the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and XA70, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K comes out ahead in sensor size, while the XA70 wins on xlr input / optical zoom. Overall, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K scores 58.7 and the XA70 scores 68.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The XA70 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 9.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K if you care most about sensor size. The biggest gaps in its favor are sensor size. The single most decisive one: Sensor size: Four Thirds (vs 1").
Pick the XA70 if you care most about xlr input / optical zoom. Its strongest claims are xlr input, optical zoom. The single most decisive one: Has XLR input.
Both ship with comparable max video, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the XA70 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or Canon - XA70?
Canon - XA70 leads the current Mars Score by 9.4 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare optical zoom, sensor size against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K if…
Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has the measurable edge on sensor size.
Choose Canon - XA70 if…
Canon - XA70 has the measurable edge on has xlr input, optical zoom.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K wins
- ▲Sensor size: Four Thirds (vs 1").
Why Canon - XA70 wins
- ▲Has XLR input.
- ▲Optical zoom: 15 vs 0.
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K | Canon - XA70 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K60 |
| Optical zoom | 0 | 15lead |
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Four Thirdslead | 1" |
Audio
| Spec | Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K | Canon - XA70 |
|---|---|---|
| XLR input | false | truelead |
| Headphone jack | true | true |
Design
| Spec | Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema Camera 4K | Canon - XA70 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 722 glead | 975 g |
| Articulating screen | false | truelead |