I'm getting my 70D next week from B&H, so I'll be able to tell then, but from what I understand, they are stepless to the same degree that the newer 60Dmkii is stepless, which compared to 60D is an improvement, but people describe still having issues with twisting rapidly from min to max in one move, there is some kind of sound, so it's not really analogue pots, but digital except "massaged".

But I am curious as to how people factor in such an issue, to the point where it's a deal-breaker. I'm not saying this critically, just trying to learn how other people use their gear. I have the "steppy" 60D and I never found a circumstance where that was an issue - but that's what I use it for, you probably use it differently where it's a problem. I use it for narrative film. When I record dialogue, it never happens that I change the pot levels while the dialogue is ongoing, because if you do that, you change the level of everything, including the background noise, so why would you do that? I mean, if the background noise level suddenly changes that's far more noticeable than a couple of faint clicks on the track, and that background noise level change would happen regardless of what gain pots you are using. If you are doing it while there is silence the same deal, although, funny enough, you can take out those clicks in post in that situation. And you hardly notice them at all, unless you're really trying to listen for them. But bottom line, I have never seen a real-world scenario where that was an issue at all (at least how I use it). So I'm a little puzzled by the whole controversy... I mean, I know why it started, because Robert from JuicedLink was doing a comparison between the JL unit and the 60D, so of course he was trying to find anything negative to say about the 60D, but even then I thought it was very weak sauce. Regardless, I'm interested in other people's opinions, so I ask: what is the issue with stepless vs steppy pots?

Gotchya! Thank you for the explanation.

I've had the DR-70D for about a month now, and overall it's a very nice unit. Two negatives though - first, the big plastic door behind which you put the batteries and the card - terrible, just terrible; it's just a matter of time before it snaps off, but worse, it's actually hard to have it stay out of the way when you need access to the SD card - and since I need access very often, it's a royal pain. Second: the DR-60D has a dedicated phantom power button - for the 70D you have to switch the phantom power on and off in the menu... a big nuisance, especially when you're using several mics; now I understand it's a very compact unit and quite narrow, so putting in another button would be a challenge, but I think they could've squeezed one in between the record and slate buttons.

How do the noise levels on the preamps compare to the R-26? Have they improved any in this model? I like my R-26 but the form factor and touchscreen interface are more difficult to use in a belt case or on the camera and the 70D looks much more useable on set.

Tascam DR-70D + Sony Sound Forge Pro 11 for $199

Use BHNAB2015 code

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1086798-REG/tascam_dr_70d_4_channel_audio_recording.html

@majoraxis

Yep, very good package.

Recorders progress and prices are very good now.

Just remember Zoom will raise the bar and come out with a new 8 track recorder up ahead.

You mean their F8 recorder? it is absolute different beast in different price range.

Right different beast but as you know GAS will take over and people will loose all sensibility and sell all their recorders, house and children.

Never saw people selling recorders to get another recorder costing around 4x-5x and build for people recording concerts, sport events and such.

Tascam DR-70D + Sony Sound Forge Pro 11 for $199 Use BHNAB2015 code http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1086798-REG/tascam_dr_70d_4_channel_audio_recording.html

Hi @Vitaliy_Kiselev

How do you apply the code on BHP, I can't seem to find the option?

Thanks

ah bummer :(

thanks

How about some opinions if this a meaningful, significant or worthwhile upgrade from a tascam 60d (first generation)?

Thanks Sangye, do you notice improved audio fidelity?