Sony’s new HDR-AX2000 professional AVCHD camcorder is further evidence that we’re well on the way to a largely solid-state high definition existence. Not only that, but it’s the first prosumer cam to have two Memory Card slots too!

Sharing many features with Sony’s professional camcorder line-up, newly announced HDR-AX2000E Handycam is evidently designed to provide professional and semi-pro videographers with an extensive range of creative options.

Improved optical performance and improved ergonomics are teamed with the necessary manual controls to give fine control over composing richly-detailed, cinematic HD images.

Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Handycam

Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Handycam

Reflecting the demands of pro-style workflow, it’s the first Handycam to provide uninterrupted relay recording on dual Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC memory card slots. If one memory card is filled during shooting, the camcorder continues recording automatically on a second memory card inserted in the other slot.

Users switching from tape-based formats, such as HDV or MiniDV will benefit from the reduction of storage space requirements compared with tape; not only that, but shooting on memory card allows videographers to import HD footage directly into a non-linear editing environment without time-consuming tape transfers. The work-flow is radically improved – a great advantage when every minute counts and there’s no time to wait for a real-time tape capture into the editing computer.

Summary of the HDR-AX2000′s main features

Based on information provided to us by Sony, here’s a breakdown of the camcorder’s main features.

  • High quality HD imaging, pro-style ergonomics and advanced manual functions
  • Superb Sony G Lens with 20x optical zoom (30x with Digital Range Extender)
  • 6.0mm (1/3”) Exmor 3CMOS Sensors with ClearVid array
  • Highest-quality AVCHD recording at maximum24Mbps in FX Mode
  • 25p progressive shooting, with picture profile for rich, filmic tones
  • 8.0cm (3.2″) Wide 921k dot XtraFine LCD
  • Relay recording on dual memory card for uninterrupted shooting
  • High quality audio with internal mic and XLR connectors for external 2ch mic
  • Two recording modes – AVCHD (HD) and MPEG2 (SD)
Sony HDR-AX2000 Prosumer AVCHD Camcorder (see-through)

Sony HDR-AX2000 Prosumer AVCHD Camcorder (see-through)

The camcorder’s HD picture quality is provided by the 1/3-type Exmor 3CMOS Sensors with a ClearVid array and powerful Enhanced Image Processor (EIP) resulting in improved detailing and dynamic range due to very high sensitivity. Users will, Sony assures us, be rewarded by superb results with reduced image noise, even when shooting in low-light conditions.

Complementing the Exmor 3CMOS Sensors is a bright, premium quality G Lens with a powerful 20x optical zoom range that covers focal lengths from 29.5mm wide angle to 590mm (35mm equivalent).

There’s also a 1.5x digital extender that boosts zoom range further still for powerful close-ups. Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation is now enhanced with new Active Mode which is intended to dramatically reduce the effects of camera shake when shooting without a tripod.

For quality-critical productions, new FX Mode captures 1920×1080/50i video at a full 24Mbps – the highest bit-rate specified by the AVCHD format.

Recording Options*

The AVCHD (MPEG4-AVC/H.264) recording options are:

  • FX (24 Mbps) 1920×1080/50i, 25P
  • FH (17 Mbps) 1920×1080/50i, 25P
  • HQ (9 Mbps) 1440×1080/50i
  • LP (5 Mbps) 1440×1080/50i

The Standard Definition (MPEG2) recording options are:

  • HQ (9 Mbps) 720×576/50i
  • HQ (9 Mbps) 720×576/50i (25P scan)

* Please note that these settings relate to models available in Europe as represented by the “E” suffix in the product name

25P Progressive Mode shooting

Memory card slots at rear of Sony HDR-AX2000 Prosumer AVCHD Camcorder

Memory card slots at rear of Sony HDR-AX2000 Prosumer AVCHD Camcorder

Creative options are broadened further by 25p progressive mode that captures lush, cinematic HD images. ‘Filmic’ quality of progressive images can be enhanced by adjusting picture profile settings for richly saturated colours.
Serious videographers are able to fine-tune their creative vision with an extensive range of manual functions.

Independent zoom, focus and iris rings facilitate precise, intuitive manual control over shot composition with shutter speed and gain being separately adjustable, too. Dedicated controls are provided for gain, white balance and shutter speed. There’s also a focus switch for quick, positive mode selection and three switchable ND filters.

In what Sony confidently describes as another Handycam first, the integrated microphone is complemented by two professional XLR connectors that allow the addition of a stereo pair of external microphones. Internal and external mic signals can be mixed on board for extra control over capturing foreground and background sounds.

Available Accessories

An extensive choice of compatible accessories is available, too. The VCL‑HG0872X high-grade wide conversion lens provides an effective focal length of 23.6mm and the SH‑L32W LCD hood gives improved visibility of the 3.2-type LCD in bright shooting conditions. As protection whilst on the move, the LCS-VCC is a high-capacity soft carry case that incorporates plenty of space for accessories.

Availability in Europe

We’re told that the Sony Handycam HDR-AX2000E will be available from February 2010.

9 people like this post.
Unlike

Related posts:

  1. Sony reveals new HD and SD Handycams
  2. Panasonic unveils AVCHD “700″ series
  3. More Sony DSLRs with AVCHD in 2010
  4. Sony bloggie goes Snowbombing
  5. SDXC card support on four new Panasonic AVCHD camcorders