In an announcement that will please and excite a lot of the more serious videomakers out there, Sony announced the development of a new type of AVCHD high definition camcorder that features an interchangeable lens.

The new “NEX-5” and “NEX-3” camcorders will be equipped with “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensors and will be compatible with “E Mount” interchangeable lenses in addition to the wealth of “A Mount” interchangeable lenses from the existing “á” DSLR camera lineup via a mount adaptor.

Sony NEX-5 APS HD CMOS AVCHD Camcorder

Sony NEX-5 APS HD CMOS AVCHD Camcorder

In a move that’s seen as another step towards convergence of HD camera and camcorder technologies, Sony has told SimplyDV that it will be introducing its new models with leading-edge technologies that include the following:

  • New Alpha digital cameras with DSLR picture quality and responsive shooting
  • World’s smallest and lightest1 interchangeable lens digital camera (NEX-5)
  • 14.2 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
  • 1080i HD movie recording (NEX-5) with stereo sound, fast and silent autofocus
  • Intuitive new interface with Help Guide and Shooting Tips
  • E-mount lens system compatible with α DSLR lenses (with optional Mount Adaptor)
  • Sweep Panorama with 3D capability

Joining the Alpha family, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 models are designed to combine DSLR-quality imaging with the convenience of interchangeable lenses in a sleek new easy-to-use and portable design. In contrast to conventional DSLR models, the ‘mirrorless’ construction shrinks the thickness of the cameras to just 24.2mm (NEX-5 excluding grip and mount) and 25.4mm (NEX-3, excluding grip and mount) at their slimmest points. The NEX-5 features a tough yet light-weight magnesium body, enabling Sony to lay claim to its being the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera.

14.2 Megapixel Exmor HD CMOS image sensor

At the heart of both cameras is a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with a resolution of 14.2 effective megapixels. This is larger than the sensors commonly found in conventional compact cameras, and is key to achieving the low image noise and creative defocus effects that consumers have come to expect from DSLR cameras.

Still and video image quality is further achieved by the powerful BIONZ processor that ensures speedy DSLR-style shooting reflexes with quick, precise autofocus and minimal shutter lag. Both cameras are also designed to capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to 7fps (AF/AE fixed from first frame).

A new ‘never get lost’ menu interface has been developed by Sony to enhance the “powerful creative possibilities of the NEX-5 and NEX-3 accessible to photo enthusiasts and snap shooters alike”. Shooting parameters are accessed via an intuitive control wheel and two soft keys. Turning the control dial, for example, allows depth of focus changes to be previewed ‘live’ on the LCD3, giving improved control over professional-style image composition. Further help for photographers developing their skills is provided by a library of on-screen shooting tips and a friendly help guide.

Images and camera settings are displayed on the large, bright 3” Xtra Fine LCD screen with TruBlack technology that tilts up or down for comfortable viewing in any shooting position. The screen features an auto-brightness function for excellent visibility, even when you’re outdoors. TruBlack screen technology enables an even more vivid, high-contrast view of images and camera settings.

E-mount lens system compatibility

Described by Sony as being ideal for everyday shooting, the low-profile E 16mm F/2.8 ‘pancake’ lens (SEL16F28) is designed to minimise bulk when the camera is carried in a jacket or bag. Its field of view can be boosted even further by the VCL-ECU1 Ultra Wide Converter and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye Converter that deliver high-definition optical performance in a sleek, co-ordinated design.

Featuring in-lens Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld images, the E 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 zoom (SEL1855) is perfect for every day shooting. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are available in kit form with either lens, or as a double-lens kit that provides even greater shooting versatility.

Sony NEX-3 APS HD CMOS AVCHD Camcorder

Sony NEX-3 APS HD CMOS AVCHD Camcorder

The E 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 zoom (SEL18200) lens is also available and offers a powerful 11x magnification range. It also features Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation in the lens and Active Mode ensures steady movie capture even when on the move.

An optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor extends compatibility to the α family of 30 lenses, plus a huge range of other legacy A-mount lenses (Manual Focus only).

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are also the first α cameras to offer the extra convenience of HD video recording. At the touch of a dedicated Movie REC button, both NEX-5 and NEX-3 shoots Full HD (1920 x1080) video as high-quality AVCHD files that can be enjoyed by connecting to an HD television. HD video (720p) can also be captured by NEX-3 as compact MPEG4 files that are ideal for PC storage and web sharing. As an option, the smart accessory terminal on both cameras accepts the compact ECM-SST1 Stereo Microphone (optional) that captures a high-quality soundtrack for your HD videos.

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first Alpha cameras featuring Sweep Panorama. Just press the shutter button and sweep the camera horizontally or vertically. A high-speed burst of frames is stitched together automatically to create detail-packed 23 megapixel panoramas with a 226 degree effective angle of view4. As a world’s first, Sweep Panorama files can also be enjoyed in stunning 3D on compatible Bravia 3D television displays.

As previously introduced on the DSLR-A550, Auto HDR has been further refined. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 can now shoot a high-speed burst of three images at different exposure values that are then combined in the camera. This produces a single High Dynamic Range image with extended highlights, more mid-tones and shadow detail.

Both cameras come supplied with a super-compact clip-on flash that attaches via the smart accessory terminal when needed for low-light shooting. Other optional accessories include the FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder plus colour coordinated cases and shoulder straps.

The NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras from Sony will be available in the UK from June 2010. No pricing indications have yet been received.

Source: Sony UK Press Release. Images Courtesy Sony UK. Used by Permission. Additional text by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV.

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