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Sony unveils Handycam NEX-VG10 – world’s first interchangeable lens HD camcorder
Jul 14th
Sony has announced the NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses and the first Handycam to feature a 14.2 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMO image sensor.
Sony CX36000 H-600 HD Camcorder
Aimed at the semi-pro and serious videomaking enthusiast, NEX-VG10E is designed to offer the kind of flexibility currently enjoyed by D-SLR camera users – in terms of their ability to use a choice of lenses as appropriate to the subject in focus – whilst maintaining more conventional “video camera” ergonomics.
Alongside the three currently available E-mount lenses, users of the NEX-VG10E can experience a wide variety of A-mount DSLR optics used on “α” cameras by using the optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor. Picking from a choice of award-winning Sony G lenses, fixed-focal length Carl Zeiss portrait lenses and other models from macro to super-telephoto, videographers will have unprecedented freedom to explore what Sony assures us is “an exciting world in movie creation”.
Using AVCHDTM format for unlimited continuous shoot time
Full HD 1920×1080 video images are captured in the new AVCHDTM format at up to the maximum 24 Mbps bit rate for improved detail and clarity. Unlike many digital still cameras (including D-SLR) that support HD video, there’s virtually no restriction on continuous shooting time. It accepts either Memory Stick PRO DuoTM or SD media cards and captures Full HD video and JPEG still images for easy transfer to existing PC storage and into editing environments.
The NEX-VG10E comes supplied as standard with an image-stabilised E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that offers an 11x optical zoom range. Optimised for video shooting, the high-quality E-mount lens is designed to offer smooth, ultra low noise autofocus and iris control. In addition to its Optical Image Stabilisation, the camera also offers Active Mode which, at Wide Angle setting, enhances anti-shake performance, steadying jittery images even while walking. The lens also features a circular aperture for the creation of impressive bokeh effects whether the user is shooting video or stills.
Audio clarity and connectivity
The Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone uses advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four separate omnidirectional microphone capsules. The result is “exceptionally clear stereo audio” with a highly directional response which should, in theory, allow videographers to capture more sound from the subject they’re shooting, and fewer distracting sounds around them. It has an input jack for adding an optional external stereo mic, plus a headphone jack for audio monitoring.
With a photo-realistic 921k dot resolution, the 7.5cm/3 inch-type Xtra Fine LCD features TruBlackTM technology for a detailed, high contrast view of images and menu settings. The LCD is supplemented by a high-resolution (1152k dot) electronic viewfinder.
Intuitive design and manual controls
According to Sony, the NEX-VG10E is “compact, beautifully balanced and easy to handle, even for novice videographers”. An intuitive jog dial and hotkeys make it easy to navigate camera menus and adjust shooting parameters. Videographers can also enjoy precise manual control over Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain and White Balance for professional results.
A range of official accessories includes the ECM-CG50 Shotgun Microphone that attaches to the camcorder’s accessory shoe. There’s also a choice of rechargeable battery options, including the NP-FV100 that provides power for up to 330 minutes of continuous HD shooting. A dedicated soft carrying case the LCS-VCD, is also available as an option.
Offered to customers as a free download, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 video editing software includes everything you need to produce spectacular HD movies. Powerful tools for video compositing, colour correction and sound mixing make it easy to achieve cinema-quality results. Movies can be uploaded to the web, burned to to Blu-ray Disc or authored as DVDs with custom menus and graphics.
Availability
The Handycam NEX-VG10E interchangeable lenses Full HD camcorder will be available at the end of September 2010.
Want to discuss this further? Check out the new-improved SimplyDV Forum (you’ll need to register with the site first).
Source: Sony UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett. Image courtesy Sony ©2010.
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Sony unveils “NEX” interchangeable lens HD camcorders
May 12th
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
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
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.
Sony bloggie goes Snowbombing
Apr 12th
Sony shows off its “bloggie” HD camcorder at the 2010 Winter Music Festival and features interviews with Fatboy Slim, The Enemy and others, all shot with the pocket-sized camcorder
Sony MHS-CM5 Bloggie HD Camcorder (black) in use
The revolutionary Sony bloggie MHS-CM5 HD Camcorder is the official camera partner for Snowbombing 2010, the winter sports and music festival, which is currently taking place in Mayrhofen, Austria.
According to its maker, the bloggie’s unique shooting capabilities allow HD video clips and super-sharp still images to be taken for quick and easy uploading to the web – and that makes it ideal for widespread use at the event, we’re told.
Exclusive footage from the festival has been made available which features interviews with Fatboy Slim, The Enemy and many more, alongside clips from the celebrity road-trip and the slopes.
Road Trip mash-up
In this clip, follow Barry Peters and Son, the alter ego of the Cuban Bros, as they go on the road trip to Snowbombing with Sony bloggie joined by Tom from The Enemy and Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers (all shot with bloggie cameras):
Fatboy Slim talks about babies. And David Byrne. And Imelda Marcos. And shoes. Is it an age thing?
In this clip, Fatboy Slim is interviewed by Barry Peters, the alter ego of the Cuban Bros. In it, they discuss such things as Norm’s collaboration with David Byrne in creating a musical about Imelda Marcos (the wife of the Philipino Despot and collector of shoes). They also discuss really important stuff like babies – and neither of them says “ahhh bless” once during the chat. Obviously, Norman leaves that to his missus (Zoe Ball):
About bloggie
From the slopes to après-ski parties the new MMC camera from Sony is (according to the company) “the perfect match for Snowbombing” which offers a fusion of youth, music, dance and snow sports such as boarding and skiing. The innovative 360 degree lens attachment of the Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie HD Camcorder offers intriguing 360-degree video recording designed to allow users to shoot their tricks on the slopes from a unique perspective.
What is Snowbombing?
Founded in 1999, Snowbombing is fast becoming Europe’s biggest winter music festival, and with social networking a key part of life for a generation whose experiences are shared online, Sony is doing its bit to ensure that the bloggie will help this phenomenon to grow even more. The line-up at this year’s festival includes Fatboy Slim, Editors, Doves, The Enemy, 2Many DJs and Friendly Fires.
Source: Sony UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV
More Sony DSLRs with AVCHD in 2010
Feb 22nd
A cornerstone of its future product line-up will be ultra-compact DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that offer the dual function of recording and playing back AVCHD high-definition video, too.
Sony used this year’s PMA 2010 imaging convention at Anaheim, California to confirm its plans for further expansion of its digital imaging product range. Additions to the α (”alpha”) range of DSLR cameras were joined at the show by a new product concept claimed by the company to make “high-quality imaging accessible to an even wider audience of photographers”.
Mock-ups of new Sony DSLR products on show at PMA
We understand that during 2010 Sony will introduce a new ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses that teams “anytime, anywhere” convenience with DSLR picture quality. Exhibited in early concept mock-up form at PMA2010, the camera features a newly-developed Exmor APS-C HD CMOS image sensor. It will also support HD video recording using the now ubiquitous and highly-efficient AVCHD format. Shown in mock-up form alongside the new camera is a selection of compatible interchangeable lenses.
Mainstream DSLR range “to grow further”
Sony also confirms that the current “α” (alpha) range will continue to grow with the introduction of further new mainstream DSLR models that use the newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and integrating HD video function with AVCHD format.
Shown in concept mock-up form at PMA is a successor to the α700, Sony’s acclaimed mid-range camera body that – Sony tells us – has found favour with both ‘prosumers’ and enthusiasts alike. Further new α DSLR cameras are scheduled for launch in 2010.
New DSLR lenses on the way, too
The α family of over 30 interchangeable lenses and teleconverters is set to grow with the addition of exciting new models.
Shown in advanced pre-production form at PMA is the Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss wide angle lens. Scheduled for launch in 2010, this bright, wide-angle prime is targetted at those working in the field of reportage, and is designed to cope with naturally-lit interiors and other quality-critical handheld shooting applications.
Displayed as a mock-up on the Sony booth, the newest lens to carry the G Lens name is a bright, high-power Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G with “class-leading” optical performance.
Related Link: PMA 2010 Exhibition
New SD Memory Cards from Sony
Jan 8th
For a few years now we’ve been watching Sony’s new product announcements carefully in the hope that one day they might actually concede that they’re wasting time, effort and money on their continued commitment to Memory Stick when the rest of the world has adopted SD in all its forms. Well, it looks like they’ve jumped ship at last.
Sony Class 4 MicroSDHC 4GB and SDHC 32GB cards
Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with Memory Stick, it’s just that almost everyone else had adopted SD (which stands for “Secure Digital”) years back.
SD is everywhere. It’s used in our phones and other mobile devices as well as in digital cameras, SatNavs, car music systems, and even DAB receivers, so the fact that Memory Stick was physically incompatible with SD meant that we mostly stuck with SD.
Well, at long last, Sony is offering SD cards – in both the full-size, high-capacity form of SDHC and also as the thumbnail-sized MicroSD. Hooray! Not only that, but in a very astute marketing move the company is very cleverly giving us not one card slot but two in its latest camcorder range. So you’ll have a choice of using Memory Stick or SDHC or both.
Up to speed for HD video
The new products provide high capacity storage that’s ideal for HD camcorders (such as Sony’s own AVCHD range). SDHC – and its thumbnail-sized partner product, the MicroSD card – use identical storage technologies and differ only in their physical proportions. For 24Mbps AVCHD video recording, SDHC Class 4 offers the data transfer speed necessary for stable HD video recording. You really need Class 4 minimum.
Users of the Sony SD/SDHC and microSD/SDHC cards will get peace of mind thanks to File Rescue software, which is available as a simple, free download. This will facilitate rapid retrieval of photos, video, or music that were damaged or deleted by mistake. Touch wood.
What’s more, your music and pictures can be combined into amazingly wonderful and inspired slideshows thanks to downloadable x-Pict Story software. The software is so easy to use everyone in the family can join in, and a slideshow-sharing function ideal for uploading to video sharing service like YouTube means no-one need miss out on the fun. Granny will be impressed!
We should also add that both File Rescue and x-Pict Story are also available as free downloads for Memory Stick customers.
The new Sony SD/SDHC range
The SD/SDHC range includes 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models, while the microSD/microSDHC line-up offers a choice of 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities (SD Card Adaptor included as standard)
All cards are ultra-resistant to shock and can withstand temperature extremes from -25C to 85C
Availability
Sony SD and microSD products will go on sale in February 2010.
High end AVCHD – Sony’s new HDR-AX2000E
Jan 7th
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
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)
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
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.
