Sony introduces world’s first 35mm full-frame handycam® camcorder at Photokina

Sony Electronics unveiled the world’s first consumer 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens camcorder - the new NEX-VG900 Handycam® camcorder - for expressive, powerful imaging. Sony’s flagship model is joined by the NEX-VG30H which builds on the success of the NEX-VG20H model, sharing the same APS-C image sensor while adding several enhancements.

Realizing supreme imaging quality and generous creative options, Sony’s NEX-VG900 is the first Handycam camcorder with a 35mm sensor to fully exploit the artistic potential of interchangeable lenses. With a resolution of 24.3 effective megapixels, the camcorder’s Exmor® CMOS sensor is around 40 times larger than its equivalent in standard consumer camcorders and more than twice the size of the APS-C sensor found in other interchangeable lens Handycam models. It captures full-frame, 24 megapixel still photos, with RAW format support for all the post-processing flexibility and quality expected from a pro-class DSLR camera. The sensor also allows the creation of distinctive ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects; high sensitivity for extremely clear, low-noise images; and effortless reproduction of smooth, true tonal gradation.

Beautiful, film-like results can be achieved by shooting video in 24p progressive mode with CinemaTone Gamma™ and CinemaTone Color™ presets to precisely control cinematic grading effects. Additionally, AVCHD™ version 2.0 standard 60p recording maximizes the range of creative options for movie-makers to explore. Even greater flexibility is provided by a choice of new Picture Effect modes, enabling easy creation of artistic ‘in-camera’ treatments. Whether you’re shooting HD video or stills, Picture Effects add a new level of expression to content. Modes like Posterization, which creates a high contrast abstract look by heavily emphasizing primary colors or black and white; Retro Photo, which creates the look of an aged photo with sepia color tones and faded contrast; Pop Color, which produces a vivid look by emphasizing color tones; and Partial Color, which produces stunning monochrome photos containing a single designated color (red, green, blue or yellow) are just a few of the effects that make ordinary images and scenes come to life.
A convenient seesaw lever allows slow, smooth zoom capability that is almost impossible to achieve when zooming manually, for added creative control and pro-quality imagery. Yielding impressive results, the lever adjusts optical zoom when using compatible E-mount lenses that feature a built-in zoom drive and controls electronic zoom when using the camcorder with fixed focal lenses. As an extra refinement, the NEX-VG900 camcorder switches automatically from full-frame operation to APS-C mode when an E-mount or A-mount DT lens is attached. This allows users to get the most out of their collection of lenses that are optimized for cameras with a smaller APS-C image sensor. The camcorder also comes supplied with the LA-EA3 adaptor that lets photographers use full-frame A-mount lenses at their designated focal length.

Extensive manual settings and options combined with ergonomic refinements give videographers greater control and comfort. Aperture priority, shutter speed priority and manual exposure are all customizable while white balance can be adjusted to suit any scene. Similarly, iris, shutter speed, and gain adjustments can easily be made via direct access keys. And the camcorder’s pro-style display peaking function is complemented by a one-touch focus magnification button on top of the grip.

Superior audio has always been a crucial part of the E-mount Handycam camcorder lineup. A unique Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone features four omnidirectional capsules that supports stereo or 5.1 channel surround. Recording levels are adjustable, with accurate visual confirmation provided by an audio level meter on the LCD display. There’s also a headphone jack for direct monitoring of sounds being recorded. The new Multi Interface Shoe provides compatibility with accessories including the optional XLR-K1M adaptor kit that adds a high-quality mono shotgun mic and two pro-standard XLR connections.

Sharing many of the pro-oriented enhancements of the NEX-VG900 camcorder, the Handycam® NEX-VG30H model succeeds the acclaimed NEX-VG20H camcorder. With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the new camcorder’s Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor assures outstanding image quality with the family of interchangeable E-mount lenses. Like the NEX-VG900 camcorder, it can capture smooth, cinematic Full HD video footage at 60p, or 24p (progressive) frame rates and high-resolution still photos, supported by a wide range of artistic Picture Effect modes. It also features the same XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF, comprehensive manual controls and the same seesaw style zoom lever as the NEX-VG900 model.

The NEX-VG30H camcorder comes supplied as a kit with the new SELP-18200 E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Power Zoom lens that provides a versatile range from wide angle to telephoto. Offering smooth, quiet Auto Focus operation and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, the lens also features an additional switch on the barrel for further controlling zoom speeds.

The new camcorders are compatible with Sony’s Memory Stick PRO-HG™ Duo HX series as well as Sony’s full line of SD memory cards. Available in capacities up to 32 GB, both media enable necessary transfer speeds for stable and optimal performance of Sony hardware features such as full HD movie shooting.

Pricing and Availability

The Handycam NEX-VG900 35mm full-frame camcorder (body-only) with LA-EA3 adaptor will be available in November for about $3,300 and the NEX-VG30H Full HD E-mount system camcorder will also be available at that time for $2,700. A body-only version, the NEX-VG30 model, will be available for $1,800. These interchangeable lens camcorders and their accessories will be sold at Sony retail stores

Source: http://www.dpreview.com

With the number of offerings hitting the markets (or announced) these are really interesting days. Who thought that full frame sensors can be so cheap. Stereo 5.1 channel surround in a camcorder. :) Interesting indeed and opens up many options.

One may not shoot a film for BBC, however, for a person with creative talents, equipment will no longer be a barrier.

Sony lags behind in terms of sensors. Canon is known for its broadcast lenses and is now entering the cinema arena with all guns blazing. It will be interesting to see and be a part of this evolution/revolution.