Sony releases "world's first" consumer interchangeable lens camcorder

 

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Posted on 14 Jul 2010 at 10:25

Sony has announced the Handycam NEX-VG10E, which it says is the world's first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses. It’s also the first Handycam to feature an extra-large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, allowing the creation of cinematic background blur effects.

The NEX-VG10E is aimed at video enthusiasts and photographers, and Sony says that it "opens up unprecedented artistic possibilities not achievable with conventional consumer video cameras".

It's compatible with Sony's recently introduced E-mount lenses, which launched alongside the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras. 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 Sony's Alpha cameras by using the optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor, although you'll have to rely on manual focusing.

At the heart of the NEX-VG10E is a 14.2 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that’s teamed with Sony’s BIONZ processor to capture very high resolution video and high-quality still images. This sensor is about 19.5 times bigger than the standard sensor found in other consumer camcorders, enabling extremely shallow depth of field and better low-light performance.

Full HD 1,920x1,080 video images are captured in AVCHD format at up to the maximum 24 Mbps bit rate for excellent detail and clarity. Unlike many digital still cameras including DSLR that support HD video, Sony says there’s "virtually no restriction" on continuous shooting time. Just install your choice of either Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD, SDHC or SDXC media card and capture Full HD video and JPEG still images for easy transfer into your existing PC storage and editing environment.

The NEX-VG10E comes supplied as standard with an image-stabilised E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that offers a powerful 11x optical zoom range. The company says that this has been optimised for video shooting and offers smooth, ultra low noise autofocus and iris control.

Sound quality is said to match the NEX-VG10E's imaging performance too, thanks to thhe Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone. It 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: this allows videographers to capture more sound from the subject they’re shooting, and fewer distracting sounds around them," said a Sony statement. You can also connect an optional external stereo microphone - as well as a pair of headphones for audio monitoring - if required.

The 3in screen has a decent resolution of 921,000 dots and is supplemented by an 1,152,000 dot electronic viewfinder that assists easy framing and monitoring. The viewfinder helps the operator capture clear images in bright daylight and its angle can be easily adjusted for comfortable operation.

The Handycam NEX-VG10E interchangeable lenses Full HD camcorder will be available at the end of September 2010. The company hasn't announced pricing at this time.

Author: Tim Smalley