Conceptual Mock-up of the HD Camcorder under Development/courtesy of Sony
After Panasonic’s announcement of the AF-100 4/3rds interchangeable lens video camera at NAB and Sony’s own 35mm sized camcorder prototype it came as a bit of a surprise to me to see this new development from Sony today.
In Sony’s words “Sony Corporation announced today that it is developing a new type of AVCHD high definition camcorder which features key technologies powering the newly announced interchangeable lens digital camera, “NEX-5″ and “NEX-3″ and plans to commercialize the new HD camcorder in fall 2010. The new camcorder will be equipped with the same “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensor to be used in “NEX-5″ and “NEX-3.” In addition, the camcorder will be compatible with “E-mount” interchangeable lenses developed for “NEX-5″ and “NEX-3″, and also the wealth of “A-mount” interchangeable lenses from the existing “α” DSLR camera lineup via a mount adaptor. By combining these features, Sony aims to market a camcorder capable of generating a variety of creative expressions in full HD quality.”
For me the interesting thing about this announcement is that they seem to have an optical adapter for 35mm lenses designed for the Alpha range of SLRs. These lenses include some fantastic optics by Zeiss that have not been available for DSLR video up till now, they include the 16-35mm f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 and 135mm f1.8. Not only are they Zeiss quality they have very smooth focus and great build quality. If the optical adapter reduces the image circle to fit the NEX APS size sensor – instead of just a straight crop, then things get very interesting. True there will shortly be DSLR’s and NEX series cameras from Sony itself that will use these lenses, but I would hope that this true video camera offers a better range of controls and especially audio functions. The prototype certainly looks to be around the right weight and size for videojournalism – only time will tell.
There are a few other questions about cameras like this – I’m not a big fan of the AVCHD codec but then by the time this camera hits the streets there should be better solutions for editing it. Also Sony sensor has yet to be tested for line skipping etc…
All that said this is an interesting development and one that I’m sure the likes of Canon and Nikon will be following closely.
So who is the winner of the 24-105mm coffee cup give away?
Watch the video of the draw by none other than Vincent Laforet himself to see if you are the one. If you didn’t win don’t despair we have some great post-NAB give aways from Redrockmicro and Zacuto to come in the next few days.
Not only does the lucky winner get the cup we’ve also put together a collection of other great stuff from NAB that we are going to send along with it. Thx to GoPro, Zeiss, Miller and Canon Singapore for the extra prizes.
The Canon 5DmkII fridge magnet
A Miller mini tripod
A Carl Zeiss hat
A GoPro beanie hat
Also check out these entertaining videos from other happy 24-105mm cup owners:
This video is of a conversation that took place on the show floor at NAB 2010 between the infamous video guru Philip Bloom and DSLR video shooter Khalid Mohtaseb. Just in case anyone missed it there has been a vigorous debate here on this very site about the rights and wrongs of a montage of footage the Khalid showcased – the debate even made it all the way to the Huffington post.
In this video Mohtaseb canvasses the views of Bloom, who spent 17 years as a news cameraman, about the issues around the use of cinematic techniques for news shooting.
We ask Vincent Laforet, the original 5DmkII filmmaker and former New York Times award winning photojournalist, about his views on cinematic journalism debate and the practicalities of using DSLR for news and documentary video shooting. His conclusions may not be what you expect. I also had the chance to speak to none other than Khalid Mohtaseb and Phil Bloom on the subject which I’ll upload in the next day or two.
Jehu Garcia of Jag35 proudly shows off his budget lightweight DSLR cage which he hopes to ship in the next few weeks. Shot by site contributor Khalid Mohtaseb and Fstopacdemy‘s Scott Karlins.
The new Letus LCD loupe system prototype and extendable bars system at NAB 2010. Many many thanks to Fstopacdemy‘s Scott Karlins for shooting and editing this when I was too exhausted to do any more video.
Steve Rushworth demonstrates the Genus products shoulder support system on the Manfrotto stand at NAB 2010. Many many thanks to Fstopacdemy‘s Scott Karlins for shooting and editing this when I was too exhausted to do any more video.
Juicedlink’s President Robert Rozak shows his eagerly awaited DT454 audio adapter for DSLRs at NAB 2010. Video by Fstopacdemy’s Scott Karlins and Dan Chung.
Ikan had a whole range of new products at NAB 2010 – check out the Elements DSLR rigs, VX7 HDMI/SDI field monitor and the Multi K LED light. Video by Fstopacdemy’s Scott Karlins and Dan Chung.
