Hasta La Gadget!

[CEATEC 2013] You can more or less see it coming from afar – where there are 4K TVs on the horizon, it goes without saying that there will be devices for the consumer to create 4K content. Otherwise, the proliferation of 4K TVs are not going to go very far if we were to just depend on TV networks and cable channels to offer such support. Sony has anticipated such a need, and has shown off a prototype of their 4K camcorder, calling it the Sony FDR-AX1 4K Handycam.

This particular Handycam model will incorporate Sony’s newly-developed 8.3MP Exmor R CMOS image sensor as well as Sony’s G-Lens, where it allows the end user to capture their precious memories at an unrivalled 4K/60p resolution quality. Apart from that, you will be able to enjoy the playback of 4K content that has been recorded captured on the AX1 over on a compatible 4K TV (and Sony would tell you, they would prefer you to use a Sony 4K TV, of course) in the living room through the simple effort of hooking up the two devices via the included HDMI cable.

There is also an image processor that is similar to those found in 4K camcorders used by professionals, where it is capable of rapidly processing signals that are transmitted from the CMOS sensor and finalizes images for incredibly smooth and sharp playback, without seeing any loss in realism, even when the camera is being panned and one is shooting moving subjects. No idea on pricing details, but something tells me that this is definitely not going to come cheap.

Sony FDR-AX1 4K Handycam original content from Ubergizmo.

We assure you, the camera above is not Sony’s HDR-AX200. While it shares a similar body, this is the new FDR-AX1 that leaked this morning — a fixed lens 4K videocamera for prosumers, priced at a cool $4,500. Although JVC beat Sony to the market with its $5,000 kit, Sony’s vying to have the upper hand with the tech inside its take, namely by using its XAVC S format. It works by capturing video in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Long GOP and audio in linear PCM, which all gets saved in an “MP4 wrapper.” To handle the massive amount of data throughput from its 4k/60p stream, the camcorder records to QXD cards (two slots are onboard) which, until now, haven’t had much use outside of Nikon’s D4. A 64GB card will net you two hours of 4K video, while downscaling to 1080/60p adds an extra hour on top of that.

Video gets captured by a 1/2.3-type Exmor R CMOS sensor and a 20x optical zoom (31.5-630mm) G lens, which comes equipped with a trio of ND filters and Optical SteadyShot. As you’d expect, there are a plethora of manual controls, powered stereo XLR inputs, a 3.2-inch display and a viewfinder on back. It’s worth noting that while the AX1 won’t be HDMI 2.0 compliant at first, Sony’s planning a firmware update down the line to enable it. Until that occurs, it’ll only be able to transfer HDMI video over to Sony’s existing 4K TVs. We’re also told that the camcorder will work with SD cards for shooting in HD.

If you don’t care for the flexibility of interchangeable lenses or need something more affordable than the likes of a RED Scarlet, the FDR-AX1 can be yours this October. Sweetening the deal just a little more, Sony will also throw in a 32GB XQD card and a full copy of Vegas Pro 12 to ensure you can get started out of the box. Check out our eyes-on gallery with the prototype seen above in the meantime. %Gallery-slideshow79389% %Gallery-slideshow79406%

Filed under: Cameras, Home Entertainment, HD, Sony

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Source: Sony

Sony is releasing 2 new Handycam models for serious sports or outdoor activities. The models are dustproof, shockproof, 10m waterproof and -10℃ low-temperature resistant.

Release date is June 21.

They feature the CMOS image sensor “Exmor R”, image processor “BIONZ”, high-performance “G lens”, and “Optical image stabilizer (active mode)”.

“HDR-GWP88V”
(Pictures 1-2)
It has a slim body that weights only 210g. It also has a cool “Projector” function, so you can project movies you recorded on a screen or wall and enjoy watching them without having to connect the unit to a PC or TV. If you set “HDR-GWP88V” 5m away from the wall or screen, it will project to a 100 inch screen. If the distance is closer than 5m, it is capable of projecting to a well-lighted wall or area. It incorporates a stand to keep the body positioned when it’s used as a projector.

The interesting “Omakase Auto” function distinguishes between 99 different scenes including under-water mode and takes clear bright movies. Other good functions include “Smile Shutter” that detects smiles and catches the moment that the subject is smiling, and “Photo Simultaneous Record” that takes photos while taking a movie.

Estimated price: 60,000 yen
Color: black

“HDR-GW66V”
(Pictures 3-7)
The body is lighter than “HDR-GWP88V”: 188g. And just like “HDR-GWP88V”, “HDR-GW66V” has useful functions to help your filming such as “Omakase Auto”, “Smile Shutter” and “Photo Simultaneous Record”.

Estimated price: 45,000 yen
Colors: white and blue

[CES 2013] Sony has a trio of high definition Handycam camcorders of the flash memory variety to rock CES 2013, and they are the Sony HDR-PJ790V, HDR-PJ650V and HDR-PJ430V, which will retail this coming February for $1,599, $1,099 and $849, respectively. The Sony HDR-PJ790V will be the high end model of the trio, boasting a 24.1-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor to enable you to get the best start in amateur filmmaking, where it even comes with a 5.1 channel microphone and a built-in projector.

The latter is capable of projecting up to 100” videos thanks to its 35 lumens projector, and there is also a HDMI input terminal which helps project content from external devices. Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, a whopping 96GB of flash memory, a multi-interface shoe, Wi-Fi connectivity and manual controls round off the list of specifications. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Nikon D5200 US Availability Announced For Late January 2013, Olympus Stylus SH-50 iHS Point-And-Shoot Camera Announced With 5-Axis Video Stabilization ,

[CES 2013]  Just like two peas in a pod, the Sony HDR-CX430V and HDR-CX380 are somewhat similar in most aspects, including their ability to record memories in Full HD 60p quality and 55x Extended Zoom, while featuring a 8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor, a 26.8mm wide angle Sony G Lens, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization capability.

The former will arrive this March for $699, while the latter is said to hit the markets in February for around $449. With the HDR-CX430V, you get 32GB of flash memory that captures up to 11 hours plus of video, while the HDR-CX380 has half that amount, doing 6 hours plus of recording. Of course, the HDR-CX430V, being the high end model of the CX range, will carry other exclusive features such as 5.1ch surround sound mic for premium audio, a multi-interface shoe, Wi-Fi connectivity, and CinemaTone presets. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Nikon D5200 US Availability Announced For Late January 2013, Olympus Stylus SH-50 iHS Point-And-Shoot Camera Announced With 5-Axis Video Stabilization ,