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Sony scores another first with their Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder, where it is touted to be the first 35mm full-frame Handycam camcorder in the world. Make no mistake about it, the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam will be part of the interchangeable lens video camera family, hence I guess the cliche comes in handy here – whatever you shoot is only as good as your imagination, as the hardware has progressed to such an extent. Well, let us check out just what the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder is capable of right after the jump, shall we not?

Touted to be the “world’s first consumer 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens camcorder”, the new NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder will enable demanding cinematographers to have the kind of control and flexibility that they require in order to flesh out their creative vision. Sporting a resolution count of 24.3 effective megapixels, it comes with an Exmor CMOS sensor that is said to be approximately 40 times larger than its equivalent in standard consumer camcorders, and more than double that of the APS-C sensor found in other interchangeable lens Handycam models.

Capable of capturing full-frame, 24 megapixel still photos, it will also deliver RAW format support, now how about that? This delivers all the post-processing flexibility and quality expected from a pro-class DSLR camera, except that this is a camcorder that we are talking about here. As for the sensor, it also lets one create distinctive ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects; experience high sensitivity for extremely clear, low-noise images; and effortless reproduction of smooth, true tonal gradation.

You might just end up being the resident movie maker in your family as you spend more and more time mastering the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder, and we cannot blame you for that.

And last but not least, the pricing surrounding the Sony Handycam NEX-VG900 35mm full-frame camcorder. If you want just the body only with a LA-EA3 adaptor will arrive later this November, it will cost you a whopping $3,300. I guess that would mean you have just a couple of months or so to save up for one of these puppies, no?

Press Release

[ Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

A full-frame camcorder for roughly 3 grand? Meet the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam — the company’s first 35mm HD video camera. Taking cues from its Alpha A99, which was just announced today, Sony brought that camera’s 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor to a camcorder form factor, delivering shallow depth-of-field and much improved low-light sensitivity in a more practical package. The VG900 is compatible with E-mount lenses, and it’s a fine stills shooter (like the A99, it’s capable of 14-bit RAW captures), but it’s best suited for high-end video production, where it offers 1080p recording at 24 or 60 frames-per-second through a sensor that features 45 times the area of a conventional camcorder. This model even adds some of Sony’s picture effects from the stills line, such as soft focus and miniature mode, while certain filters, like partial color and high-contrast monochrome can even be added to video.

Also on order for today is the NEX-VG30 — the successor to the VG20 — which offers many of the same features, but with a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor instead. If you’re looking for a capable Handycam and don’t want to spring for full-frame, this is your match. Both models include 270-degree swivel 921k-dot touch-enabled TruBlack LCDs and XGA OLED eye-level electronic viewfinders, along with Sony’s new Multi Interface Shoe, which enables XLR microphone inputs through an optional accessory. The Handycams offer a new zoom seesaw level with multiple speeds for smooth, silent lens adjustments. There’s also digital zoom functionality, which is likely to be more appropriate for the VG900, since that model’s full-frame sensor has the pixels to spare. That flavor is quite costly, coming in at $3,299 without a lens, though an LA-EA3 mount adapter is included so you can attach full-frame-capable A-mount lenses. The VG30, for its part, will retail for $1,800 body only, or $2,700 when paired with Sony’s new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens — a $300 savings, considering that optic’s $1,200 standalone price tag. The VG900 is slated to ship beginning in late October, while the VG30 will hit stores in November, but you can take a closer look right now in our hands-on gallery below.

Continue reading Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on

Filed under: Cameras

Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that itsy bitsy GoPro competitor we spotted at Sony’s CE Week booth earlier this summer? Well, it’s gearing up for an official release late next month. Dubbed Action Cam — a fitting name given that it’ll live mounted anywhere from sky diving helmets to downhill skis — it’ll ship in late September or early October for $199. In a surprising twist, the incredibly small HD shooter will also be getting WiFi — that version will be available for $270. Both cameras are identical save for wireless functionality, but considering that WiFi enables remote configuration and viewfinder capability for framing your shots (there’s no video-capable LCD on the device itself), you’re gonna want to shell out the extra 70 bucks. Regardless of which flavor you choose, you’ll net a very capable camcorder with a 16-megapixel Exmor R sensor (great for low-light shooting) and fixed-zoom Carl Zeiss lens, complete with SteadyShot image stabilization, a 1080/30p capture mode and a 720p option at 120 frames-per-second, enabling some pretty slick slow-motion effects.

The Action Cam is a modular system, so you can count on a bevy of accessories — there will even be a “Handycam Adaptor,” which comes complete with a 2-7inch display and a familiar camcorder interface. More standard options include an adhesive mount pack ($20, though two ship with the cam), a bar/bike mount ($30), angle mount ($30), a replacement housing that’s waterproof to 60 meters and offers a standard tripod socket ($40 — you’ll get one in the box), two head straps ($25-30) and a suction cup ($30). It also uses removable storage (microSD), a swappable battery, and includes HDMI, USB and audio input jacks.

We weren’t able to take the camera out on any wild adventure shoots, though plenty of professionals have, from the looks of the demo reel on display at Sony’s event (and included at the end of our hands-on video after the break). We did get to play with the remote viewfinder feature, however, paired with the Android PlayMemories app (also available for iOS). This tool worked quite well over WiFi, with decent response and a usable framerate (for framing you shot, at least). The Action Cam itself feels quite solid, despite its size, especially when paired with the thick plastic housing (it’s designed for use both underwater, and on land). What we’re not quite clear on is battery life, which will surely factor into any purchase decision — that detail will likely come to light as we near launch. You can take a closer look at the camera and accessories in our gallery below, and the hands-on video (complete with remote viewfinder demo) after the break.

Continue reading Sony’s tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on)

Filed under: Cameras

Sony’s tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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