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Jun 11

Sony – Handycam – 2 new models – dustproof, shockproof, 10m waterproof, -10℃ low-temperature resistant – for serious sports or outdoor activities

Sony - Handycam - 2 new models - dustproof, shockproof, 10m waterproof, -10℃ low-temperature resistant - For serious sports or outdoor activities

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

Sep 11

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

Posted in: Today's Chili

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.

Gallery: Sony NEX-VG900 and NEX-VG30 hands-on

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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Aug 29

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

Posted in: Today's Chili

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.

Gallery: Sony Action Cam hands-on