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Sony NEX-VG30 camcorder images leak alongside rumor of $1,800 November arrival
The streetwise kids at SonyAlphaRumors say they're in possession of legit, leaked images of a forthcoming Sony NEX-VG30 camcorder, which they received from an unnamed tipster. The images themselves reveal very little about what's new in this model, and even the tipster seems to mainly confirm specs that are already present in the VG20 -- such as the big, 16-megapixel Exmor APS-C sensor (although it may have been upgraded), plus 24p and 60p recording at 1080. However, the top-down picture after break does reveal a new, healthy-sized zoom control on the grip, plus there's the happy possibility of an OLED XGA viewfinder. The official announcement may well reveal other changes under the hood, but in the meantime the tipster reports a November release with a $1,800 price tag -- which could either be a price drop or a hike depending on whether it's body-only.
Sony's tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on)
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 skydiving 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 2.7-inch 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, judging 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 your 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 both the hands-on video (complete with remote viewfinder demo) and sample POV footage after the break.%Gallery-163050%
Sony unveils NEX-EA50EH pro camcorder with nary a dog or pony (video)
Sony is continuing to build out its NXCAM video camera line with the new interchangeable lens NEX-EA50EH, a surprise entrant that's aimed firmly at the run and gun professional crowd. It sports the same APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor as other cameras in the NEX line, and has notably added a rocker-style zoom lever for its brand new SEL18-200PZ 11x E-mount Servo Zoom Lens. That item is one of the first large sensor servo zooms we've seen, and packs continuous variable isis, auto focus and "Optical Steady Shot" active image stabilization. Another eyebrow-raiser is the model's still photo flair, with the ability to shoot 16MP RAW stills, a mechanical shutter with its own release button and a flash hot-shoe all squeezed in. Video is recorded up to 60fps at 1080P in AVCHD 2.0, presumably at 28 or 17 Mbps, to SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, Sony Memory Sticks or Sony's dedicated external SSD unit, which attaches to the camera. All that is topped off by an onboard shotgun microphone, a shoulder mount form factor and $4,500 price point (which has already changed twice on B&H). That means a lot of event or ENG pros who want large sensor results -- without all the DSLR foibles -- may be sorely tempted. See the PR and video after the break for all the details.
Panasonic AG-AC90 professional camcorder: three CMOS sensors in a handheld package for $2,250
While filmakers have gone gaga over huge sensor'd video cameras, there's still a need for smaller chips and pro features -- to that end, Panasonic has just announced the AG-AC90 AVCCAM. Destined for event and corporate users, it features three smallish 1/4.7-inch CMOS sensors ("3MOS" in company-speak), a 12X zoom, native 1,920 x 1,080 at 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p, and a five-axis image stabilizer. As for video quality, there's a new "premium professional" recording mode with 28 Mbps throughput at 60p, on top of 24 Mbps and 17 Mbps modes. With two memory card slots, the camcorder supports Panasonic's proprietary UHS-1 cards, and fortunately works with SDXC and SDHC to boot. It's slated to arrive in "late fall 2012," according to the company, and will ring the register at $2,250. So, if the first thing that pops into your mind is not DOF, but zebras, timecode and XLR inputs, check the PR for all those specs.
Sony broadcasts three-chip PMW-200 XDCAM with Android or iOS remote control app
If you're the reporter and camera operator for K-STIX, Sony's got good news: they just unveiled the PMW-200 XDCAM, and you can control it with your smartphone. The camcorder features a broadcast-friendly 50Mbps data rate drawing from three half-inch CMOS sensors -- bigger than any other broadcast handheld cam, according to Sony -- though that size is still a far cry from its own super-35 filmmaking cams and others on the market. The Japanese company claims the chips provide "exceptional" low-light powers, and other features include 30fps at 1080P or 60fps at 720P, a 14x zoom lens, 3.5-inch 852 x 480 LCD display and a 15 second pre-record cache. The camera will be available by September, but the aforementioned WiFi adapter for Android or iOS remote control won't fly in until the end of the year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but if you need an easier way to multitask or the approving nod from that rigid broadcaster, check the PR for all the specs.
JVC unveils ADIXXION camcorder -- the second X is for 'xxtreme'
Sony's not the only one looking to edge in on the action camera game ruled by the likes of GoPro and Contour. JVC this morning claims to have "upped the ante" with the GC-XA1 ADIXXION -- and it's a hard point to argue. Let's look at the facts here: Sony's Action Cam has zero Xs in its name and the GC-XA1 ADIXXION has three. Three! Also on-board is WiFi and a 1.5-inch LCD monitor. The camcorder can do HD video, five megapixel stills and has 5x digital zoom. It's waterproof up to five meters, dustproof, freezeproof and can stand up to a fall of two meters -- all without that extra plastic casing. When it hits in late summer, it'll run you $350 -- or about $117 per X.
Sony's Action Cam prototype is incredibly small, we go fingers-on at CE Week in NYC
CE Week isn't typically a venue for major product introductions, then again neither is Sony's blog. Last night, we got a sneak peek at the company's new Action Cam on the aforementioned site, and this morning the Japanese manufacturer dropped the black curtain on what appears to be the very same prototypes used in yesterday's tease. We almost missed it at Sony's pint-sized booth at the annual week-long CEA event in New York City -- the camera, which has yet to get an official name and model number assignment from Tokyo, is massively smaller than yesterday's snaps may have implied. The adventure shooter is hidden behind glass, but we did manage to pull it out for a brief inspection, and boy is it tiny. A variety of mounts were on hand to demonstrate the shooter's versatility, including a handlebar attachment, helmet holster and some sort of plastic enclosure that could presumably be used to shield the Action Cam from underwater hazards, though Sony declined to confirm. Specification details are also quite spotty at the moment, but we were able to confirm that there will be an Exmor R CMOS image sensor and a wide-angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens on board. Things seem to be quite limited on the controls front, with simple navigation buttons, a Start/Stop toggle, a tiny LCD and stereo mics up front representing the entire bounty of I/O offerings. There also appears to be SD and Memory Stick storage on board, based on familiar logos printed on the jet-black housing. For now, that's all she wrote -- we expect more details as we approach the Action Cam's official launch in the fall. Flip through the gallery below for a closer look.%Gallery-159248%
Sony teases ruggedly handsome 'action camera,' has GoPro in its sights
It's lights, camera, action cam over at Sony's blog. The company is giving the world a teaser of a new "hi-def wearable video camera" that looks to be an answer to the GoPros and Contours of the world. Sony offered up a handful of shots, including one of the camcorder encased in rugged plastic, mounted atop a helmet. According to the blog, the lightweight camera features SteadyShot image stabilization and an ultra-wide angle lens from Carl Zeiss. Sony's promised more info to come, naturally, until then, you can peep more shots in the source link below.
Sony Handycam HDR-GW77V has pocket camcorder form-factor and waterproof design, we go hands-on
Waterproof camcorders have traditionally been popular in the pool but less compelling on land, given the somewhat-cumbersome designs, so-so image quality and form-factors that aren't necessarily more comfortable than a similarly equipped smartphone. This may describe nearly every pocket cam you've considered, but not Sony's new Handycam -- instead, think of the HDR-GW77V as a high-end camcorder you'll want to use everywhere, that happens to be just as rugged as it is practical. The camera packs the standard ruggedized punch, with a waterproof rating to 16 feet, the ability to survive a five-foot drop and a dustproof housing (though that's typically a given for tightly-sealed cams). You wouldn't think to take still photos with your camcorder, but Sony wants you to just that -- to the tune of 20.4 megapixels. The Handycam's 10x optical zoom lens can capture static frames just as easily as motion, with features like optical SteadyShot and Sweep Panorama, though the 1/3.91-inch CMOS sensor means you shouldn't expect point-and-shoot-level image quality. The GW77V can shoot 1080/60p video and features a wide-angle 29.8mm G lens, along with a 3-inch 921k-dot ExtraFine touch-enabled LCD. There's a dual Memory Stick M2/microSD slot, 16GB of internal memory and a GPS module with built-in NAVTEQ maps to boot (accounting for roughly 2.7 gigs of that internal storage). We spent a few minutes shooting with the GW77V and were quite pleased with its performance -- the Handycam was very responsive, with very fast focusing and an Optical SteadyShot feature that resulted in smooth footage, even while holding the camera by hand with the lens zoomed in completely. This certainly isn't your run-of-the-mill waterproof model, but considering the $700 price tag, you wouldn't expect it to be. The Handycam HDR-GW77V is slated to hit stores in silver, blue and black later this month.%Gallery-156601%
New OmniVision 16-megapixel camera sensors could record 4K, 60 fps video on your smartphone
Nokia has reportedly been dreaming of PureView phones with 4K video; as of today, OmniVision is walking the walk quite a bit earlier. The 16-megapixel resolution of the OV16820 and OV16825 is something we've seen before, but it now has a massive amount of headroom for video. If your smartphone or camcorder has the processing grunt to handle it, either of the sensors can record 4K (3840 x 2160, to be exact) video at a super-smooth 60 fps, or at the camera's full 4608 x 3456 if you're willing to putt along at 30 fps. The pair of backside-illuminated CMOS sensors can burst-shoot still photos at the bigger size, too, and can handle up to 12-bit RAW. Impressive stuff, but if you were hoping for OmniVision to name devices, you'll be disappointed: it's typically quiet about the customer list, and mass production isn't due for either version until the fall. On the upside, it could be next year that we're feeding our 4K projectors with Mr. Blurrycam smartphone videos.
Samsung ships QF20 camcorder with WiFi, toughened-up W300 pocket cam
Samsung's CES blitz included a tease of five new camcorders, but precious little in the way of launch details. Some of the mystery has ended, as two of the camcorders -- the QF20 and W300 -- are at last hitting US stores. The QF20 caters to the Internet crowd and, for $350, will let you upload your 20x-zoomed 1080p videos straight to Facebook, Picasa or YouTube without thrusting a computer into the process. If you're more concerned about your camera surviving a rafting trip than producing viral videos, the W300 will give you dustproofing, 15-foot waterproofing and 6-foot shockproofing in a pocketable form for a more frugal $160. We're still waiting on launches for the camcorders' closely-related F80, Q20 and W350 (pictured) cousins, but for now you can catch full details of the QF20 and W300 after the break.
NHK shrinks its 8K Super Hi-Vision-ready camcorder to the size of HD cameras
We may still be years away from watching the sweet, sweet 33MP resolution video promised by Super Hi-Vision in our own homes, but over in Japan, NHK engineers are slowly working out the various kinks keeping it from us. Their latest development is this camera seen above on the left, capable of recording 8K in a camera head that is smaller and lighter than the previous unit (the new one weighs 4kg, about 1/5th the weight) shown on the right, and is more comparable to the size of a standard HDTV camera. According to the NHK the savings were achieved by developing a new single plate color imaging mechanism and eliminating the need for a prism to separate the colors beforehand, so it's small enough to be used with standard SLR camera lenses. Sure, it's not quite ready to go on your next vacation, but if you're in Japan you can get a peek at it (and that 145-inch 8K Panasonic plasma) at the broadcaster's open house later this month.
RED goes beyond cameras with $15,000 REDucation X showbiz immersion
RED's dabbled in the workshop arena with its three-day REDucation classes, but the cinema company's new program ups the session time to a full 16 weeks. REDucation X, which kicks off on October 1st, will run you a cool $15,000 -- approaching the cost of an entire Scarlet-X package. While getting REDucated at RED Studios in Hollywood, you'll learn from high-end film pros alongside 20 other deep-pocketed students as you cover digital production from A to Z, including lighting, shooting and equipment brass tacks, followed by a one-week shoot, and finishing with editing, grading and big-screen delivery. So given the choice, should you buy a new Scarlet, or take the training? We'd love to own one, but it would be nice to know how to use it properly, too.
JVC demos GY-HM600, launches HM650 Mobile News Camera with WiFi and FTP at NAB
Sure, you can always roll up with a full-blown sat truck or a camera tethered to a ViaSat SurfBeam 2 Pro Portable, or you can pick up the JVC GY-HM650, which lets you beam those video bytes back to base with any ole hotspot. The company's Mobile News Camera packs a trio of 1/3-inch 1080p 12-bit sensors, a 29-667mm lens, 3.5-inch LCD, SDXC compatibility and HD-SDI outputs, but it also includes WiFi connectivity with FTP server support, letting you record then automatically transmit footage back to a newsroom for editing and broadcast. The camera itself is very compact, considering that it's primarily suited for professional news applications, and also includes all the standard audio hook-ups, like dual XLR jacks, a shotgun mic holder, headphone jack and a separate connector for a wireless mic receiver, along with GPS and Android/iOS app control. JVC also launched another model, the GY-HM600, which offers similar features, save for those wireless connectivity bits. Both cameras look nearly identical, though the company only had the less-abled 600 on display at NAB. That camera will retail for $4,695 when it hits in the fall, while the 650 will cost you $1,000 more, with a winter 2012 shipping estimate. We weren't able to peek at the WiFi model at the show, but you'll be able to get a fairly good idea of how that camera will look in the glass-enclosed HM600 shots below.
Sony PMW-100 camcorder brings 50Mbps bitrate in an itty-bitty package
When is full 1920 x 1080 footage not really HD? When a broadcaster rejects it for not meeting its 50Mbps bitrate criteria. There's only a few handheld cameras that can capture video with such gentle compression, and a lot of those require a third-party add-on recorder to achieve it -- but not Sony's new XDCAM shooter, the PMW-100. It has a 1/2.9-inch Exmor sensor sitting behind a 40-400mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens and outputs 1080p, 1080i, and 720p at up to 50Mbps using MPEG HD422 compression. SxS cards are the primary media, but there's HD/SD-SDI output too should you still need it. Sound recording is equally data-heavy, letting you hear interviewees dodge questions in four channels of glorious 24-bit uncompressed 48kHz audio -- unless of course your diminutive kit fools them into thinking you're harmless. The PMW-100 should start shipping in May for an as yet undisclosed price, but in the meantime you'll find more specs in the PR after the break.
Sony HXR-NX30 camcorder: built-in projector, 96GB storage for $2,500 (video)
Don't worry, lone gunslingers, today isn't just about the NEX-FS700. Sony's pro range has also been bolstered with the HXR-NX30 for videographers who need to travel light. This model sacrifices interchangeable lenses in favor of a palm-friendly form factor with a 26mm-260mm (35mm equivalent) Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T fixed lens. The camera sports Sony's 'Balanced Optical SteadyShot' technology, which means both the lens and the sensor assembly are floated as a single element to minimize camera shake. Unlike that of the larger NEX-VG20, the HXR-NX30's sensor is shrunken too: it's an Exmor R CMOS that's only slightly larger than 1/3-inch. The North American NX30U variant handles 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 30p and 24p, as well as 60i and 720/60p, stored as AVCHD on the camera's 96GB of internal memory. A detachable XLR unit takes care of pro-quality audio. Weirdly, the HXR-NX30 even houses a built-in projector that plays back 100-inch footage from a distance of 16 feet. It's an interesting feature, but will it be worth its weight? Further specs and a promo video await after the break.
Sony to launch NEX-FS700E 4K cinema camera for $9,000 at NAB?
What would you pay for the ability to capture cinema quality 4K video? $36,000? $18,000? Try $9,000. That's the expected price of Sony's rumored NEX-FS700E, which could launch at NAB next month with a June ship date. EOSHD reports that the camera will pipe 4K video to a dedicated external recorder over 3G HD-SDI. It will reportedly use the same NEX E-mount as its predecessor, the FS100, and may include a trio of neutral density filters to increase versatility. We haven't been able to track down an image of the rumored cinema cam (the model in that image above looks identical to the FS100), but we wouldn't be surprised to see another detail or two leak out before the broadcast community's annual Vegas gathering kicks off in a little over two weeks. For its part, Canon is also expected to announce a 4K EOS-format DSLR at NAB, as a less-expensive alternative to the $16,000 C300, while RED's Scarlet already has 4K capabilities, and a $9,000 price tag.[Thanks, Andrew]
Samsung launches Switch Grip QF20 WiFi camcorder, shoot with both guns
Samsung trotted out a cluster of new video shooters back at CES, including a refresh of its hand-impartial HMX-Q10 movie maker. Now, it looks like sinister filmmakers can finally get their (left) paws on the WiFi enabled QF20. The debut also brings with it mention of a few minor details that we didn't hear about in Vegas, namely an on board "BGM" background music tool, a 230,000 pixel count on the LCD viewfinder, and news that the sensor is a 5-megapixel BSI CMOS affair. If this sounds like the answer to your camera-handling dreams, Samsung wants ₩449,000 (about $395) no matter which hand you reach for your wallet with.
Canon teases 'exclusive screening' in Las Vegas, new Cinema EOS products coming at NAB?
With both its 1D and 5D-series models already confirmed for 2012, today's Canon teaser hints at something slightly different -- and, according to our sources, a major announcement. The event is set for April 15th -- during the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas -- further confirming that whatever imaging device we'll see will likely be geared towards the motion picture and television communities. So, what could it be? A new Cinema EOS cam with a 1D form-factor? A lower-priced model poised to compete with the RED Scarlet? We have but a month to wait for confirmation, so if you haven't already placed your C300 order, it might not be a bad idea to hang tight until after Canon's Tax Day reveal.
Canon C300 takes to the sky, hopefully still under warranty
We're not sure what sending your $16,000 (plus lens) video camera into the sky does to its warranty, but here's hoping that the folks at Horizon AP don't have to find out the hard way. They've attached Canon's C300 to a remote controlled rotorcraft to grab the kind of shots that only multiple spinning blades can. Probably best to avoid trying this at home, unless you've got a couple extra Easyshares lying around. [Thanks, Jack]
