Sony expands NXCAM range of camcorders

Sony has announced the latest addition to its professional NXCAM range of camcorders, the NEX-EA50EH. This new camcorder offers flexibility in lens selection owing to its interchangeable E-mount lens system. The large format Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor gives the user creative freedom when shooting Full HD movies and still photos. The new form factor enables users to shoot in a way that suits them best, allowing them to switch quickly between handheld and shoulder configuration without the need for additional accessories.

"This all-in-one camcorder brings a new level of creativity to a wider range of professional users than ever before," said Bill Drummond, Sony Europe. "It combines affordability and high performance with a range of versatile, professional features for many applications, including event production, budget movie making and corporate production".

The NXCAM

The Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor produces movie images with low noise and high sensitivity in low light conditions. It also enables 1080 progressive and interlace recording with 60/50Hz selection (50p/25p/50i or 60p/30p/24p/60i). In addition, the NEX-EA50EH has a built-in mechanical shutter to realise high-speed shutter while capturing still pictures. The NEX-EA50EH incorporates the Sony E-mount interchangeable lens system, which enables auto focus, auto exposure and stabilisation during shooting. With its short flange back distance, it is possible to attach both established A-mount lenses via the LA-EA2 lens mount adapter, and a choice of other brands lenses using third-party adapters.

The design of the NEX-EA50EH is such that when the shoulder pad is extended, the camcorder can be balanced on the shoulder giving added stability for longer shooting times. Alternatively, when the shoulder pad is returned to the original position, the camcorder becomes compact enough to use in various handheld styles allowing users to capture a wide variety of shots.

The NEX-EA50EH camcorder comes with the newly developed Power Zoom E-mount lens E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS SELP18200. It features auto focus, continuous variable iris and Optical Steady Shot image stabilisation with Active Mode for shooting moving images. It is electronically controlled by both the zoom rocker lever on the camcorder grip and top handle. Film-makers can achieve a constant zoom speed and smooth, slow zoom, both of which can be difficult to accomplish with manual zoom lenses. In addition, using fixed focal length lenses users can simulate a zoom effect using the smart digital zoom function, to capture fast-paced shots.

The NEX-EA50EH features a range of professional functions usually associated with NXCAM camcorders, such as 2-channel XLR audio, Linear PCM audio, time code, user bit, and built-in GPS. The ECM-XM1 Shotgun microphone is included with the NEX-EA50H. In addition, Sony's HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit can dock directly to the camcorder for simultaneous backup recording. The camcorder is compatible with the new Mirroring Memory Stick (MS-PX64/32/16) which features a "Mirroring" function. This enables the card to deliver high reliability and data security through a dual recording (mirroring) function. This new professional memory card will be available in 3 different capacities: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.

The NEX-EA50EH will be available at Sony Professional Solutions Specialists in October 2012.