Sony Australia today announced the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with an interchangeable lens system, the Handycam NEX-VG10[1]. This innovative camcorder unites the best of DSLR and camcorder technology, enabling users to capture images and videos with beautiful background defocus effects and shallow depth of field.

“Sony’s expertise in digital imaging products is proven once again with the NEX-VG10, a unique hybrid camcorder that is unlike anything else currently on the market,” said Katsuya Watanabe, Marketing Manager for Digital Imaging at Sony Australia. “Similar to the popular NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras, the NEX-VG10 offers new imaging possibilities with its interchangeable lens system and provides consumers with advanced features within a lightweight and portable body.”

Merging camcorder capabilities and DSLR technology

Featuring an Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor, the Handycam NEX-VG10 produces Full HD movies and 14.2 megapixel photos with beautiful ‘bokeh’ or blurred images. Such effects were previously challenging to achieve with smaller sized sensors.

The DSLR sized image sensor in this new model makes shallower depth of field possible, which enables consumers to choose a subject to focus within the frame, separating that subject from its background. The results are a beautiful background defocus effect that is not possible to recreate using conventional camcorders.

A breakthrough in digital imaging technology, the Handycam NEX-VG10 exposes consumers to the world of cinematography, as the camcorder provides the option to use a wide variety of lenses and achieve a myriad of visual results including fisheye, telephoto and wide-angle shots. With the bundled E-mount 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS zoom lens, the VG10 has an 11x optical zoom, as well as optical image stabilisation with Active Mode, perfect for smooth, stable footage on the move. Additional features include silent auto focus and iris control, eliminating the lens noise that can often appear on DSLR and compact camera videos. Consumers can also use various A-mount lenses via an optional lens adaptor, expanding imaging possibilities – be it for stills or for video.

Features optimised for video performance

Reflecting the demands of serious videographers, the sound quality in NEX-VG10 matches its phenomenal imaging performance. The Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone uses advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four separate omnidirectional microphone capsules. The result is exceptionally clear stereo audio with a highly directional response, allowing videographers to capture more sound from the subject they are shooting, and less of distracting sounds around them. There is also a jack for adding an optional external stereo mic, plus a 3.5mm input and 3.5mm headphone jack for audio monitoring.

For advanced videographers and photographers who seek greater control over footage captured, the NEX-VG10 offers the option to manually control settings on the camcorder. For example, consumers can manually tweak aperture settings and shutter speed using the intuitive, easy-to-access jog dial and hot keys to achieve the desired visual mood and tone in both movies and photos.

The body of the NEX-VG10 is also designed to provide a stable grip for videography, especially when capturing subjects at high or low angles. Coupled with the 3 inch swivel Xtra Fine LCD screen featuring TruBlack™ technology and a pivoting EVF, the camcorder provides an ergonomic filming experience while framing subjects in desired perspectives. The camcorder also records in AVCHD format, allowing consumers to record in high quality Full HD with 1920 x 1080 resolution at the maximum bitrate of 24Mbps to capture moments with vivid detail.

Extended recording times

Unlike digital still cameras and DSLRs, the NEX-VG10 allows for extended recording without time limit, an essential feature for consumers recording time lapse videos or event footage. It comes equipped with the NP-FV70 battery which supports approximately 155 minutes of continuous recording, while an optional NP-FV100 battery can record more than five hours of continuous video. It also supports two types of memory cards – Memory Stick and SD cards – allowing videographers more options in terms of storage capacity. With the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, consumers can transfer their movies and photos up to 4 times faster than when using the Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark2.

When purchasing the Handycam NEX-VG10, consumers will also be entitled to a free download of Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10, which allows them make post-production edits on their videos, such as video compositing, colour correction and soundtrack creation.

Handycam celebrates 25th anniversary

This month celebrates the 25th anniversary for Handycam and Sony’s latest addition, the NEX-VG10, marks a new era in capturing and sharing your own personal content. Proud of the fact that families have been capturing memories on Handycam camcorders for the past quarter of a century, Sony continues to improve technologies, ensuring the next generation will share their history with loved ones. To read further information on the 25th anniversary for Handycam and its long history, please visit: www.sony.net/Products/handycam/25th_anniversary.

The Handycam NEX-VG10 will be available in Australia from mid September 2010. Further information on some of the unique features of the NEX-VG10 can be viewed on the Sony Australia YouTube channel:

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