Sony Alpha 57 DSLR Camera with 12fps Continuous Shooting

I found the Alpha 57 with 18-55 Lens Kit at Amazon.co.uk from £587, but I'm not sure such price stays that low as Amazon.co.uk also sells the Alpha 37 with 18-55 Lens Kit from £501.79. The Alpha 57 is also suitable for beginners, thanks to the Auto Portrait Framing, a new feature that utilising face detection and the compositional 'rule of thirds'. Composition is the most important key in producing beatiful pictures, but color and tonal also play a big role. Sony Alpha 57 comes with a range of in-camera Picture Effects includes 11 effect types and 15 variations. Available since April 2012, the Sony Alpha 57 is compatible with Sony A-mount lenses. Other highlights include: ISO 100 - 16000; HDMI mini connector; 3.0″ Xtra Fine LCD; Built-in flash; Auto HDR; Shutter speed 1x4000-30sec, Bulb; Memory Stick PRO Duo/PRO-HG Duo; SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card; and many more.

Waterproof Case For Sony NEX-5N

Online store GeekStuff4U has rolled out the waterproof case for Sony NEX-5N in Japan. It is actually a polycarbonate hard case for the Sony NEX-5N. The case provides access for all buttons and wheel. The double-lock function ensures that the case is not released suddenly even if there is some pressure from outside. You can buy the waterproof case for Sony NEX-5N for $285.20. Each purchase comes equipped with a camera strap and a belt. [Product Page]

The Sony DSC-RX100 Might be my Next Travel Camera

 
Last week I was on vacation up in Michigan and took a brand new camera that I had purchased especially for the trip with me only to figure out that it was too bulky to carry around. The Olympus OM-D EM-5 is a fantastic mirrorless camera if you don't mind the size and weight. I did. So I ended up using my iPhone for most of the trip. When I got back home, I sold the Olympus and another mirrorless camera I had recently purchased (Sony NEX-7) and decided to just be happy with my iPhone… at least till my next vacation this Fall. But then yesterday I saw the announcements for the Sony DSC-RX100 camera and it looks like it might be a perfect travel camera for me. The RX100 is very compact, but boasts 20.2 MP, houses a 1″ CMOS sensor and a 3.6x Carl Zeiss 28-100mm zoom lens. The $648.00 price seems high for a point and shoot camera. but I might splurge on the Sony DSC-RX100, which is currently available for pre-order from BHPhoto

Sony's New Advanced Cyber-shot RX100 Camera Packs Large Sensor and Bright Lens into Stylish, Pocket-Size Body

Travelling light no longer means compromisingon picture quality with the Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 camera, Sony's new flagship compact camera 20Mpix. Striking the ultimate balance of form and function, the stylish, aluminium-built RX100 camera inherits many advanced imaging features from Sony's α range of A-mount and E-mount cameras, delivering beautiful still images, crisp full HD videos and a level of manual control and creativity unmatched by any other camera of its size. “This camera is ideal for travel, portraits or street photography, delivering impressive resultsin a variety of lighting conditions with an intuitive, customizable control interface,” said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics. “It's a perfect step-up model for point and shoot users not interested in larger DSLR or compact system cameras, and also an outstanding choice for enthusiasts who may already own a large DSLR and are looking for a high-quality, pocket-sized 'all-in-one' second camera.” At the heart of the Cyber-shot RX100 is the world's first 1.0-inch type Exmor® CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20.2 effective megapixels. Specially developed by Sony, the sensor has an area that's approximately four times larger than the 1x2.3-type sensors in traditional point-and-shoot cameras. The sensor's larger area takes in more light while capturing content, resulting in beautiful, detail-packed images and Full HD movie clips with very low noise. The larger sensor is partnered with an exceptionally bright Carl Zeiss®Vario-Sonnar T* fixed lens with 3.6x optical zoom range. In contrast to standard point-and-shoot cameras, it has a wide F1.8 maximum aperture to let in additional light and complement the resolving power of the larger sensor. Similar to high-performance DSLR optics, the lens features seven- bladed circular aperture. This makes it easy to produce images with subjects in sharp focus against a smoothly-blurred, beautifully defocused background. The lens also features an Advanced Aspherical (AA) lens element that contributes to the camera's extremely compact dimensions without sacrificing optical zoom performance or resolution. Newly optimized to complement the 1.0-inch type sensor and lens, the camera's powerful BIONZ® image processor maximizes shooting response times while helping assure exceptionally clean, natural images. It also extends sensitivity right up to ISO 25600 (using Multi Frame Noise Reduction), allowing for exceptionally clear handheld images in low light conditions. To capture fast-moving subjects, the RX100 camera can also shoot at up to 10 frames per second (in full resolution) and has high-speed autofocus that locks onto a subject in as quicklyas 0.13 seconds (depends on scene and lighting conditions). The new RX100 camera features a high-resolution 3-inch 1,229k dot Xtra Fine LCD™ display and also adds a new feature: WhiteMagic™ technology. This uses additional white pixels to boost screen brightness, allowing users to see subtle details and tones on the screen in all types of shooting environments, including outdoors in bright sunlight. For making manual adjustments while shooting both still images and movies, the new camera has a smooth control ring around the lens body, which can be used to alter exposure, zoom, creative picture effects and a variety of other customizable functions. Additionally, frequently used functions can be assigned to the Fn (function) button for instant access, and the Memory Recall feature can store up to three groups of customized shooting settings based on user preference. Similar to a DSLR-style interface, there's a choice of auto and manual focus modes on the Cyber-shot RX100 camera for enhanced image control. For those that prefer focusing manually, MF Assist magnifies images to simplify fine adjustments, and there's also a pro-style peaking function that highlights sharply-focused areas of the image on screen. The RX100 camera offers a generous choice of artistic options to expand creative shooting possibilities. It includes the option for six different creative styles and a variety of popular picture effects including Toy Camera, Partial Color, HDR Painting and several others, most of which can be previewed directly on screen before shooting. The new Cyber-shot features Auto Portrait Framing - a feature found on Sony's latest α range of A-mount and E-mount cameras — making it simple to create sharp, perfectly framed portraits. This unique feature automatically detects faces in a scene, crops the picture accordingly creates a tighter, pro-style composition at full resolution. Both the original and cropped photo are saved for review. New accessories include a spare battery, dedicated carrying case and a battery charger designed to complement to the new camera.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 boosts image quality with 1-inch sensor, f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens (hands-on video)

With little room to grow (or shrink) on the housing front, we've begun to see manufacturers take a different approach with point-and-shoot cameras, boosting the size of image sensors to present a clear advantage over smartphone cams, which continue to cannibalize their dedicated counterparts. Sony, for its part, has just announced what's by far the most compelling Cyber-shot to date - the DSC-RX100. To the amateur's eye, this all-aluminum pocketable camera looks like any old high-end point-and-shoot, with a familiar compact design and a small, permanently attached optical zoom lens. Hiding behind that f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 3.6x zoom optic, however, is this model's true gem: a 1-inch (13.2x8.8mm) 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, offering four times the area of the 1x1.7-inch imagers found in most comparably sized devices. A larger sensor means sharper details, improved low-light performance and that creamy shallow depth-of-field that's synonymous with large ILCs. Having an f/1.8 lens on-board also doesn't hurt - the optic offers a maximum aperture range of f/1.8-4.9, but can still manage captures just beyond f/2.8 at the 50mm position, giving it significant versatility. There's also a 3-inch 1,229k-dot LCD with a new technology called WhiteMagic, which adds white pixels to boost outdoor visibility while still delivering VGA resolution. A pair of control dials - one surrounding the lens and the second on the rear - enable direct access to frequent settings. There's a full manual mode on-board, giving you complete control over both stills and 1080x60p video, along with RAW capture, a seven-blade circular aperture and a BIONZ imaging processor, with support for ISO 80-25,600. The RX100 is packaged with a new battery, which is capable of 330 shots on a single charge, and packs a MS/SDXC slot, HDMI port and a USB port with charging capability. There's also a 10 frames-per-second continuous mode, 13 Picture Effect options and features that were previously only available on Sony's interchangeable lens models, like Sweep Panorama. The RX100 is designed as an all-in-one unit, so there's no microphone input or hot shoe to be found, but given the camera's incredibly small size, we really don't mind. What's slightly less encouraging, however, is the price tag - the RX100 will run you $650 when it hits stores in July, while accessories like a jacket case ($85), battery pack ($50) and screen protector ($12) place it further out of reach.

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 1x3.91-inch CMOS sensor means you shouldn't expect point-and-shoot-level image quality. The GW77V can shoot 1080x60p 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.

Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 Compact Camera

Here we have the leaked pictures of Sony's upcoming Cybershot DSC-RX100 compact camera. The camera will feature a 13.2X8.8Mm Exmor CMOS sensor (type 1.0 effective number of pixels 20.2 million pixels), a 3.0-inch LCD screen (1,229,000 dots), Vario-Sonnar T * lens, ISO sensitivity (100 and 80 in the expansion), NR ISO125-6400 in auto: ISO125-25600 in auto, RAW image support and 1080 60p AVCHD 28M Full HD video recording capabilities. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing and release date yet. [Photo Rumors]

Sony Handycam HDR-GW77V Rugged Pocket HD Camcorder

Sony will launch a new rugged pocket HD camcorder in Japan. Known as the Handycam HDR-GW77V, this waterproof (down to 5m), shockproof (from 1.5m) and dustproof camcorder sports a 1/3.91 type Exmor R CMOS image sensor, a 10x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD display, a 16GB of storage, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, GPS, a micro HDMI port, a micro USB port and 1080/60p Full HD video recording capabilities. The Handycam HDR-GW77V will go on sale from May 25th for 70,000 Yen (about $860) in blue, white and black color options.

Sony NEX-F3 Camera Unveiled

Here’s a leaked picture of the Sony NEX-F3. According to the picture, the camera features a 16-megapixel sensor and the new BIONZ processor. The Sony NEX-F3 also has a new built-in flash and a 180-degree tiltable LCD display. The Sony NEX-F3 is the successor to the NEX-C3. Stay tuned for more updates. [Sony Alpha Rumors]

Sony HXR-NX30 camcorder: built-in projector, 96GB storage for $2,500

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 1x3-inch. The North American NX30U variant handles 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 30p and 24p, as well as 60i and 720x60p, 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?

Sony outs NEX-FS700 cinema camera: does crazy slow-mo now, 4K coming later

Sony stole our hearts with the NEX-FS100, which brought large-sensor filming into the reach of low-budget productions. When we heard rumors of a 4K-capable FS700 model coming for $9,000, known in North America as the NEX-FS700U or in Europe as the NEX-FS700E, we got ready to hand over our kidneys too. Now that the FS700 is official and scheduled to land in June, we're faced with a couple of caveats. The price seems to have shifted slightly to “less than $10,000,” but more importantly the camera's 4K superpowers have been delayed until a promised firmware upgrade that will enable a 4K bitstream output from the 3G HD-SDI port to a compatible Sony recorder. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of reasons to get renal right away: The camera can shoot Super Slow Motion of up to 120 frames a second in a 16-second burst, or 240 fps in an 8-second burst. If you need even crazier time-suspension, the FS700 does 960 fps too, so long as you're prepared to sacrifice 1080p. It takes E-mount interchangeable lenses, has built-in ND filters and a packs a Super 35 sensor with 11.6 million pixels — ready to spring to life once that new firmware arrives.

Sony PMW-100 XDCAM HD422 Handheld Camcorder

Here's a look at Sony's upcoming handheld camcorder, the PMW-100 XDCAM HD422. This light and compact camcorder sports a 1x2.9-inch “Exmor” CMOS sensor, a 5.4-54mm (40-400mm equivalent) zoom lens, a full color 3.5-inch WVGA (852 x 480) LCD screen, The Slow & Quick Motion function and supports Full HD video at 1080i, 1080p and 720p up to 50Mbps MXF recording. The PMW-100 XDCAM HD422 will start shipping in May for unannounced price yet. [PhotographyBlog]

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 Digital Camera Available For Pre-Order

B&H Photo has begun taking pre-orders for Sony's upcoming Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 digital camera. This compact camera retails for $249.99 and will begin shipping from May 16th. In case you didn't know, the DSC-WX150 packs an 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 25-275mm Sony G lens, a 10x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD screen, an MS Duo/SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a mini HDMI port and 1080x60i Full HD video capture. [Product Page]

Sony outs NEX-FS700 cinema camera: does crazy slow-mo now, 4K coming later

Sony stole our hearts with the NEX-FS100, which brought large-sensor filming into the reach of low-budget productions. When we heard rumors of a 4K-capable FS700 model coming for $9,000, known in North America as the NEX-FS700U or in Europe as the NEX-FS700E, we got ready to hand over our kidneys too. Now that the FS700 is official and scheduled to land in June, we're faced with a couple of caveats. The price seems to have shifted slightly to "less than $10,000," but more importantly the camera's 4K superpowers have been delayed until a promised firmware upgrade that will enable a 4K bitstream output from the 3G HD-SDI port to a compatible Sony recorder. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of reasons to get renal right away: The camera can shoot Super Slow Motion of up to 120 frames a second in a 16-second burst, or 240 fps in an 8-second burst. If you need even crazier time-suspension, the FS700 does 960 fps too, so long as you're prepared to sacrifice 1080p. It takes E-mount interchangeable lenses, has built-in ND filters and a packs a Super 35 sensor with 11.6 million pixels - ready to spring to life once that new firmware arrives. Check out the press release after the break for more specs, including a full list of the 60x50Hz switchable output formats, and make sure you keep something left over for a suitable projector.

Sony HXR-NX30 a compact professional grade NXCAM from Sony

This is maybe the weirdest combo that we have seen from Sony since quite sometime! I am sure that we all remember Sony's HDR-PJ50V, PJ30V and PJ10, three compact camcorder introduced early January 2011 that came with a built-in video projector? Well Guess what? Sony announced today the HXR-NX30 a "Professional" grade version of the PJ30V that comes with its video projector but also a "Pro" layer of improvements including 26mm-260mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T fixed lens, Sony's ‘Balanced Optical SteadyShot' technology (IS) and detachable XLR input. The HXR-NX30 is handles 1080x60p as well as 60i/30x24p videos all in AVCHD. “This high-quality yet easy-to-use camcorder is an extremely versatile field production tool,” said Chiyoko Yannette, marketing manager at Sony Electronics' Professional Solutions of America group. “It's perfect for documentary makers, video journalists, educational establishments or corporate users, for shooting in many different situations where other stabilization equipment is not practical such as on-board a vehicle or in a crowd.” Conventional image stabilization systems typically “float” an individual lens element with a motor drive to compensate for camera shake. Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ combines the entire lens and image sensor assembly into one floating element that moves as a unit to reduce the shaking effect caused by normal motion during shooting. The new HXR-NX30U records at full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution using a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens (35mm equivalent :26.0mm -260mm) for superb optical quality, sharpness and brightness. The camcorder's 1x2.88-inch image sensor uses Sony's Exmor R™ CMOS technology, which significantly enhances low-light performance, speeds image readout, reduces rolling shutter artifacts and enables a range of frame rates – 1080x60p, 1080x30p, 24p, 60i, 720x60p. Using AVCHD recording, the camera has 96 gigabytes of internal memory (approximately 40 hours of HD content), with a slot that accepts either SD or Memory Stick media cards for additional recording capacity. A built-in video projector lets users play back images of up to 100 inches from a distance of about 16 feet (5m) on any flat surface. This feature is ideal for reviewing footage in the field or on a set, when a monitor is either not available or convenient to use. The HXR-NX30U also features a detachable XLR unit and professional-quality audio, record level control, the option of Linear PCM audio recording, time code, and the ability to reset time code on multiple NXCAMs via infrared remote control. The HXR-NX30U is planned to be available in June for a suggested list price of less than $2,500.

Sony announced the NEX-FS700 Cinema Camera

Will 2012 be the year of "affordable" 4K Cameras? Well it seems that maybe true after all! JVC announced its compact 4K Camera last month, the GY-HMQ10 and now its is Sony's turn to announce their 4K Professional Camera the NEX-FS700. Well 4K not really, well at least not today. See the NEX-FS700 is technically speaking a 4K Camera and comes with Sony's 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor, BUT! And yep there is a but, Sony announced however that this new NEX-FS700 will be launch without the support of 4K Video but with a soon to be released firmware update that will unleash the camera true potential. Yep at $10,000 USD I will also be quite disappointed to not be able to use the true power of my camera. However, the NEX-FS700 comes several Slow-Motion features that will allow you to shoot 120fps and 240fps 1080p videos as well as a stunning 960fps mode in 480p. So bottom line, if you are not in rush to shoot 4K video, have some spare cash and want to shoot mind blowing 240fps 1080p videos, well the NEX-FS700 is exactly what you are looking for!! PS: Who's interested in one of my kidney for 10,000 USD or a NEX-FS700? “This camera opens a new door to creative shooting,” said Juan Martinez, senior product manager at Sony Electronics' Professional Solutions of America group. “You can record beautiful high speed full HD movies with the freedom of creative interchangeable lens choice. The NEX-FS700U, with its super slow motion mode, is ideal for promos, TV dramas, commercials and documentaries as well as sports and a variety of event shooting.” The camera delivers full HD quality at 120 and 240 frames per second in a 16 or 8 second burst mode respectively. The NEX-FS700U's high sensitivity and low noise shooting capability makes super slow motion shooting more convenient without the need for additional equipment. Its 480 fps and 960 fps at reduced resolution are available for faster frame rate recording. The NEX-FS700U camcorder uses a new 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor (Total 11.6 million pixels). This high-speed readout chip is optimized for motion picture shooting, giving high sensitivity, low noise and minimal aliasing. The NXCAM line's E-Mount flexibility is designed to accept virtually all SLR and DSLR 35mm lenses, with the use of simple, inexpensive adapters without optical degradation. FS series owners can use their existing lenses and add more lenses without being limited to brands or mounts. Users can capture high-quality still images with the NEX-FS700U. The camera also includes “face detection” and auto focus to help ensure that a subject is always kept in focus. With the NEX-FS700U, operators can take advantage of the camera's built-in ND filters, with a newly designed ND filter wheel that rotates across the sensor like a turret. The wheel includes positions for Clear, 1x4 (2 Stop), 1x16 (4 Stop), and 1x64 (6 Stop). The camera is 60x50Hz switchable to give shooters the freedom of working in any geographic region without being restricted to only PAL or NTSC recording. The NEX-FS700U's 3G HD-SDI and HDMI connectors can output full HD 50p and 60p, in addition to standard HD 60i, 24p, 25p or 30p frame rates with embedded time code and audio. With 3G HD-SDI, it can output native 23.98, 25, 29.97 progressive signals. Users can elect to output PsF over the 3G HD-SDI. Thanks to flexibility of the digital ports virtually any external recorder can be paired. Users can save up to 99 camera profile settings on a memory card, and can copy the same setting to multiple cameras. Compatible media includes SD and Memory Stick cards, and Sony's HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit that attaches to the camera. The NEX-FS700U features a robust detachable top handle, secured by a pair of screws (a cold shoe, plus two sets of 1x4 and 3x8 inch holes) to allow secure mounting for heavy accessories. The handle is attached with a rosette mount. A key element of the handle is an “active grip” that features four buttons for commonly used functions - expanded focus, auto iris, still capture and recording start/stop. Function buttons are also enlarged to make operation easy even while wearing gloves. The camcorder's enhanced design also includes anchor points for compatibility with third-party accessories and a more durable design than previous models. Sony is planning a future firmware upgrade that will enable the NEX-FS700U to output 4K bitstream data over 3G HD-SDI when used with an optional Sony 4K recorder. The NEX-FS700U (body only) and NEX-FS700UK (with 18-200mm zoom lens) are planned to be available in June at a suggested list price less than $10,000.

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 1x3-inch. The North American NX30U variant handles 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 30p and 24p, as well as 60i and 720x60p, 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?

Sony introduces a new Professional XDCAM HD with the PMW-100

Here you are another professional camera from Sony, the PMW-100. Announced at 409,500 Yen and schedule for later this may, this new Camera comes with the support of XDCAM HD422 at 50Mbps. Impressed? Well Panasonic with its HVX Series 4 years ago was capable to deliver 100Mbps Videos on its P2 Cards, so finally let's say that Sony is finally catching-up! However, we have to admit that this new camera is coming with some pretty impressive image enhancement thank to its 1x2.9-inch Exmor sensor and its 40-400mm lens! Anyway, The PMW-100 comes with the support of Sony's SxS cards as well as SD and HD SDI. Advancement in digital imaging technology has enabled professional journalists and videographers to cover stories by using portable devices such as mobile phones, DSLRs and consumer camcorders. However, when compared to main-stream shoulder mount camcorders, there is still a significant gap in image quality, ease of editing and data management. The PMW-100 achieves the best of both worlds, by recording full broadcast quality MPEG HD422 video within a hand-held form factor. Equipped with a newly developed 1x2.9-inch “Exmor” CMOS sensor, it delivers excellent picture performance and also achieves the minimum illumination of 0.08lx. Featuring a 5.4-54mm (40-400mm in 35mm equivalent) zoom lens, the versatile PMW-100 allow users to work in virtually any production environment where mobility and flexibility is highly valued. “The PMW-100 combines exceptional picture quality with portability and outstanding manoeuvrability based on the proven XDCAM workflow, taking professional users to a whole new level of productivity. The development of the PMW-100 is a natural step in the progression of the XDCAM range and is a direct response to our customers requirements. Long-time XDCAM users requested a light and compact camcorder that will not only work seamlessly on its own, but also alongside other XDCAM cameras such as the acclaimed PMW-500,” said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Europe. The PMW-100 supports full-HD video at 1080i, 1080p and 720p up to 50 Mbps MXF recording and playback based on the MPEG HD422 codec using the standard MPEG HD422 Long GOP compression technology. It is also switchable to MPEG HD420 35x25Mbps or DVCAM 25Mbps. The PMW-100 can also record high quality 24-bit four-channel audio at an uncompressed 48kHz. It offers utmost flexibility of using a variety of recording media including the high speed SxS memory card as well as Memory Stick, SD card and XQD as the emergency secondly media. The new “SxS Memory Card Management Utility”* software will provide additional operational convenience with SxS memory card, such as the data back-up function and the lifetime indication of the card in use. Focusing on your subject and reviewing recorded footage is a breeze with the full colour 3.5-inch WVGA (852×480) LCD. The Slow & Quick Motion function enables users to create artistic fast and slow-motion footage from 1fps to 60fps in 720p mode and from 1fps to 30fps in 1080p mode. The camera also incorporates HD/SD-SDI output, Composite output, Genlock input, time code input/output, i.LINK (HDV/DV) input/output, and A/V output. The PMW-100 will start shipping in May 2012. * “SxS Memory Card Management Utility” will be available to download from May 10th.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V Digital Camera Available For Pre-Order

You can now pre-order sony's latest digital camera ‘Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V' in the US via B&H Photo. This compact camera can be yours for $329.99 and will begin shipping from March 28th. In case you didn't know, the DSC-HX10V sports an 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 24mm wide-angle lens, a 16x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD monitor, Memory Stick Duo + SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, GPS, a mini HDMI port and 1080x60i HD video capture. [Product Page]

Sony NEX-7 up for pre-order again, expected to start shipping in April 2012

Sony's NEX-7 mirrorless camera system was expected to see a launch by the end of the year, but unfortunately due to the flood in Thailand which affected Sony's factories, the launch of the device was delayed. Sony then managed to get it sorted out but due to the delay in manufacturing, not all orders managed to get fulfilled and only those who had placed their pre-orders much earlier would be receiving their cameras. Well the good news is that it looks like Sony may have gotten everything back on track and the Sony NEX-7 is up for pre-order (again) should you still be interested in getting your hands on the device. Unfortunately it appears that even if you pre-order it now, its estimated shipping date is set for the 3rd of April 2012, which does seem pretty far off. However if you don't mind the wait, you will be able to pre-order the Sony NEX-7 from Sony's website with the body-only option setting you back $1,199.99, while the model with the 18-55mm lens will go for $1,349.99.