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Friday, August 17, 2012

NEW: Sony NEX-EA50

Click here for more information about the Sony NEX-EA50
The Sony NEX-EA50 NXCAM Camcorder

Just announced: the Sony NEX-EA50 NXCAM Camcorder with Power Zoom Lens!
<< Pre-order today: Sony NEX-EA50 at B&H for $4,500 >>

This new E-mount camcorder which is similar to the NEX-FS100 looks very promising and comes with a completely redesigned E-mount 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Power Zoom Lens. That's right, this camera has a zoom rocker! Now here comes the best part. It will even work with primary lenses and manual zoom lenses by cropping the image sensor in real-time without compromising the quality of the footage, thanks to using a much higher resolution sensor (then 1080p) to begin with. Make sure to also read the B&H InDepth article about this new camera. The NEX-EA50 has a shoulder pad which can be extended to balance the camera on your shoulder.




I'm not really sure how this camera will compare to their already existing NEX cameras (the NEX-VG10, NEX-VG20, NEX-FS100 and NEX-FS700), but if this camera delivers about the same image quality as the NEX-FS100 does, I'm definitely going to consider buying this camera!

Sony NEX-EA50 NXCAM rear view

Sony NEX-EA50 NXCAM side view

The sensor of the NEX-EA50 camcorder is the exact same APS-C sensor as in the NEX-5N and VG20. I recently made a demonstration video with the FS100 on the Blackbird camera stabilizer where all of the non-flying footage was recorded with the NEX-5N. So if you're interested to see how the footage of the NEX-EA50 would compare approximately to the FS100, please have a look at this video.

There's also a small zoom control rocker on the new 18-200mm E-mount lens
According to Alister Chapman, there's also a small zoom control rocker with three fixed speeds (low-mid-high), to be able to use this power zoom lens on other E-mount cameras (like the NEX-FS100 and NEX-5N etc.) as well. So good news for all NEX camera users! The "SEL18200PZ18-200" E-mount lens, will probably become available separately at the end of this year.


UPDATE:

A very nice video showed up on Vimeo from Dan Chung, showing a hands-on run through of the NEX-EA50. It also shows the new power zoom lens in action on the NEX-5N!




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The NEX-EA50 will be availbale in October.
<< Pre-order today: Sony NEX-EA50 at B&H for $4,500 >>



Preliminary Information

The NEX-EA50EH is a professional NXCAM Camcorder with a large format Exmor™ APS-C HD CMOS sensor and interchangeable E-mount lens system providing exceptional creative freedom when shooting both Full HD movies and high-quality still photos. It is supplied with the newly developedSEL18200PZ18-200mm Power Zoom E-mount lens providingauto focus, continuous variable iris and Optical Steady Shot™ image stabilization with Active Mode, making it ideal for shooting moving images. Film-makerscan achieve a constant zoom speed and smooth slow zoom, both of which can bedifficult to accomplish with manual zoom lenses.

An innovative design with an extendible shoulder-pad allows you to switch between handheld and shoulder-mount operation as required, with no need for additional accessories.

This product comes with the full PrimeSupport package. That’s fast, hassle-free repairs, a helpline offering expert technical advice, and a free loan unit while yours is repaired. Plus the peace of mind that Sony is looking after your equipment – and your business.

The NEX-EA50EH is planned to be available from Sony Professional Solutions Specialists in October. Please contact your local dealer now to pre-order.

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Full HD recording
Full 1920 x 1080 AVCHD 2.0 Recording with 60/50Hz selection (50p/25p/50i or 60p/30p/24p/60i)*

Large Format Sensor for creative expression
Large Format APS-C HD CMOS Sensor for high quality, creative moving images and shallow depth of field control. The large format Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor gives the user creative freedom when shooting Full HD movies and high-quality still photos.

Unique design for versatile shooting options
The unique design of the NEX-EA50EH further adds to the camcorders versatility. 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.

Interchangeable E-mount lens System
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 an unrivalled choice of other brands lenses using third-party adapters.

Newly developed powered zoom lens 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, making it ideal 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, ensuring fast-paced shots are never missed.

Part of the professional NXCAM camcorder range
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.

16.1 megapixel still image capture
By capturing 16.1 megapixel still pictures with RAW format support, the camcorder offers higher picture quality and rich post-processing capabilities. In addition, the NEX-EA50EH has a built-in mechanical shutter to eliminate shutter-induced blur during long exposures while capturing still pictures.

A variety of recording media options
Sonys HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit can dock directly to the camcorder for recording an immediate backup. The camcorder is compatible with the new Mirroring Memory Stick (MS-PX64/32/16) which is the world’s first memory card featuring 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.

*60p/i means 59.94p/i. 30p and 24p mean 29.97p and 23.98p, respectively.
SensorExmor APS-C CMOS
Resolution16 Megapixels
Crop Factor1.6x
File FormatsAVCHD (HD video)
MPEG2 (SD video)
LPCM/AC3 (audio)
Recording Rate1920 x 108059.94p, 59.94i, 50p, 50i, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
1280 x 720
59.94p, 50p
480 (576)
59.94i, 50i
Signal SystemNTSC/PAL
Focus SystemAuto/Manual
Shutter TypeElectronic (video)
Mechanical (stills)
Zoomx1.0 - x2.0 (Lossless Digital Zoom)
Lens MountE-mount
LCD Monitor3.5" 16:9 XtraFine (1920 x 480)
Recording MediaMemory Stick
SD/SDHC/SDXC
HXR-FMU128
Built-in MicYes (stereo)
Color TemperatureNot Specified by the Manufacturer
Exposure CompensationNot Specified by the Manufacturer
Shutter SpeedsNot Specified by the Manufacturer
Exposure ModesNot Specified by the Manufacturer
White Balance ModesNot Specified by the Manufacturer
TimecodeYes (TC Out via HDMI)
OutputHDMI Type A (x1)
Component RCA (x3)
A/V RCA (x3)
USB Type Mini A/B (x1)
Headphones (stereo mini x1)
Accessory ShoeHot Shoe (x1)
Assignable Buttons6
Memory Card SlotSD/MS (x1)
FMU Slot (x1)
Battery TypeNot Specified by the Manufacturer
Remote ControlIR
LANC (x1)
GPSBuilt-in
Operating TemperatureNot Specified by the Manufacturer
Dimensions (WxHxD)5.63 x 8 x 11.25" (14.3 x 20.32 x 28.58 cm)
Weight3.79 lb (1.72 kg)

3 comments:

  1. Interesting. A Run N' Gun camcorder with larger sensor than EX-1R / PMW-200.

    Wouls like to see low light performance of the stock lens.

    Yasmin
    NYC

    ReplyDelete
  2. To correct a statement which you could not have known at the time this info was published, the digital zoom on the camera which will give a prime lens zoom ability does compromise image quality. Especially when there is moire or aliasing visible which it will magnify. You also loose resolution while applying that digital zoom. You can use it but need to use the loupe to check for any artifacts, in the worst case it can really mess up your image.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the information! That's good to know about the digital zoom function of this camera.

      Delete