A new clip-on LCD monitor from Sony gives HDSLR camera owners a bigger, better view of their footage while shooting HD video.
The CLM-V55 is a portable video monitor featuring a 800×480 5” LCD panel. Attaching easily to most Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras and compatible HD camcorders via the supplied adapter.
The clip-on screen tilts and swivels to any angle for comfortable framing in any position – even self-shooting when you’re in the picture.
The CLM-V55 is loaded with pro-style features to help photo enthusiasts and videographers shoot high-quality HD video footage with their Interchangeable Lens Digital camera. Pixel magnification mode assists with accurate focus confirmation, giving an enlarged pixel-perfect view of a selected portion of the Full HD image. It’s complemented by a color peaking function that highlights the edges of accurately-focused areas of the video image.
An intuitive control wheel allows quick, positive adjustment of a wide range of monitor settings without interrupting shooting. Adjustable parameters include aspect ratio (16:9/4:3), volume, brightness, contrast, color tone, color temp and auto dimmer. On-screen markers aid precise framing by giving precise indication of a TV’s 16:9 or 4:3 actual display area. The LCD monitor’s on-board mono speaker is complemented by a headphone jack for accurate audio monitoring during shooting.
The CLM-V55 can be used with a wide range of Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras by Sony and other manufacturers equipped with an HDMI jack and capable of live view shooting. The CLM-V55 is easy to attach to the cameras either via Auto-lock Accessory Shoe or Accessory Shoe of which shape is compliant with the ISO518. The supplied adapter simplifies mounting on any camera or HD camcorder that features an auto-lock accessory shoe or ISO shoe. Signal connection from camera to monitor is via the supplied HDMI cable, while power can be supplied using a battery pack or AC adapter (both optional). The CLM-V55 comes with a detachable LCD hood for more comfortable viewing when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight. Pricing has not been revealed yet.
CES 2011 may forever be remembered as the year 3D HD shooting became affordable. There were many companies that jumped on the 3D bandwagon this year including JVC and Panasonic, but nowhere was this more evident than at Sony’s booth. Sony left no doubt where they were putting their time and money when they started off the show with a room filling you-go-to-be-there-to-believe-it 3D screen that displayed all of their newest 3D tech in 3D glory. Of all of the tech though, one of their most exciting announcements was the creation of the world’s first Full Double HD 3D camcorder, the HDR-TD10. This camcorder was able to film in 1920×1080 had a 10x optical zoom, manual iris control, shot at up to 60 fps, had a back-illuminated CMOS sensor for better low light capabilities, and included a 3.5 inch glasses-free 3D LCD display. All of this made for one impressive camera but don’t take our word for it, check out the video we shot below. The camera is available for $1499
Watching media in 3D is coming to the latest laptop from popular manufacturers, Sony and Toshiba. Sony introduces 3D as a simple conversion by dedicating a button to view HD DVD or Blu-ray to 3D.
Whereas Toshiba is quickly working to get 3D available without the use of stylized glasses via the internal web cam. Viewing 3D content is certain to get tricky with multiple viewers, but likely, a single user will be gaming or editing, so glasses may be the most dependable method. The two-hue glasses are included and should be safely regarded as any other computer accessory as there is no guarantee that movie theater glasses will maintain functionality. Coupled with solid laptop design, both companies are putting this 3D in grabbing distance at $1,300 from Toshiba and from Sony, estimated around $1,700.
Sony’s HDR-TD10 is the world’s first “Double Full HD” 3D consumer camcorder. You read that right, “Double Full HD”! The camcorder employs an integrated dual lens system, which includes two of each key component – double Sony G Lenses, double “Exmor R” CMOS image sensors, and double BIONZ image processors.
The dual recording system allows 3D content to be recorded in 1920×1080 Full HD resolution and viewed with 3D active glasses on 3D-capable HDTVs or in Full HD 2D on non-3D displays. All 3D footage can also be played back without glasses on the camcorder’s 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD 3D touch screen. Other innovative features include, 10x optical zoom with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode and iAUTO are offered in 3D mode. With 64GB of flash memory, the HDR-TD10 will be available in April for about $1500. It looks like 3D might actually be here to stay with this latest offering from Sony.
Sony’s new Handycam camcorders with a built-in video projector offer the ultimate playback experience, even on the go. An LED-based projector is built into the 3-inch flip-out LCD panel, which maintains the camcorders comparable dimensions, and allows video and images to be projected from 18 feet away at up to 60 inches diagonally onto any flat surface. Stereo speakers with Clear Phase and S-Master digital amplifiers produce clear, dynamic sound and when combined with the integrated projector, revolutionize video playback without needing an HDTV.
Even if theaters don’t become filled with camcorders, the ability to playback for your crew and talent the last take can expedite the filming process. The HDR-PJ50V with a 220GB Hard Disk Drive will be available in April for about $1000, while the HDR-PJ30V with 32GB of flash memory and HDR-PJ10 with 16GB of flash memory will be available in March for about $950 and $700, respectively.
Researchers from Forrester Research have finally made official what we all knew would happen for years: people are now spending more time on the internet than watching television. This comes as no surprise. With services like Roku, Hulu, Xbox, and PS3, there has never been a better reason for cutting your subscription to cable TV. According to this study, time spent on the internet has risen by more than 121% over the past 5 years. With this increase in internet time, it was inevitable that 30% of people in all age groups now watch television content online compared to a measly 18% in 2007. All of these facts add up to some real tough times for cable television providers. These companies are not only losing ground to television broadcast on the internet, but they are losing ground to cell phone companies as well who are trying to convince subscribers to use their 4G networks for internet use instead.
The news is not all bad however. The data from Forrester Research does seem to suggest that people are still spending as much time watching television as they have in the past, however they have given up other activities like reading newspapers and magazines in order to devote more time online.
At the same time, many companies such as VIZIO, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and more are beginning to make the internet part of the television experience. By doing this, they can offer much of the same content that cable can provide, albeit at a much lower price. With all of this in mind, and with a bevy of internet-ready devices hitting the market, it may just be a matter of time before everyone replaces their coaxial cables with ethernet cables.
Sony announced that it is developing a new type of E-mount interchangeable lens camcorder for professional use that is equipped with a Super-35mm equivalent large format CMOS sensor. This new addition to Sony’s professional “NXCAM” line will be available in the middle of 2011.
Already a key player in the 35mm digital cinematography market with its highly acclaimed “CineAlta” F35 and SRW-9000PL cameras for high-end digital cinema production, Sony also recently strengthened its line-up in this category with the new PMW-F3, its first professional handheld digital production camera with a Super 35mm imager. With this new “NXCAM” HD camcorder now (still under development), Sony looks to further strengthen its position in the entry-level segment by providing an affordable yet highly capable professional solution for many applications — including independent film, music video and corporate communications – all looking for a cinematic look.
This “NXCAM” HD camcorder under development will be equipped with a Super-35mm equivalent sensor, a widely used film stock size in the film industry that is perfectly designed for capturing motion picture. This new sensor will have extraordinary performance in terms of picture quality and sensitivity, and is able to create rich “Bokeh” effect (beautifully defocused image) that is perfect for artistic story-telling in motion picture.
Thanks to the adoption of the E-mount interchangeable lens system that is identical to Sony’s “α” series NEX-5, 3 and “Handycam” NEX-VG10, the E-mount lenses will be compatible with this new professional camcorder. In addition, a very short flange back distance (the distance between the lens mount surface and sensor surface) allows various “α” A-mount lenses to be mounted via a mount adaptor (LA-EA1). It is also possible to attach many other lenses using third-party mount adaptors. With such flexibility, users will be able to experiment with various creative expressions by exploiting the characteristics of different optics.
The new Bloggie Touch captures full 1920x1080p high definition MP4 video and 12.8 megapixel photos on 8GB or 4GB of embedded memory offering roughly four hours of HD movie recording. Its body sports a three-inch diagonal capacitive touch screen enabling intuitive operation as well as attractive shooting and playback options.
The Bloggie Touch cameras feature minimal hard keys and a large, vibrant touch screen that automatically adjusts for vertical or horizontal shooting and viewing, enabling customers to shoot video right-handed, left-handed, right-side-up or even upside-down. You can record video, snap photos, or both at the same time, just by pressing two of three simplified buttons on the device. An advanced user interface features intuitive “touch and flick” recording control, search and playback operation, as well as a simple Share-it-Later function to tag the clips and pictures you want to post for easy upload when you are online.
Sony’s Bloggie Touch cameras now deliver amazingly high quality video and photos. Equipped with a F2.8 wide angle lens and a sensitive Exmor CMOS sensor, the new cameras achieve high resolution video and crisply-detailed still photos with less noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, its processor allows videographers to attain 4x digital zoom and auto focus capabilities, including Auto Macro to focus sharply on objects as close as four inches away.
The ultra-compact, lightweight cameras slip easily into a pocket or purse so they can record your favorite moments anytime, anywhere. The Bloggie Touch has SteadyShot image stabilization for smoother footage, Face Detection technology to enhance faces by automatically correcting exposure and a built-in USB arm for easy charging and uploading to a computer. It even features an HDMI output to enjoy content on your HDTV.
By connecting the camera to an internet-connected compatible computer via the built-in USB, pre-installed Bloggie software quickly imports your content and makes it a breeze to edit, organize, and even transfer your videos and photos to popular sharing websites with simple drag and drop motions. It includes direct upload to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa Web Albums and YouTube photo and video sharing sites.
The built-in Bloggie software also connects to Sony’s Personal Space online service that shares your photos and videos privately with individuals you select. Personal Space service offers registered users the ability to create Sharing Groups by entering email addresses of friends and family. Once footage and images have been uploaded, the service sends an email invitation to those groups with a link to view content on your Personal Space service. It’s easier, quicker and safer than sending big file attachments via email, and no registration is required by email recipients.
Available in silver or black, the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10 will be available in October for about $200 and $180.
Sony shipped the new NEX-VG10 to the Videomaker headquarters for an exclusive 48 hour hands on review. At first glance it looks more like a camera you would find in the hands of a pro rather than a consumer but at a closer look the NEX-VG10 is extremely simple with very few buttons and options.
When I picked up the NEX-VG10 the weight of the camera was quite noticeable right off the bat, the NEX-VG10 weighs in at 3 lbs fully loaded with the weight shifted more towards the front of the camera where you can find the E-mount 18-200mm lens that ships with the camera. It also was a little odd holding a consumer camera without a zoom control which ultimately separates this camcorder from your typical Handycam geared towards home movies.
Most of the functions are done within the menu which is quite easy to navigate and the graphical user interface(GUI) resembles the top dial commonly found on most DSLRs. The NEX-VG10 records onto SD/SDHC/SDXC or Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo cards which is quite convenient.
The images we captured with this camera are remarkable, although it shoots in 60i it does a have a cinema styled look to the footage it captures, it would have been nice to see 24p on this model. The audio the NEX-VG10 captures is also exceptional with it’s quad capsule stereo microphone. The bottom line the NEX-VG10 has lots of features found in HDSLRs but in a camcorder form factor that is more ergonomic. We will have a full review up soon!
Sony has introduced two new cameras, the SLT-A55V and SLT-A33 both adopt Sony’s newly-developed Translucent Mirror Technology, which achieves the highest-level of auto focus speed for both still image and movie shooting.
Translucent Mirror Technology provides performance previously unattainable with traditional DSLR technology. Using the new technology, the 55 and 33 models can continuously and quickly focus while shooting stills and recording video—even in full HD. They can shoot continuously at up to 10 frames per second on the 55 and up to seven on the 33, achieving shooting speeds that are the fastest in the industry for an APS-C size sensor-equipped interchangeable lens cameras under $1000.
The Translucent Mirror Technology also allows the 55 and 33 to be the first cameras to ever maintain continuous phase detection AF while recording Full HD AVCHD video. With fast, precise phase detection AF continually tracking subject movement, even fast action and subjects that move quickly towards or away from the camera are easy to keep in focus.
With a large, 16.2 megapixel for the 55 and 14.2 megapixel for the 33, Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, background defocusing effects can be easily captured. The APS-C sensor size is nearly 20 times larger than a traditional compact camcorders’ 1/2.88 type image sensor, providing more creative control.
Compatible with all A-mount lenses, video and photography enthusiasts alike can choose from macro to telephoto lenses to achieve their desired artistic effect.
The 55 and 33 cameras will cost about $750 and $650 for the body only and about $850 and $750 for the body and 18-55mm zoom lens. The 33 camera will be available in September and the 55 model will be available in October.
A new clip-on LCD monitor from Sony gives HDSLR camera owners a bigger, better view of their footage while shooting HD video.
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