New Super 35mm & rain-proof camcorders launched4 min read
Reading Time: 4 minutesOn March 23rd, 2011, Sony revealed two new professional camcorders in the “NXCAMâ„¢” line-up – each developed in response to extensive customer research. The NEX-FS100E is a new E-mount professional camcorder, equipped with a Super 35mm motion picture sensor, and is a further addition to Sony’s 35mm line-up.
The HXR-NX70E is the world’s first rain and dust proof professional HD camcorder and is ideal for use by journalists and documentary makers in unforgiving environments. Sony’s expanding NXCAM line-up, including the already available HXR-NX5E, provides a superb solution to many shooting applications.
NEX-FS100E ““ Digital Super 35mm made affordable
Originally announced in November 2010, Sony can now reveal the full specifications of the new NEX-FS100E. The NEX-FS100E is equipped with an “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS Sensor specifically designed for shooting motion pictures ideal for commercials and music videos, as well as action scenes in budget drama for example. This high sensitivity, large format sensor is capable of producing footage with shallow depth of field similar to that of a film camera for a new level of expression. The sensor also features the optimum number of effective pixels for shooting HD moving images. At a high 50fps in all-pixel scan mode, this allows images to be captured with less colour aliasing, jaggedness and rolling shutter than regular DSLR cameras, while providing the sensitivity to shoot at a minimum illumination of 0.28lux*. Another advantage of “Exmor” technology is minimal noise when shooting low-light scenes.
* When using a fixed shutter speed of 1/25, auto gain and an iris setting of F1.4.ӬThe SEL18200 lens supplied with the NEX-FS100EK enables shooting in illumination as low as 1.5lux when using a fixed shutter speed of 1/25, auto gain and auto iris
“The NEX-FS100E NXCAM Super 35mm camcorder enables budget content creators and videographers to experience a new level of creative expression,” said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, of Sony Professional. “Sony has responded to professional user feedback to create this new camcorder with an ergonomically designed body and accessories offering really flexibility in use.”
An interchangeable lens system enables wide ranging creative options
The NEX-FS100E adopts the Sony E-mount interchangeable lens system used in the “α” series NEX-5, 3 and NEX-VG10E “Handycam®”. It’s very short flange back distance (the distance between lens mount surface and sensor surface) allows various “α” A-mount lenses be mounted via a mount adaptor (LA-EA1). It is also possible to attach a huge range of other lenses, such as PL mount lenses using third-party mount adaptors**. With such flexibility, users will be able to experiment with numerous creative options by exploiting the characteristics of different optics.
The NEX-FS100EK lens kit model comes supplied with the E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS zoom Lens which gives users optical Steadyshotâ„¢ and auto focus.
Simply Sony’s most affordable Super 35mm camcorder
The NEX-FS100E accepts affordable and readily available Memory Stick PRO Duoâ„¢ or SDHC and SDXC cards. It is capable of recording images at various frame rates providing the added creative freedom of slow and quick motion with full HD. The camera operator can simply adjust the frame rate without using converters or editing software, making the camera ideal for commercials and music videos, as well as action scenes in budget movies for example. The grip, handle and hybrid LCD viewfinder are detachable also making it ideal for handheld scenes and shooting in confined locations.
Sudden rain or dust will not affect the NX70
HXR-NX70E – World first dust and rain proof professional HD camcorder
Bill Drummond, Sony Professional, said of the new HXR-NX70E, “Journalists will travel to some of the most remote and dangerous locations in pursuit of a story. We wanted to respond with a camcorder that, like them, can stand up to the rigours of the world’s most challenging conditions. For this Sony has created the HXR-NX70E, a robust ultra-compact camcorder that allows them to not only capture footage in any conditions, but also store it on a 96GB internal memory. When you are miles from anywhere, you don’t want to be worrying about having to find an extra memory card!”
The main unit of the HXR-NX70E has been proven to reach dust-proof and rain-proof performance requirements specified by IEC60529 IP54. Sudden rain or dust will not affect the operation of the camcorder, making the HXR-NX70E ideal for the most inhospitable of environments.
Built-in GPS allows users to ‘geotag’ footage on location
The HXR-NX70E incorporates an “˜Exmor R’ CMOS sensor to deliver superior quality low-light footage and enhanced manual controls give the precision journalists need for shooting professional quality HD content . CinemaTone technology captures stunning footage with deeper, more film-like colour tones and the wide angle Sony G lens can take in more of the action with sharp images and brilliant, accurate colour. The optical SteadyShot image stabilisation with Active Mode also compensates for greater degrees of camera shake than ever before to deliver smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto perspectives. A built in GPS receiver makes the HXR-NX70E an ideal choice for journalists and documentary makers as it gives them the ability to “˜geotag’ footage when on location.
The NEX-FS100E/EK and HXR-NX70E will be available between July and September.
