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Sony Announces NEX-VG10 Camcorder, Makes Derek Choke On Coffee

OK, so, make no mistake here, we’re all very interested in Sony’s kinda revolutionary new camcorder. It combines things we like, like big ol’ Sony Alpha sensors, BIONZ processors, and the ability to take those new E-Mount lenses that we’re coming to be duly impressed with on their NEX-3 and NEX-5 still shooters. So don’t get us wrong, this is cool.

But, it’s hard to read a statement like this one from the press release and not have a bit of a laugh:

“The NEX-VG10 takes Sony’s Handycam line to the next level by allowing unprecedented artistic expression that isn’t possible with conventional consumer video cameras,” said Andy Bubala, director of Sony’s camcorder business. “With this camcorder, video enthusiasts and photographers can now capture cinematic full HD movies and premium stereo sound.”

Yeee-up, way to call it Sony, tackling those impossible things like premium sound and HD. Certainly those were way more difficult to bring to a consumer level than say, insanely shallow depth of field relative to even most professional camcorders, or the comparatively affordable flexibility of the well-made, sharp, and reassuringly metal-clad E lenses. For reals, yo.

We jest. We do. Sony’s been cranking out nothing but stellar things for a bit now, and they were already one of the very best in consumer camcorders. This can only be a remarkable device once it finally gets here, and if the still equivalents are any indication, it’s performance will float somewhere around “magic-like.”

Oh, and it’ll take Memory stick or SDHC/SDXC. And did we mention full HD video and premium sound? Yeah?

Sony’s saying “September” and around “$2,000″ in their press release. We’ll see what happens.



Sony NEX Firmware Adds 3-D Panorama

Alright! Now Sony’s showing us how it’s done right here, folks. No wussy firmware update fixing boring things like problems, bugs, or the intermittent inability to turn on. No sir, such things are not fit for the likes of the NEX-3 and NEX-5s. You know what you need? New features so that you’ll buy one of them there new Bravia TVs with 3-D support, that’s what.

And, so, it’s lucky for you that Sony has bumped both current NEX models up to firmware v 02, adding 3-D sweep panormas t the existing sweep panorama mode. As far as we’ve heard, you’ll be needing one of those Bravia TVs to play the result back, but that’s a small price to pay for coolness, right?

Got a jonesing for some firmware? Looks like Sony Europe’s got the goods up already.



Sony NEX-3 is here…with fisheye!!!!

So….we finally received the production models of the Sony NEX-3 cameras.  In both 16 2.8 and 18-55 kit configurations.  We also got a very cool accessory along with it.  A fisheye adapter that bayonets onto the 16 2.8  Twist, click, and start shooting!

The 720p HD video mode in AVCHD is none too shabby either.  Check it out below.  The focus and exposure do impress.  Did I mention the fisheye adapter is only $150?



Third-Party Third-Party Adapters Reported For Sony E-Mount

So, those Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 interchangeable lens compacts that are coming out and that we didn’t shoot a sneaky snarky cloak-and-dagger video of we certainly don’t know what you’re talking about, well, like the Micro Four Thirds system from Olmpusonic (Olympus/Panasonic), their lack of a mirror yields a shallow flange-back distance. This distance, put in over-simplistic terms, is the distance from the imaging plane to the back of the mount. Now, this is interesting, because since it’s shorter than any 35mm based system (that includes APS-C bodies, actually), you can create adapters that let you mount basically any lens ever made onto it and still maintain infinity focus. Leica? Sure, why not? Nikon F? Of course. Canon FD? Hey, those lenses have to still be good for something.

And, just like there are quite a few mounts floating around for the Micro-Four Thirds system, we’re starting to hear word there’ll be the same third party style mount adapters to convert Sony E to your favorite legacy whatever (all manual, of course). Early ones are sound expensive, but if you’ve been wanting a nice digital body to strap to your dusty collection of Pentax primes, well, it sure makes an NEX seem more appealing, doesn’t it?




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