Deborah D. McAdams / 08.17.2012 12:30PM
Sony Bridges DSLR-ENG Divide with New NEX-EA50EH
Can be handheld or shoulder-mounted
WEYBRIDGE, ENGLAND: Sony’s U.K. Pro division today
unveiled the new NEX-EA50EH professional NXCAM camcorder with a large-format
Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor and interchangeable E-mount lens system. Sony is
calling it a camcorder, but winking at the DLSR video movement with the large
sensor for shooting “full HD movies,” and for “high-quality still photos.”
The NEX-EA50EH features Sony’s newly developed SEL18200PZ18-200mm Power Zoom
E-mount lens providing auto focus, continuous variable iris and Optical Steady
Shot image stabilization with Active Mode. Sony says “film-makers can achieve a
constant zoom speed and smooth slow zoom, both of which can be difficult to
accomplish with manual zoom lenses.” An extendible shoulder-pad enables a
shooter to switch between handheld and shoulder-mount operation.
It records 1920x1080 AVCHD 2.0 video at 50p/25p/50i or 60p/30p/24p/60i, according
to Sony, and captures 16.1 megapixel still shots with RAW format support. It
also features a built-in mechanical shutter to eliminate related blur during
long exposures.
The incorporated Power Zoom E-mount lens is electronically controlled by both
the zoom rocker lever on the camcorder grip and top handle. The company says
the camcorder design allows attachment of “both established A-mount lenses via the
LA-EA2 lens mount adapter,” as well as other types of lenses using third-party
adapters.
Sony also said 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.”
Sony’s 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, the MS-PX64/32/16, which supports dual, or mirrored,
recording. The new card will be available in 16, 32 and 64 GB.
The
NEX-EA50EH is planned to be available from Sony Professional Solutions
Specialists in October, with dealers taking pre-orders now. DSLR
News Shooter reports that the NEX-EA50EH will be priced at less than £3,000
(US$4,713).
~ Deborah D. McAdams