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Sony NEX EA50 – ENG cameras go APS-C, interchangeable lens

Sony NEX-EA50

Sony released a new video camera today but it seems to have confused a lot of people.

  1. It isn’t a future consumer camera. It is a low end ENG camera for shoulder mounted video work.
  2. It isn’t a cheap FS100. It is a NEX 5N in an ENG body with XLR inputs. (Similarly the VG20 is a NEX 5N in a high end consumer camcorder body)

Instead this is practical tool for run & gun documentary shooters, live event shooters, news gathers and corporate video.

Most other kinds of filmmakers are much better off with the FS100 or a DSLR.

Read moreSony NEX EA50 – ENG cameras go APS-C, interchangeable lens

Dear Sony (Part II)

Contrary to what some believe I don’t dislike Sony or pro video cameras. Back in the earlier days of DV I used to shoot with a series of different Sony cameras. The Sony VX2000 was an affordable competitor to the legendary Panasonic DVX100. I upgraded to the more rugged Sony PD170 with XLR jacks and lots of nice pro features but unfortunately very similar image quality. My last Sony camera was the FX1, predecessor of the more expensive EX series, and then DSLRs came along and gave me what I really wanted. Better low light performance, less noise, better dynamic range and interchangeable lenses on a (very) large CMOS. A big change in the market.

Read moreDear Sony (Part II)

Sony announce pro e-mount 35mm NXCAM

UPDATE – will Sony keep the box form factor? They have done it before with the Sony HDC-P1.

Sony have announced a $7k AVCHD camera with 24p and 35mm sensor. Aimed squarely at the AF100 and Red Scarlet, the boxy looking prototype gives little a way right now but I’m gathering more info as the story unfolds.

Read moreSony announce pro e-mount 35mm NXCAM