As some of you will certainly remember, back in May, we were talking about a rumored Sony camcorder that was going to redefine this whole range of devices by offering users the possibility to easily swap lenses. Back then, the product was still in development stage, but it really seems that the Japanese company was only providing the finishing touches to this revolutionary product, since, out of the blue, they've just come up with the official product launch announcement.

Dubbed the NEX-VG10, this is the world's first consumer camcorder with interchangeable lenses and the first Handycam camcorder to feature an extra-large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, which is exactly the same sensor used within the company's NEX cameras. And speaking of lenses, Sony points out the fact that the new camcorder will be perfectly compatible with the high grade "E-mount" series of smaller, lighter lenses optimized for video shooting with silent operation and AF, but also with numerous "A-mount" interchangeable lenses used by Sony's existing alpha DSLR camera lineup via a mount adapter.

Coming back to the sensor, it's interesting to note that, since it's around 19.5 times bigger than the standard sensor found in conventional camcorders, the APS HD CMOS sensor enables an extremely shallow depth of field. This allows videographers to achieve cinematic results with stunning background defocus (bokeh). However, users can also enjoy DSLR-quality photo capture (14 megapixels) with features like Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight, and Anti Motion Blur, as well as catch fast action sequences with a continuous burst rate of up to seven fps.

According to Sony, their new NEX-VG10 can capture full 1920x1080 high definition video at up to 24Mbps and comes with an E-mount 18-200mm lens optimized for video shooting that offers a powerful 11x optical zoom in addition to a silent auto-focus system and Optical Steadyshot image stabilization with Active Mode.

Audio quality is also touted as being quite impressive, the camera's Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone using advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four individual microphone capsules. The result is clear stereo audio with high directional response, allowing videographers to capture more sound from their subject and less background noise. The camcorder also features dedicated inputs for optional external microphones and headphones to monitor sound levels.

Moving on, we'll also have to mention the camcorder's TruBlack technology, which brings high contrast and brightness to its 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD. The LCD is supplemented by a high-resolution adjustable electronic viewfinder that helps framing, monitoring and capturing clear images. Plus, dual accessory shoes (Alpha Hot Shoe/Universal Cold Shoe) allow for many still photography and video accessories. There's also a choice of rechargeable battery options, including the NP-FV100 that provides up to 315 minutes of continuous HD shooting, and a specially designed soft carrying case.

The NEX-VG10 accepts both Memory Stick PRO Duo (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media. Users can record up to four hours of high definition footage (1920x1080, FH mode) when using the 32GB memory card.

Now, of course, since this is a world's first and a Sony product, pricing is quite extreme. So, the NEX-VG10 will be available in September for about $2,000, while pre-ordering will begin July 14. Only thing that remains to be seen is just how many people will rush in to get it, given this rather high price point.  




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