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Today is quite the announcement day for Sony. As I hinted at in the previous A99 post, there were more cameras to come. One of the other major announcements today is a first of its kind: a full frame video camera. That camera, the NEX-VG900, joins the replacement to the VG20, the new NEX-VG30. While both of these are consumer options, they feature the same very adaptable E-mount as well as uncompressed HDMI -- with the VG900 actually including an adapter for A-mount lenses to be able to be electronically controlled by the camera. Check out some footage from the VG900 full frame video camera below:


Here are the specs for the NEX-VG900:

  • Full-Frame 24.3MP Exmor CMOS Sensor
  • Sony E-mount (A-mount lens compatible via included adapter)
  • Automatic APS-C mode is triggered when E-mount lenses are attached
  • 3.0″ TruBlack Tilting LCD Display
  • Uncompressed HDMI (mini-connector)
  • XGA OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • (Partial) Data/Frame Rates: AVCHD: PS – 1920 x 1080/60p@28Mbps — FX 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps
  • Still Image ISO: 100-25600
  • Video ISO: 0-30db gain (100-3200 ISO)
  • Quad Capsule Spatial Array Surround mic (5.1 channel)
  • Expanded Focus, Peaking, Zebras
  • No ND Filters
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™/PRO-HG HX Duo™ media - SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory card
  • Release Date: November 2012
  • Price: $3,300 (body only)

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The specs for the VG30 are practically the same except the sensor is a 16 megapixel APS-C, probably the same sensor that Sony is using in the NEX-EA50 camera. There is also another interesting addition with the VG30, and that is the camera comes with Sony Vegas 11 software (something I'm surprised they haven't offered with more cameras to encourage people to use the software). There seems to be some discrepancy between ISO values between this camera and the A99, but since they didn't give the video specification in ISO I had to give my best guess based on 6db equaling 1 stop. I'll adjust this when I find out for sure, but it's odd that Sony is using anything but ISO when you've got literally the same technology in the stills cameras.

A picture of the VG30:

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I would expect the image quality between the A99 and the VG900 to be very similar (if not the same). They're both using the same sensor, and what might be the exact same image processor, so the only thing you're losing is the better autofocus capability of the A99. This would be a good camera for people who care more about shooting video first, since you've got the ability to use a true zoom lens with the on-board rocker switch, and you've also got a better on-board microphone. You can get XLR inputs with an option adapter, or you could also go from XLR to the 1/8" jack on the camera.

These sure are exciting times, and it will be an interesting to see how the VG900 fits between the DSLRs and the FS100 (which should have slightly better video quality and low-light performance). Sony is pulling out all of the stops with these cameras, especially little additions like an APS-C crop mode that is automatically enabled when you attached E-mount lenses (which were designed for a smaller-than-full-frame sensor). The VG30 should be a slight improvement over the VG20, and it will cost $2,700 with the 18-200mm zoom lens, or just $1,800 for the body only. Check out the pictures below for some more shots of both cameras.

What do you guys think? Is the VG900 intriguing as a more fully-featured full-frame video option than some other DSLRs for under $3,500?

Links:

[via The Verge]

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