JVC was first out of the gate with an affordable consumer 4K camera, but it was inevitable that competitors would follow suit. At this year's CES, Sony is showing off a 4K "handycam" prototype that may or may not be built around the '60fps at 4K' sensor that surfaced a few months ago. Engadget has some eyes-on (and these images are courtesy their CES coverage), so check out what we know so far below.
Once again thanks to Engadget for their coverage of this story, which states some basics:
First off was the generically labelled 4K Consumer Camcorder, a prototype device that was hanging out in a glass case at the Sony booth after the event concluded -- though there was a Handycam logo on the side of the device. It's not a bad looking handheld -- about a standard size for a prosumer model, with a viewfinder, mic and handle at the top. As for specs? No such luck at this early stage.
We don't know much about the camera so far, but there is a good chance this isn't going to be the only 4K camera they release in the consumer/prosumer space. It's also not clear where this model will fit in price wise, but we may get more details about it at NAB. This will probably not be a large sensor camera based on the style of the body, which more closely matches their PMW-100/200 series.
It's quite possible that this camera uses the Sony IMX144CQJ Exmor R sensor, especially considering the fact that the smaller sub-professional size of the unit would see it fit perfectly in this form factor / price point -- and we haven't heard anything about that sensor since info about it surfaced initially. Add the fact that this camcorder is, quite apparently, a fixed lens system -- where else would Sony place a sensor sized "somewhere between a 1/2″ (8mm) and 2/3″ (11mm) sensor" anyway? At 4K, but with a total and certain lack of belonging in anything beyond the 'prosumer,' it's not unlikely that this is your 60fps at 4K camera.
Who do you guys think this camera will be marketed at? Considering the lack of affordable 4K TVs, how do you see this fitting into a consumer/prosumer workflow?
Link: Sony's 4K Handycam and HXR-IFR5 4K Interface Unit prototypes eyes-on -- Engadget
