Sony has continued its 4K push this year at CES, introducing a new 4K Handycam that reduces both size and price compared to the company's existing offering. The AX100 is said to be 74 percent smaller than the higher-end FDR-AX1, though the company promises its Zeiss lens still provides excellent performance in low-light conditions.
The 4K video is capture using a 14.2-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor, in a one-inch format that is larger than the sensors used in most consumer-level camcorders. The sensor/lens combination is also said to provide a noticeable 'bokeh' focal effect in a wide range of lighting conditions.
Although the device focuses on high-resolution video, its image processor is also capable of high-speed capture up to 120fps for slow-motion shots. Users can also take advantage of dual-recording functionality to simultaneously record in AVCHD for the highest quality and MP4 format for Internet sharing.
The AX100 is expected to ship in March for $2000.