[NewsPoster]

Sony took the wraps off its new
NEX-VG900 Handycam video camera flagship for videographers at its event in Toronto and we had a chance to check it out firsthand. It shares its full-frame, 35mm sensor with the equally new Alpha 99 pseudo-DSLR and RX1 compact. The camera accommodates e-mount lenses but will ship with an a-mount adapter to connect with them as well.

The camera allows full manual control over videos for the first time without a specialized and expensive lens. It can capture 1080p videos at either 24fps or 60fps along with 24.3-megapixel still photos in RAW or JPG formats. The sensor allows users to create 'bokeh' effects, where the background or foreground can be blurred for a movie-like effect. The viewfinder is the same XGA OLED found in the existing NEX-7 and other newer Sony cameras. It is complemented by a 3-inch, Xtra Fine LCD touch panel with LED backlighting. Sound recording is supported in 5.1 channels thanks to the quad-capsule microphone. Sony will offer the same XLR-K1M accessory that will mount onto the Multi Interface Shoe and let users connect XLR inputs for even better audio quality. The add-on won't come cheap, however, at around $800. The camera arrives in November, priced at $3,300 for the body only.