CES 2014: Sony unveils host of camcorders including 4K recorder, POV shooter

Sony has introduced a host of new handycam and camcorders at the CES in Las Vegas. These new models are expected to deliver big sensors, high bit-rate recording and improved SteadyShot.

First up is Sony’s newest 4K handycam, the FDR-AX100. The AX100 is 74 percent smaller and 66 percent lighter than the recently announced FDR-AX1 model. The AX100 is the first 4K Handycam to feature a large, 14.2 effective megapixel, back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor. It also houses the BIONZ X processor that makes it possible to record 24p and 30p movies at the camera’s full resolution. The Handycam AX100 camcorder comes with a new ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens that is tuned for high resolution image description.

Sony's new 4K handycam

It also features a 0.39-inch type OLED Tru-Finder, a 3.5-inch LCD screen and gives filmmakers more control over shutter speed and aperture by offering a choice of selectable Clear, 1/4 filter, 1/16 filter or 1/64 Neutral Density (ND) filters to adjust light levels entering the lens.

As far as Sony’s other handycam camcorders go, the line has a new flagship – the HDR-CX900. It features a 1.0-type, 14.2 effective megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor with a wide angle 29mm ZEISS Vario Sonnar T Lens that offers great clarity and resolving power. It also puts together wide aperture with a seven-bladed iris diaphragm to allow easy creation of professional-looking videos and photos with smooth, defocused backgrounds. The CX900 camcorder can also record Full HD video at 50 Mbps using the new XAVC S codec.

There are a host of other camcorders that Sony has announced at CES, but notable amongst these are the entry level CX240, the CX330 with Wi-Fi and NFC that cost $230 (Rs 14,341 approx) and $330 (Rs 20,577 approx) and the mid HD PJ340 with a built-in projector costing $480 (Rs 29,930 approx.)

The flagship CX900

The 4K camcorder, AX100 will be up for pre-sale in March for $20,000 (Rs 1,247,100 approx.) and the CX900, costing $1,500 (Rs 93,532 approx.) as well as the other handycams will go on sale in February.

Last but not the least is the HDR-AS100V, Sony’s new high-end, wearable action camera that will help you shoot from your POV. Action Cam delivers Full HD broadcast-quality video in XAVC Sat up to 50Mbps thanks to an all new BIONZ X processor. The model supports 1080/24p video and high-speed 720/120p or 720/240p shooting.

Shoot POV videos

The new Action Cam offers SteadyShot Image Stabilisation which more than doubles the camera’s stability versus its predecessor and automatically adjusts for different frequencies of vibration, from mild oscillations while walking to rapid vibrations when riding a motorcycle. You can wirelessly control up to five Action Cam AS100V units using the wearable wristwatch-style Live-View Remote The controller is waterproof and syncs wirelessly to the video cameras for easy operation when Action Cams are mounted in hard-to-reach places like helmets, kayaks or surfboards. Sony is also slated to offer more than 26 mounting attachments to suit all types of activities.

The AS100V will be available for retail in March for $300 (Rs 18,706 approx.)