Sony’s new HDR-AX2000 professional AVCHD camcorder is further evidence that we’re well on the way to a largely solid-state high definition existence. Not only that, but it’s the first prosumer cam to have two Memory Card slots too!
Sharing many features with Sony’s professional camcorder line-up, newly announced HDR-AX2000E Handycam is evidently designed to provide professional and semi-pro videographers with an extensive range of creative options. Improved optical performance and improved ergonomics are teamed with the necessary manual controls to give fine control over composing richly-detailed, cinematic HD images.
Reflecting the demands of pro-style workflow, it’s the first Handycam to provide uninterrupted relay recording on dual Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC memory card slots. If one memory card is filled during shooting, the camcorder continues recording automatically on a second memory card inserted in the other slot.
Users switching from tape-based formats, such as HDV or MiniDV will benefit from the reduction of storage space requirements compared with tape; not only that, but shooting on memory card allows videographers to import HD footage directly into a non-linear editing environment without time-consuming tape transfers. The work-flow is radically improved – a great advantage when every minute counts and there’s no time to wait for a real-time tape capture into the editing computer.
The camcorder’s HD picture quality is provided by the 1/3-type Exmor 3CMOS Sensors with a ClearVid array and powerful Enhanced Image Processor (EIP) resulting in improved detailing and dynamic range due to very high sensitivity. Users will, Sony assures us, be rewarded by superb results with reduced image noise, even when shooting in low-light conditions.
Complementing the Exmor 3CMOS Sensors is a bright, premium quality G Lens with a powerful 20x optical zoom range that covers focal lengths from 29.5mm wide angle to 590mm (35mm equivalent). There’s also a 1.5x digital extender that boosts zoom range further still for powerful close-ups. Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation is now enhanced with new Active Mode which is intended to dramatically reduce the effects of camera shake when shooting without a tripod. For quality-critical productions, new FX Mode captures 1920×1080/50i video at a full 24Mbps – the highest bit-rate specified by the AVCHD format.
Summary of the HDR-AX2000′s main features
Based on information provided to us by Sony, here’s a breakdown of the camcorder’s main features.
- High quality HD imaging, pro-style ergonomics and advanced manual functions
- Superb Sony G Lens with 20x optical zoom (30x with Digital Range Extender)
- 6.0mm (1/3”) Exmor 3CMOS Sensors with ClearVid array
- Highest-quality AVCHD recording at maximum24Mbps in FX Mode
- 25p progressive shooting, with picture profile for rich, filmic tones
- 8.0cm (3.2″) Wide 921k dot XtraFine LCD
- Relay recording on dual memory card for uninterrupted shooting
- High quality audio with internal mic and XLR connectors for external 2ch mic
- Two recording modes – AVCHD (HD) and MPEG2 (SD)
