Wow, what’s that?
Sony just called me and sent me all the infos about their newest addition to the NEX range. They just launched the Sony NEX-EA50, a large sensor, interchangeable-lens camcorder that brings some pretty interesting new features and ergonomics into large sensor & HDSLR world: A real zoom lens with an electronic rocker and a handheld shoulder system built into the camera.

[UPDATE:] How much? The NEX-EA50 will be $3600 $4000 (LINK) and around 3500€. The zoom is incldued! Intriguing.

See their cheesy introduction video below:

The electronic zoom lens with autofocus and optical image stabilization looks impressive on paper. The EA50′s powerful lowlight sensor suggests that we’ll be able to use this zoom lens in most situations making this a perfect choice for news shooters and event filmers.

The NEX-EA50EH camcorder comes with the newly developed Power Zoom E-mount lens E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS SELP18200. It features auto focus, continuous variable iris and Optical Steady Shot image stabilisation with Active Mode, making it ideal for shooting moving images. It is electronically controlled by both the zoom rocker lever on the camcorder grip and top handle. Film-makers can achieve a constant zoom speed and smooth, slow zoom, both of which can be difficult to accomplish with manual zoom lenses.

Apparently they’ll be using a different storage medium, the dual memory stick that (more information here: LINK)

In addition, Sony’s HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit can dock directly to the camcorder for recording an immediate backup. The camcorder is compatible with the new Mirroring Memory Stick (MS-PX64/32/16) which is the world’s first memory card featuring a “Mirroring” function. This enables the card to deliver high reliability and data security through a dual recording (mirroring) function. This new professional memory card will be available in 3 different capacities: 16GB; 32GB and 64GB.

And the shoulder pad can be extended out of the camera, nice to finally see that feature in a large sensor camera:

The unique design of the NEX-EA50EH further adds to the camcorders versatility. When the shoulder pad is extended, the camcorder can be balanced on the shoulder giving added stability for longer shooting times. Alternatively, when the shoulder pad is returned to the original position, the camcorder becomes compact enough to use in various handheld styles allowing users to capture a wide variety of shots.

Feature overview:
- large sensor (APS HD CMOS)
- powerful lowlight capacities
- 60/50Hz selection
- shoots 1080 50p/25p/50i or 59.94p/29.97p/23.98p/59.94i
- E-mount (allows multiple adapters to other mounts)
- Electronic Zoom Lens: E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
(optical steady shot, autofocus. Wow!)
- 2-channel XLR (mic included)
- mirroring memory stick technology (16,32,64GB)
- records to AVCHD 2.0
- can take jpg stills at 16MP
- powered by NPF batteries

The NEX-EA50 will October 15th!
List price will be around $4000 (3500€ excl. tax)

[UPDATE]: Already available for pre-order here: