Sony Handycam NEX-VG900 First Impressions Review
- Sections:
- Audio Features
- Connectivity
Audio Features
The fancy built-in microphone on the VG900 isn't any different than the Quad Capsule Spatial Array stereo mic found on the NEX-VG20. The camcorder also still includes audio level control and audio level displays for the built-in microphone, as well as a 3.5mm mic jack on the side of the handlebar.
The NEX-VG900 will be compatible with Sony's new XLR mic kit, however, which is something that was not offered with the NEX-VG20. The XLR kit uses the VG900's multi-interface shoe to connect to the camcorder and allow for balanced audio via dual XLR inputs. This kit is also available for the Sony Alpha A99 Full Frame DSLR announced at the same time as the VG900.
Connectivity
On the right side of the NEX-VG900 are two port clusters. One houses the HDMI and USB ports, while the other groups the DC-input, headphone jack, and Sony's Multi-AV port together. A 3.5mm mic jack is located on the side of the handlebar on the top of the camcorder, and two accessory shoes are found on the handlebar as well.
One point worth noting is that the NEX-VG900 is capable of outputting uncompressed HD video via its HDMI port. This is a key feature for pros who are looking for the highest-quality video possible from their camcorder. But the HDMI port doesn't have a locking mechanism like an HD-SDI terminal does, and this makes sending uncompressed video out via HDMI a rather insecure procedure on the VG900.
