UPDATE: Sony Unveils XDCAM EX: Flash Memory Broadcast Camcorder, Available This Fallby David KenderPublished on Apr 15, 2007 4:29 PM |
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Las Vegas, NAB, April 15, 2007 - Today, Sony announced the release of a new camcorder, the XDCAM EX, which captures to the new SxS (pronouced S-by-S) flash memory cards. The cards, which are compliant with ExpressCard standard. will intially be offered in 8GB and 16GB capacities. Sony estimates an average 60 minutes of XDCAM-quality video per 8GB card. The XDCAM EX will offer two card slots.
Sony currently has sparse details available on the XDCAM EX. Initial specs include three 1/2" imagers and the ability to shoot in multiple formats, including 1080/50i/30P/25P/24P and 720/50P.
“The XDCAM EX camcorder will make the most sense in small production systems, where the shooter and editor is often the same person,” stated Bob Ott, vice president of optical and networked systems for Sony Electronics. “In this type of production environment, you can easily control the flash media as it cycles between shooting and feeding the NLE.”
Currently, there is no price or release date on the XDCAM EX. The camcorder may, in fact, only be a prototype never to see market. The very announcement of a move in that direction, however, indicates that Sony has chosen to respond to Panasonic's growing P2 card format. Sony is not likely to abandon optical discs, though. In the same press conference, the company also announced that the release of new dual-layer XDCAM discs.
UPDATE: Sony has confirmed that the XDCAM EX is scheduled for a release this fall. They have not confirmed a price.
UPDATE 2: Sony has confirmed that the XDCAM EX will retail for under $8000.

