Sony released the Firmware Version 02 update for the NEX-VG10 Camcorder. This update allows the NEX-VG10 to autofocus Sony SSM and SAM lenses via the LA-EA1 lens adapter. The LA-EA1 lens adapter has to be updated to firmware version 02 as well. Use the links below to get the US versions of the firmware and instructions of how to perform the update. Please make sure you use the correct firmware and read the instructions carefully.
Sony NEX-5 Time Lapse Video using gentLED Auto Intervalometer by xironmonkyx
Here is another intervalometer for the Sony NEX-5 for creating time lapse videos. It is a gentLED Auto infrared trigger. Here are the main features of the gentLED Auto:
Variable delay from 2 seconds to 30 minutes
Built-in on-off switch and battery (included with unit)
RED LED indicator when the unit has triggered the camera
Weighs only 0.6oz, 18g (including battery)
Comes complete with velcro pads, and Operating Manual - all you need to take picture
The newest NEX in development is the NXCAM Camcorder. It uses the same E-mount as the NEX-3, NEX-5 cameras, and NEX-VG10 camcorder but it has a slightly larger sensor. The CMOS sensor in the NXCAM is a Super 35 format which is 0.980 x 0.735 in (24.89 x 18.66 mm). The current Sony NEX sensor dimension is 0.92 x 0.61 in. (23.4 x 15.6 mm). The NXCAM will shoot AVCHD at 1080p at 60p/30p/24p and 50p/25p. Since NXCAM uses the same lens mount as the other NEX cameras we can expect more lenses to be in development.
Sony NXCAM Camcorder with E-mount Lenses
Here is the official Sony NXCAM HD press release from Sony EU:
NXCAM HD camcorder under development, featuring E-mount lens system 17 November 2010
Sony to expand 35mm large format sensor camcorder lineup
Sony Corporation announced today that it is developing a new type of E-mount interchangeable lens camcorder for professional use that is equipped with a Super-35mm equivalent large format CMOS sensor. This new addition to Sony’s professional “NXCAM” line will be available in the middle of 2011.
Already a key player in the 35mm digital cinematography business with the highly acclaimed “CineAlta” F35 and SRW-9000PL for high-end digital cinema production, Sony has just strengthened its lineup in this category with the recent PMW-F3 announcement. In addition to this, with this new “NXCAM” HD camcorder now (still under development), Sony looks to further strengthen its position in the entry-level segment by providing an affordable yet highly capable professional solution for many applications including independent film, music video and corporate communications all looking for the cinematic look.
This “NXCAM” HD camcorder under development will be equipped with a Super-35mm equivalent sensor, a widely used film stock size in the film industry that is perfectly designed for capturing motion picture. This new sensor will have extraordinary performance in terms of picture quality and sensitivity, and is able to create rich “Bokeh” effect (beautifully defocused image) that is perfect for artistic story-telling in motion picture.
Thanks to the adoption of the E-mount interchangeable lens system that is identical to the “α” series NEX-5, 3 and “Handycam” NEX-VG10, the E-mount lenses will be compatible with this new professional camcorder. In addition, a very short flange back distance (the distance between lens mount surface and sensor surface) let various “α” A-mount lenses be mounted via a mount adaptor (LA-EA1). Furthermore, it is also possible to attach many other lenses using third-party mount adaptors*1. With such flexibility, users will be able to experiment with various creative expressions by exploiting the characteristics of different optics. * 1: Not all types of adaptors and lenses are guaranteed.
The recording format for this new HD camcorder will be AVCHD, a widely supported format by many non liner editing software vendors and the same format as HXR-NX5 “NXCAM” camcorder. There is also a plan to implement 1080p (60p / 30p / 24p*2 or 50p / 25p) recording modes. (MPEG4-AVC/H.264 compression will be used for these modes.) *2: 59.94p / 29.97p / 23.98p respectively.
If you are lucky enough to own a Hasselblad XPan or a Fuji TX system, you can now use those lenses on the NEX E-mount camera system with a new lens adapter. The XPan or TX lenses come in 30mm f/4, 45mm f/4, and 90mm f/4 focal lengths, which translated to 15mm, 24.5mm, and 45mm on the XPan / TX in panorama mode. These would be 45mm, 67.5mm, and 135mm equivalent on the Sony NEX's APS-C sensor.
Hasselblad XPan System Photo by By Matthew Joseph aka Fotodudenz
NEX-5 Auto-HDR Panorama with Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye Check out the VR version.
Check out these amazing panoramas by G. Kemp using a Sony NEX-5 and a Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8 G ED Fisheye lens. He uses the NEX-5's Auto-HDR feature for each shot then stitches them together with editing software. A Nikon G to Sony E-mount lens adapter is used to the lens on the NEX-5.
hel1x sent us info on his "do it yourself" intervalometer for the Sony NEX-5 using a generic wireless infrared remote. He was trying to decipher the switch-science intervalometer website but decided that he can build his own time lapse controller for the NEX-5. The circuit controls when the shutter button is depressed, by shorting the connection. The interval can be between 6-14 seconds.
Here are some pictures of his device. This also works for other Sony Alpha cameras not just the NEX.
Generic Remote for the NEX-5
Thanks hel1x! Maybe he can send us the wiring diagram? :D
You can now save some tax money by buying the Sony NEX-5 Dual Lens Kit from Amazon. The kit comes with the NEX-5, 16mm pancake lens, 18-55mm OSS lens, rear lens cap, lens hood, flash, battery, charger and strap. The total comes to $799 which comes with free shipping and since it's Amazon, sales tax will not be charged. That is $150 less than buying the single lens kit and the 2nd lens separately.
