Sony's new Handycam NEX-VG10E is the first consumer camcorder to feature interchangeable lenses for greater creative flexibility. Now you can release your inner auteur with a choice of lenses from macro to super-zoom.

The NEX-VG10E has a 14-2-maegapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that Sony says is approximately 19.5 times bigger than the standard sensor found in other consumer camcorders, and enables an extremely shallow depth of field. Users will be able to achieve ‘cinematic’ results like background defocus (often called bokeh).

Full HD 1920x1080 video images are captured in AVCHD format at up to 24Mbps bit rate. Video and still images are recorded to either Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD media cards.

The NEX-VG10E comes supplied as standard with an image-stabilised E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that offers a 11x optical zoom range.

Three E-mount lenses in 24, 35 and 85mm focal lengths will be available, but users can also make use of A-mount DSLR lenses with the use of a lens mount adapter.

A new Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone uses processing algorithms to combine signals from four separate omnidirectional microphone capsules. The result, Sony says, is exceptionally clear stereo audio with a highly directional response: this allows videographers to capture more sound from the subject they’re shooting, and less of distracting sounds around them.

The NEX-VG10E will be available in September for $3,700.

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 )

Orcon has unbundled three more exchanges in Auckland at Birkdale, Henderson and Albany.

"Unbundling means more Aucklanders will see faster, cheaper and better broadband as it should be," said Orcon CEO Scott Bartlett.

This month's unbundling follows an agreement between Compass, Orcon and Slingshot that sees the three telcos sharing their unbundled exchanges.

To date, CallPlus has unbundled eight exchanges in Hamilton and Compass has unbundled two in Christchurch. Orcon has unbundled 39 in Auckland and two exchanges in Wellington.

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 )

Polaroid is baaack. If you missed the fun of instant film photography, then rejoice.

Today, Polaroid announced the launch of the Polaroid 300 camera featuring classic Polaroid instant film, automatic flash and four scene settings. The 300 has a suggested retail price of $199 and ten-packs of Polaroid 300 instant film will retail for $29.95.
Polaroid has also enlisted the services of singer Lady Gaga to help develop new and exciting (read out-there) Polaroid products. Lady Gaga recently presided over a series of product design and development sessions in Tokyo so look out for some Akihabara-style whackness with a Gaga twist.

Posted by Ted Gibbons at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 )