Sony Nx100

Sony's history with video cameras

Sony is a pioneer of portable video recording technology; their Betacam reigned when it was released. The later years saw them create the Handycam line, which still exists today.

Even though smartphone cameras have become amazing in the recent years, something that is built for video shooting will do a better job as the sensor and lens have more space.

The Sony HXR-NX100, it is a near-professional level camera that one could use for adverts and other commercial projects.

The Sony NX100 basic specs

The HXR-NX100 Full HD NXCAM Camcorder from Sony is a high-performance video camera that is easy to use and compact. This camcorder features an EXMOR R sensor from Sony which is FUll HD at 1920 x 1080p. The sensor has 14.2 million effective pixels, which means it is the same size as a super 16mm film. The 'R' signifies it bein a backlit sensor and has circuitry behind the photosite, allowing it to perform better for low-light conditions.

It ha a Sony G lens with 12x optical zoom and 24x Clear Image Zoom. The lens features individual control rings for the iris, focus and zoom, giving one the option to use it in full auto mode or completely manually.

Other features

The frame rate is variable, the Sony NX100 can record a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution video at frame rates of 24p, 30p, 60i and 60p. It records these options using the AVCHD 2.0 codec. There are also options for 720p 60 AVCHD capture, 2x slow motion, 60x quick motion recording and standard-definition DV recording too.

Equipped with 2 media slots, this camcorder allows you to record in dual modes. One is the 'Simul' mode and the other is 'Relay'. The first one lets you record onto both memory cards and the latter switches recording onto the other card when one is full. You can also split up the recording controls with the two Start/Stop buttons, one for each card.

The card options for slots is SDHC/SDXC cards only for one slot, while the other slot is compatible with SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2)/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo. Due to the data rate and file structure for XAVC S recording you have to use a separately available Class 10-rated SDXC media card to record XAVC S.

For the viewfinder one has the 0.24"-type 1550K-dot EVF and the display is a 3.5"-type 1550K-dot LCD. The Multi Interface Shoe lets you add on other amenities such as the HVL-LBPC Video Light or UWP-D wireless microphone series.

More

One can adjust 99 settings to refine the look and feel of their recording. This includes parameters such as knee, black level, gamma, colour model/level/phase and more. Once you tune these settings you can save them for easy recall for the next time you need the same profile for a new shoot. Six such profiles can be saved. Sony has also made it possible to copy these settings from one NX100 to another, allowing you to shoot the same style with two cameras.

Sony included a Neutral Density (ND) filter wheel which includes positions for 1/4 (2 stops), 1/16 (4 stops), and 1/64 (6 stops). This makes it a lot easier to take advantage and not need to worry about carrying a separate filter that has to be fit onto the camera.

There are also two 3-pin XLR audio inputs that support line, mic and mic + 48V for phantom power, allowing one to make use of professional audio. Provisions for more connections include HDMI, Multi/Micro USB, REMOTE and Composite (BNC).

Another interesting feature is the infrared ability for shooting in extremely dim light.

The battery lasts roughly up to 8 hours. 

Comments

There are a whole host of accessories one can find for this camcorder, letting you optimise it further. This is a versatile device for an entry-level professional. Giving one many features that can help them hone their shooting with a personal touch on the go.

The price of the Sony NX100 is relatively high, but this model from the brand has done well and generally has good reviews. Based on that certain segments think the price is worth what all this camcorder can do.