New Camera To Offer Flash Memory Capabilities

Sony announced several new additions to its XDCAM product line, as well
as offering NAB attendees an advanced look at its upcoming XDCAM EX
unit, which uses flash memory technology-the higher speed and smaller
form factor SanDisk SxS cards.

The planned camcorder is based on MPEG-2 compression technology with
three, 1/2-inch imagers. It will be switchable between 1080/60i and
720/60p, and capable of recording 1080/50i/30P/25P/24p and 720/50p. The
camera will also have slow and quick motion functionality and two card
slots so users can record approximately 120 minutes of content on two16
GB cards.

Sony also announced that several nonlinear editing manufacturers-Adobe,
Apple, Canopus, Dayang, Main Concept, New Auto, Sobey, Sony Creative
Software's Vegas, and Sony’s XPRI NS-are developing compatible
interfaces.

Both the XDCAM EX camera and SxS flash memory cards are expected to be
available in late 2007. Sony says the estimated pricing of the XDCAM EX
will be under $8,000.