Used Sony NEX-EA50 Professional Camcorder, APS HD CMOS Sensor (Body Only) (90 Hours)

2015-04-05T21:00:00

FANTASTIC CAMERA AT TWICE THE PRICE By R. S. Kern Atomic Waited for the 'M' version since the previous (NEX-ea50UH) was being discontinued. Glad I did except the lens only reaches 105mm (vs the previous ones at 200 - 300mm) but it is the sharpest lens I've ever used. In practice, works great even in churches where it can get pretty dim. Actually, images are fantastic with awesome detail. The new HDimager soaks up everything you give it and seems particulary effective when lots of contrast is present. There is a zoom control for a second zoom, a 2x that turns a prime lens into a zoom, but don't overuse the far end -- there is image degredation out there. It does help boost the 105 to about 150mm or so and gets me some pretty cool bokkuh. Two XLR inputs for professional audio (I also slap on an adapter to use my Azden wireless Pro setup. I tested the included sSony shotgun against my others and it help up pretty well, but with some dropoff at about 15 feet or so. Even the built-in mic works pretty well in a pince, bonus is it delivers stereo stems. Two onboard hot shoes (one is just a mount for your accessories such as the wireless mic receiver. The AVCHD footage pops right open in my Final Cut X edit suite - Just drag and drop to the drive of choice, then open from within FCX timeline)-BAM!- Awesome images effortlessly. I've also seen guys selectively open shots from the card and then "export as" onto hard drives but that adds a couple steps. FEATURES: Nice shoulder mount slides open, I found it weighty enough especially when I bace against the periscope finder (included) for the nicest handheld I've ever shot; lens has OK built-in steady shot feature but note the E-Mount 105mm is not an active steadyshot lens, just straight OSS and has only so-so steadying results. I do use my other NEX lenses but do not like changing them outdoors since when you remove a lens the sesnsor is right there. Hello. There's ots of codec choices (I use the PS 1080/ 60p for 28 bits/sec. Camera has a very interesting design with well - thought out shape that favors pro usefulness and control layout. LANC input to control from Sony tripod is at rear. Headphone input and HDMI out as well as USB and RCA out too.) Onboard mounting for a sep "FMU" (memory unit) harddrive is provided offering tandem recording -- untested in my case. Just using a 32 gig card gives me over two hours of continuous record time -- no limitations. Still photo function is good too - I use it more than I thought I would to grab client stills from same position as camera and don't have to grab a separate camera all the time. Just pop the button and it's done at a size equaling 8.5x10" images. Solid feeling camera has some very cool features - the ability to do an automatic, pre-set focus shift -- you select a focus point (say, a cross) and a second point (man in distance) -- the camera allows you to audition the shot, set it, and repeat it automatically. Never heard of that before and it "nails it" every time instead of the old rack-and-hope you get it. Glad to say, this 30 year pro-shooter has made the best camera choice ever with this one. One last thing - clients really notice when it comes on set, it looks good-- high confidence bonus is nice.

Russ K.