In 2012, Sony introduced the “World’s First 35mm Full-Frame Handycam Camcorder” titled NEX-VG900. As stated back then by Sony: “Realizing supreme imaging quality and generous creative options, Sony’s NEX-VG900 is the first Handycam camcorder with a 35mm sensor to exploit the artistic potential of interchangeable lenses fully. With a resolution of 24.3 effective megapixels, the camcorder’s Exmor CMOS sensor is around 40 times larger than its equivalent in standard consumer camcorders and more than twice the size of the APS-C sensor found in other interchangeable lens Handycam models. It captures full-frame, 24-megapixel still photos, with RAW format support for all the post-processing flexibility and quality expected from a pro-class DSLR camera. The sensor also allows the creation of distinctive ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects; high sensitivity for extremely clear, low-noise images; and effortless reproduction of smooth, true tonal gradation”. Sony added that “Beautiful, film-like results can be achieved by shooting video in 24p progressive mode with CinemaTone Gamma, and Cinematone Color presets to precisely control cinematic grading effects”. The Sony NEX-VG90 was developed to constitute a bridge between DSLR and Handycam style camcorder for those who want to shoot full-frame high-quality videos but retain the logical form factor of Handycam.
