Following the 25th anniversary of its Handycam product line, Sony today announced the NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens HD Camcorder. The new NEX-VG10 is the world's first consumer camcorder with interchangeable lenses and the first Handycam camcorder to feature an extra-large ExmorTM APS HD CMOS sensor.

The camera is equipped with the same Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor used in the "NEX-5" and "NEX-3" digital cameras and compatible with the high grade "E-mount" series of smaller, lighter lenses optimized for video shooting with silent operation and AF. It is also compatible with a wealth of "A-mount" interchangeable lenses used by Sony's existing alpha DSLR camera lineup via a mount adapter (sold separately), including Sony G Lenses and Carl Zeiss branded lenses.

Coupled with Sony's BIONZ processor, the camcorder's Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor realizes high resolution video and 14 megapixel still images. Approximately 19.5 times bigger than the standard sensor found in conventional camcorders, the APS HD CMOS sensor enables a shallow depth of field. Users can also enjoy DSLR-quality photo capture with features like Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight, and Anti Motion Blur, as well as catch fast action sequences with a continuous burst rate of up to seven fps.

The NEX-VG10 can capture full 1920x1080 high definition video at up to 24Mbps, ideal for recording on to Blu-ray Disc media. It also comes with an E-mount 18-200mm lens optimized for video shooting that offers a powerful 11x optical zoom in addition to a silent auto-focus system and Optical Steadyshot image stabilization with Active Mode.

Its Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone uses advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four individual microphone capsules.The result is clear stereo audio with high directional response, allowing videographers to capture more sound from their subject and less background noise. The camcorder also features dedicated inputs for optional external microphones and headphones to monitor sound levels.

The camcorder's TruBlack technology brings higher contrast and brightness to its 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD swivel display, delivering easier viewing in bright conditions. The LCD is supplemented by a high-resolution adjustable electronic viewfinder that helps framing, monitoring and capturing images.

Compact and easy to handle, the NEX-VG10 gives videographers the flexibility of a removable lens with the ergonomics and operability of a Handycam camcorder. A jog dial and hotkeys make it easy to navigate menus and adjust shooting parameters, including full manual control of Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain and White Balance for professional results.

Dual accessory shoes (Alpha Hot Shoe/Universal Cold Shoe) allow for many still photography and video accessories, such as the ECM-CG50 shotgun microphone and external flash lighting. There's also a choice of rechargeable battery options, including the NP-FV100 that provides up to 315 minutes of continuous HD shooting (may vary), and a specially designed soft carrying case.

Included with purchase as a download voucher, Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 video editing software includes tools for video compositing, color correction and sound mixing to produce HD movies with ease. You can also share your creations via DVD, Blu-ray Disc media, or upload to the web all from one simple program.

The NEX-VG10 accepts both Memory Stick PRO Duo (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media. Users can record up to four hours of high definition footage (1920x1080, FH mode) when using the 32GB memory card.

Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX offers an industry leading 30MB per second transfer rate, which means Handycamusers can upload video clips in a fraction of actual playback time.

The NEX-VG10 will be available in September for about $2,000 and presales on www.sonystyle.com will begin July 14.