But will it take 'stills' read on:

Canon adopts MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for upcoming professional video camcorder

New Canon MPEG-2 Codec chosen for file-based professional video camcorder promises compatibility with industry-standard editing & processing software

TOKYO, February 2, 2010—Canon Inc. announced today the Company has adopted an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for a new professional video camcorder currently under development. The Canon MPEG-2 Codec will enable high-quality imaging and audio performance with up to 50 Mbps data recording and twice the color data of HDV*1 profile formats. File-based recording helps video operations realize greater efficiencies during post-production processing, making it an ideal format for many industry applications such as newsgathering, documentary filmmaking and event videography.

MPEG-2 Full HD compression and 4:2:2 color sampling
The adoption of MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG-2 4:2:2P@HL compliant) compression enables the recording of 1,920 x 1,080-pixel full high-definition video. Additionally, compared with the 4:2:0 profile format used in HDV and other standards, 4:2:2 color sampling offers twice the volume of color data, providing double the level of color resolution.
Maximum 50 Mbps data recording
With approximately twice the data volume of HDV, the Codec supports higher resolution and increased color data to enable the recording of high-quality video.
Industry-standard MXF*2 file format
MXF (Material eXchange Format) is a widely supported open source file format for the recording of video and audio and metadata, developed to suit the latest editing systems used by broadcasters.

Sony's innovative XDCAM EX professional product range is specifically designed to exploit the ultimate high speed performance and reliability of SxS PRO and SxS-1 media.

However, SxS media is a professional format and not available from retail outlets, so in situations in the field where additional media is required or for cost-conscious users, where this ultimate performance is less important, Sony have developed the MEAD-SD01 adaptor to enable the use of consumer SD Card media.

The MEAD-SD01 adaptor is the same shape as SxS memory cards so as to fit within the media slots on XDCAM EX camcorders, with no protrusions, allowing the media cover to be in place during shooting. The adaptor can accept one high speed SD Card which simply slots inside.

At the time of writing (January 2010), Sony Professional recommends only the latest Class10 SDHC cards. Using 8-, 16-, or 32-GB media, approximately 35, 70, or 140 minutes of recording (in SP mode) can be achieved.

(A firmware upgrade is required for use of the card - downloadable from the internet providing the camera has USB capability.)
More details from Sonybiz Eu

From Braveheart country, the HD Warrior, Philip Johnston gives his impressions of Sony's PMW-350.
Make sure you have a 'cuppa' with you with a dash of JW....it will help sooth the accent
Exposure Room

Again on the Able Cine Technica pages comes this tutorial for XDCAM proxies to USB Stick - great for the client to take away and review.
Check it out here.

Andy Shipsides from Cine Technica gives a quick run down on the 2/3" lens supplied with the PMW-350
Cine Technica

Captured a lot of attention at CES this year. The Parrot AR Drone is WiFi controlled from an iPhone or iPod and has two onboard cameras.
Go to the website - let your imagination run wild.
Parrot

World Wide Angle website has an amazing list of iPhone apps for film / video makers.
Have fun!
Mal

XDCAM Transfer for Final Cut Pro PDZK-P1 V2.11 has been released supporting EX formats (disc will follow soon).
Features include:
New XDCAM EX format - 1440x1080 (HQ 35Mbps) is supported.
New XDCAM EX format – 4 Channel Audio is supported
Apple Final Cut Pro 7 support
Apple Snow Leopard (10.6) support

More details later.

Download Sony Canada
http://support.sonybiz.ca/esupport/eSupportHome.asp

Wild speculation on my part, but I can't help thinking that this may be a pre-cursor to the XDCAM EX formats being upgraded - as the quality of these prosumer camera formats begin to rival EX @ 35MB/s....cheers Mal


Sony Announces Professional AVCHD Brand “NXCAM”

Nov 18, 2009

New file-based camcorder to be launched at the beginning of 2010


Sony Professional announced today the launch of the new NXCAM™ family brand representing the Professional implementation of AVCHD™ technology. Designed to bring the benefits of seamless and easy-to-use production workflow to professionals and semi professionals, the NXCAM family will be the ideal solution in terms of image quality, usability and price. AVCHD has been widely and rapidly adopted in the Sony consumer sector of the camcorder market and now, with further developments in non-linear editing tools and IT products, Sony will provide products for the entry-level professional videographer based on this file-based MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Long-GOP image compression.


‘Sony has gained great momentum in the broadcast file-based camcorder market with the XDCAM EX range complementing developments with the existing HDV range migrating to a hybrid file-based/tape format’ said Bill Drummond, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Sony Europe. ‘Building on this success, now is the right time to productise an entry-level memory based camcorder utilising the latest AVCHD technology with low-cost consumer memory cards. Coupled with the latest innovations in lens and sensor design, this will offer outstanding picture performance to professional markets such as event videography or corporate video production.’

NEW FEATURES (Version 2.6):
(1) Supports the new HD and SD recording formatted offered in the PMW-EX1R and PMW-350.
(2) CMOS Flash band removal.
(3). Enhanced Metadata display.
(4) Improved User Interface in response to customer feedback.
Sonybiz Eu