Sony revealed a concept version of a new APS-C format interchangeable lens compact camera this morning (21st February 2010) at the PMA show in Anaheim. The Alpha camera, as yet unnamed, features a new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and will provide full AVCHD (1080p) video capability. There are few detail available yet, and the pixel count has not been revealed, but Masashi Imamura, Sony?s President of Personal Imaging and Sound Business Group said the new system will be designed to meet the needs of the compact camera upgrader.

Although no specific focal lengths have been mentioned the company showed illustrations of a range of zoom and fixed focal length lenses, including pancake style optics. The model on show had no viewfinder, but others presented in a promotional video did. The cameras seem to have few body controls, suggesting that touch screens will be used to access menu features.

The system will be launched this year, according to Sony.

We’ll have more details later, so please check back.