Sony offer 5in external viewing screen for Alpha and NEX

Sony is to market a new screen that is designed to work with the company?s NEX and Alpha cameras so that users can monitor capture and playback in a larger format via HDMI connection. The CLM-V55 LCD screen is set to go on sale in March 2011, and is expected to retail for $399 (US Dollars). Designed with the NEX-VG10 video camera in mind, the shaded screen is also able to take over the job of any camera that features an HDMI output connection whether made by Sony or not. Powered by a standard Sony Alpha battery the screen comes with an adapter to allow it to be fitted to the Alpha Hotshoe as well as one for a standard tripod socket.

While aimed primarily at video photographers, stills photographers will also enjoy the enlarged display and the clearer menu layout and display. When attached to a Sony Alpha DSLR the new screen reflects exactly what appears in the viewfinder and in Live View mode. Selector buttons on the side of the screen allow navigation directly from the unit, while camera controls can also be used in the normal way. In the field this will allow landscape photographers a much clear idea of what they have captured, or are about to.

Sony’s CLM-V55 LCD screen press release

Press Release

London, 13th January 2011

Clip-on LCD monitor from Sony for HD video shooting with Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras

CLM-V55 gives large, high-resolution view of video footage

? Clip-on LCD monitor attaches to DSLR camera

? Large (5″) WVGA panel offers superb high-resolution view while shooting HD video

? Tilt/swivel for comfortable viewing at any angle

? Colour peaking and pixel magnification for precise focus confirmation

A new clip-on LCD monitor from Sony gives DSLR camera owners a bigger, better view of their footage while shooting HD video.

The CLM-V55 is a portable video monitor featuring a high-resolution WVGA (800 x 480) (5?) LCD panel. Attaching easily to most Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras and compatible HD camcorders via the supplied adaptor, it displays video footage during shooting/playback with excellent clarity and a wide viewing angle.

The clip-on screen tilts and swivels to any angle for comfortable framing in any position ? even self-shooting when you?re in the picture.

The CLM-V55 is loaded with pro-style features to help photo enthusiasts and videographers shoot high-quality HD video footage with their Interchangeable Lens Digital camera.

Pixel magnification mode assists with accurate focus confirmation, giving an enlarged pixel-perfect view of a selected portion of the Full HD image. It?s complemented by a colour peaking function that highlights the edges of accurately-focused areas of the video image.

An intuitive control wheel allows quick, positive adjustment of a wide range of monitor settings without interrupting shooting. Adjustable parameters include aspect ratio (16:9/4:3), volume, brightness, contrast, colour tone (phase), colour temp and auto dimmer. On-screen markers aid precise framing by giving precise indication of a TV?s 16:9 or 4:3 actual display area. The LCD monitor?s on-board mono speaker is complemented by a headphone jack for accurate audio monitoring during shooting.

The CLM-V55 attaches easily to a wide range of Interchangeable Lens Digital cameras from Sony and other manufacturers that support HD video shooting. The supplied adaptor simplifies mounting on any camera or HD camcorder that features a tripod screw, an auto-lock accessory shoe or ISO shoe. Signal connection from camera to monitor is via the supplied HDMI cable, while power can be supplied using a battery pack or AC adaptor (both optional). The CLM-V55 comes with a detachable LCD hood for more comfortable viewing when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight.

The CLM-V55 LCD video monitor by Sony is available from March 2011.