The new professional camcorder - dubbed NXCAM at the moment, will be released in mid-2011, says Sony, and will utilise "a Super-35mm equivalent sensor, which is a widely used film stock size in the film industry that is perfectly designed for capturing motion picture."

Based on conventional DSLR sensors, this new component will have "extraordinary performance in terms of picture quality and sensitivity, and is able to create rich “Bokeh” effect that is perfect for artistic story-telling in motion picture," adds Sony.

However, the camcorder's biggest appeal will be its compatibility with Sony's range of DSLR lenses. "Thanks to the adoption of the E-mount interchangeable lens system that is identical to the Alpha series NEX-5, 3 and Handycam NEX-VG10, the E-mount lenses will be compatible with this new professional camcorder," says Sony. "In addition, a very short flange back distance let various Alpha A-mount lenses be mounted via a mount adaptor."

The NEX-VG10 was first introduced in September. At the time, Paul Genge, technical marketing manager at Sony UK, said that "this marks a new introduction for us for not only this category of interchangeable lens handycams, but also the fact that it has a large sensor. And it's a category we believe has big potential for growth in the next few years."

Sony claims that its new camcorder will provide "an affordable yet highly capable professional solution for many applications including independent film, music video and corporate communications all looking for the cinematic look."

Pricing has yet to be announced. For more details about Sony's plans on the future of the E and A ranges of DSLRs, read our full Photokina report here. For further information, visit sony.co.uk.