Sony Unveils New Mini DV, DVD Camcorders
January 06, 2005
Las Vegas, NV - Sony has unveiled several new DVD and Mini DV Handycam camcorders, featuring widescreen (16 x 9 ) capability, Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound recording, DVD+RW/-RW/-R compatibility and touch-panel displays.
The new DCR-PC1000 model (pictured) is Sony's first Mini DV consumer camcorder to feature three-chip CMOS technology.
The DCR-PC1000 model has a 24 frame, film-like effect to recordings while the new imaging technology adds clarity and detail, the manufacturer descibes. The model also has a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD screen, switchable between 16 x 9 and 4 x 3 aspect ratios, and a Handycam Station for connection to a TV or PC.
The DCR-HC90 camcorder is Sony's first three-megapixel Mini DV camcorder with a recommended price under $1,000. The camcorder comes with a 2.7-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD display to record and play back in widescreen format. It has an accessory shoe, Super NightShot Plus, a built-in flash and the advanced multi-layer coating of a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens.
Sony's accompanying Handycam Station charges the units and connects them to a TV or PC. It comes with S-video connections, and an audio/video terminal for connecting to a TV, as well as a USB port and an i.LINK (IEEE1394) digital interface for connection to a compatible PC.
Rounding out the new Mini DV camcorders with Handycam Station are the DCR-HC32 and DCR-HC42 models.
-DCR-HC21 includes 20X Optical/800X Digital Zoom, the Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization. Available in February for about $400.
-DCR-HC32 includes the above-mentioned features, Handycam Station and Memory Stick DUO Media slot. Available next month for about $500.
-DCR-HC42 includes the Handycam Station and Memory Stick DUO Media slot as well as enhanced 16 x 9 Wide Mode and 2.7-inch SwivelScreen hybrid LCD display. Also available next month for about $600.
-DCR-PC55 includes a Memory Stick DUO Media slot, Handycam Station and a 3-inch SwivelScreen hybrid LCD, Slideshow Plus capability, as well as, an automatic lens cover, and a new intelligent accessory shoe. All four colors will be available in February for about $800.
-DCR-HC90 Sports a 3 megapixel CCD for outstanding video and still performance, has a 2.7-inch wide SwivelScreen hybrid LCD, built-in flash, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and a new intelligent accessory shoe. Available in February for about $1,000.
-DCR-PC1000 includes the new 3-chip CMOS Sensor technology, a Handycam Station, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and a 2.7-inch wide Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD. Available in April for about $1,300.
Currently available models:
-DCR-VX2100, a 3-CCD Mini DV unit that is specifically designed for videographer enthusiasts and aspiring artists, with a 2.5" Precision SwivelScreen Hybrid LCD Display. Currently available for about $3000.
-DCR-HC1000 a 3-CCD, one-megapixel Handycam camcorder that comes with a swivel handgrip, 12X Optical/150X Digital Zoom and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Currently available for about $1700.
Some new DVD camcorders, such as the DCR-DVD403, have a built-in mic to record in 5.1 channel surround sound, while the DCR-DVD103 and DCR-DVD203 models offer the ability to record surround sound with an optional accessory microphone.
The DCR-DVD403 units is the first consumer DVD camcorder to include Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, incorporating built-in, multichannel microphones. This model also has a 3.3 (gross) Megapixel Advanced HAD CCD for high picture quality video and three megapixel still images. For viewing on wide-screen televisions, the model has a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen touch-panel LCD screen, switchable between aspect ratios. A Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and built-in flash complete this fully-equipped package.
The DCR-DVD403 DVD Handycam camcorder will be available this spring for about $1,000.
Two other smart options for surround sound recording are provided by the DCR-DVD203 and DCR-DVD103 models.
The DCR-DVD203 camcorder has a 1.07 Megapixel Advanced HAD CCD for shooting clear, crisp video and one megapixel still images. It also features a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Screen and will be available this spring for about $800.
The DCR-DVD103 model offers an Advanced HAD CCD and 2.5-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Screen. It will also be available this spring for about $700.
For more information, visit
www.sony.com
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