Sony's HDR-HC1: HDV for 'Uncle Charlie?'
June 02, 2005
San Diego, CA - While professional videographers contemplate the transition to HD, Sony’s consumer division just made it easier and cheaper, for “Uncle Charlie” to go high-definition at weddings and events.
Starting next month, Sony will release to consumers the HDR-HC1, “the world's smallest and lightest high-definition camcorder” with full HD resolution based on HDV 1080i. Expected price tag? Around $1,700.
"This camcorder's introduction is in response to the growing demand for HDTV. With more broadcasters transmitting high-definition content, the demand for HD has been steadily increasing. In fact, the Consumer Electronics Association estimates that nearly 15 million HDTV sets will be in US households by the end of 2005," said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics.
"As HDTV becomes more pervasive in American households," said Vuolo, "it is a natural progression to want to create personal content in high definition."
The ultra-compact HDR-HC1 model features Sony's CMOS imaging sensor technology, designed to deliver faster image processing speeds for richer colors, more vivid detail, and significantly less glare from reflected light.
Weighing only about 1-1/2 pounds, the model includes a Carl Zeiss lens to further enhance image clarity and richness, even when shooting in low light.
The combination of the unit's CMOS imaging sensor and Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor technology enables it to capture moving and still images with smoother movements and clearer pictures.
These combined technologies also play a key role in the unit’s compact body design. Because the CMOS sensor consumes less power, the camcorder can be powered with a smaller battery like the model's supplied InfoLithium® M battery, which delivers about 90 minutes of continuous recording (depending on recording mode). Sony also designed a circuitry board layout that conforms to the size of the lens and body.
For quick framing and easy image sharing, the camcorder has a 2.7-inch wide hybrid, touch-panel LCD screen to access menu options. You can switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios (in DV mode) to see exactly how your content will be viewed on television. Other convenient features include fully automatic controls, a built-in microphone for audio quality, an intelligent pop-up flash, and Super SteadyShot® image stabilization.
The camcorder also captures 2.8-megapixel digital still images, which can be stored directly on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media for transfer to PCs and other devices.
The HDR-HC1 offers a full slate of manual controls, including a 10X optical and 120X digital zoom, zoom ring, zebra pattern, and spot focus. White balance, shutter speed and focus can all be adjusted manually.
According to Sony, the unit’s Cinematic mode allows you to record video with a “film-like” appearance, while the Shot Transition™ feature allows you to go even further in creating cinematic effects.
Additional features include:
** InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower™ System - Lithium-Ion batteries minimize the life shortening "memory effect" and can be charged at any time. Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter conveniently indicates the remaining minutes of battery life on the LCD or viewfinder display, so you can keep an accurate and constant reading of remaining battery power.
** i.LINK® Digital Video Interface - The i.LINK (IEEE 1394) DV interface enables high speed, bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two devices equipped with a compatible i.LINK DV interface, including camcorders, professional digital video recorders, and PCs.
** PictBridge™ Compatibility - Printing one or many images is easy with the HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder, which is PictBridge compatible. Connect the camcorder to a PictBridge-enabled printer, such as Sony's new PictureStation™ DPP-FP50, and printing is as simple as pressing the print button.
Optional accessories will include a full line of accessories, including custom cases, lights, lenses, microphones, Stamina® batteries, chargers and cables.
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For more information, visit:
www.sony.com
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