tion, YouTube-friendly videos. Four high-definition models offer 1920×1080 HD video and up to 12MP still image capture, with the flagship HDR-XR520V offering 240GB hard drive that holds up to 101 hours of HD video and embedded GPS. Sony also announced three standard-definition camcorders that feature up to 60x optical zoom, recording to Memory Stick PRO Duo media, and up to 1MP still image recording. In addition, Sony announced several flashed-based HD camcorders, including the HDR-CX100, which offers face detection and Smile Shutter” technology. Two camcorders that record directly onto DVD disks are being introiduced, while at the low end two “Webbie HD” camcorders, being marketed to teens and Vloggers, capture and make it easy to upload MP4 videos as well as 5MP still photos to the web. Pricing ranges from $1,500 for the high-end models to as low as $170.
For details about all of the camcorders, read Sony’s press releases:
Sony Announces Four New High-Definition and Three Standard Definition Camcorders
Sony Adds Breakthrough Technologies to HD Camcorder Line
New Models Combine Exmor R CMOS sensor, Sony G Lens and BIONZ Processor For Unparalleled Imaging Quality
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200) – As a leader in the high-definition camcorder category, Sony is introducing four hard disk drive Handycam® camcorders with high-performance optics, large storage capacity and advanced technologies.
The HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100 camcorder models preserve content in high resolution with 1920×1080 high-definition video recording and up to 12-megapixel still image capture.
The flagship model includes a 240GB hard drive that holds up to 101 hours of HD video (LP mode), embedded GPS, a back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, and improved optical image stabilization.
“Sony will continue to lead the high-definition camcorder segment with our strong new lineup,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “These models represent Sony’s top of the line camcorders, delivering innovative features and advanced optics for unprecedented picture quality.”
High-Performance Optics
Offering a refined level of optical performance, the new Sony high definition camcorders combine an Exmor R CMOS sensor, the Sony G Lens and a BIONZ processor.
The HDR-XR520V and HDR-XR500V models are the first camcorders to use a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Because the wire circuitry is placed behind the sensor’s photo detectors, the camcorders provide stunning low light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity compared to Sony’s existing front-illuminated CMOS sensor at F2.0. This results in brilliant image clarity and reduced grain.
These two camcorders feature a Sony G lens that incorporates advanced optics and low-dispersion aspheric glass elements for accurate color production and sharp, detailed images. A six-blade iris produces circular “bokeh” defocus effects for creative shooting possibilities.
A high-speed BIONZ imaging processor handles massive amounts of high resolution data from the Exmor R CMOS sensor for quick response and extraordinary picture quality.
The models also have an improved Optical Steady Shot™ feature with Active Mode, which allows a moveable lens element to shift with a greater range of motion during camera shake. This results in dramatically smoother video footage and photos.
Large Storage Capacity
The HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100 camcorders offer extremely long recording times with hard drive capacity of 240GB, 120GB, 120GB and 80GB, respectively. In addition to a built-in hard drive, the models can also record content to optional Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.
Sony’s new 16GB PRO-HG Duo HX Memory Stick® media (model MS-HX16G) offers extremely quick data transfer rates with the ability to transfer approximately one hour of high definition video from the camcorder to the PC in about six minutes.
Sophisticated Technologies
Making it easy to retrace your steps by shooting location, the HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V camcorders feature a built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ® digital maps for video and photo geo-tagging. Geo-tagged content is marked by a push pin at each shot location and can be played back on the camcorder map index display or enjoyed on the PC using the included Picture Motion Browser software. The feature also highlights your current map location and automatically adjusts the camcorder clock to the proper time zone.
All new models feature Smile Shutter™ technology, which automatically detects faces and takes photos as your subject smiles, even while shooting HD video. In addition to Face Detection technology, the camcorders are packed with powerful features including Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording, a built-in zoom microphone and up to 3.2-inch wide (measured diagonally) touch-panel LCD screens.
Improved Post-Shooting Experience
Developed for viewing special moments on your television with family and friends, the Highlight Playback mode on the HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V models personalize your video footage by generating a video slideshow with theme transitions and background music. You can also add your own MP3 music files using the included software.
All models ship with the latest version of Picture Motion Browser software to easily view, organize, and upload images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites.
Standard Definition
Complementing these high-definition camcorders, Sony is updating its standard-definition, hard-drive line with three new models. They have up to 60X optical zoom, hybrid movie recording to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately), large built-in hard drives and 2.7-inch (measured diagonally) wide LCD touch panel screens. Additionally, the DCR-SR87 includes a 1-megapixel CCD imager and the DCR-SR47 model comes in three color variations (red, blue and silver).
The 80GB DCR-SR87, 80GB DCR-SR67 and 60GB DCR-SR47 camcorders work with Sony’s new DVDirect® Express DVD writer, model VRD-P1, offering a quick and easy way to transfer home videos directly to DVD without a computer. By attaching the DVDirect Express via its built-in USB cable to compatible Handycam camcorders, it can transfer video to DVD for playback on most home DVD players. The VRD-P1 unit will be available this month for about $150.
Availability
The HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100 will begin shipping in March for about $1500, $1300, $1000 and $750, respectively. The DCR-SR87, DCR-SR67 and DCR-SR47 will begin shipping in February for about $500, $450 and $400, respectively. The MS-HX16G 16GB Memory Stick® media card will ship in March for around $140.
Sony Spotlights New Flash-Based HD Camcorder with Intelligent Features in a Compact Design
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200) – Sony is making it easy to preserve memories in the best quality possible by introducing a flash memory-based high-definition camcorder with intelligent features, which is designed to fit within the family budget.
The HDR-CX100 Flash Memory Handycam® camcorder preserves your memories in high resolution by capturing 1920×1080 high-definition video and 4-megapixel photos. For around $600, the model also features intelligent Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology, 8GB of embedded memory (a portion of which is used for data management), and three color options (red, black and silver) — all in a compact design.
“The new HDR-CX100 camcorder makes it possible for every family to own an HD camcorder so they can capture important moments in the highest quality possible” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “Packed with several intelligent features in an extremely portable body, we expect this model to attract many camcorder customers into the high-definition category.”
The HDR-CX100 camcorder features Smile Shutter technology to capture candid smiling photos while simultaneously recording video. To make sure your family stays in focus at all times, Face Detection technology recognizes and enhances the face by automatically correcting focus, exposure and color control.
Ready to capture important family moments straight out of the box, the camcorder includes 8GB of embedded memory which holds over three hours of high definition video recording (LP mode). You can also capture content onto Memory Stick® PRO Duo media (sold separately) for additional recording time.
In addition to a high-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 10X optical zoom lens, the camcorder is packed with such incredible features as a built-in zoom microphone for recording clear dialogue and Steady Shot® image stabilization that reduces shake for smooth video and clear photos. The camcorder instantly powers on when you open the 2.7-inch (measured diagonally) Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen to make sure you capture the moment before it passes.
Sony is also introducing three standard-definition flash memory models offering up to 16GB embedded memory (a portion of which is used for data management), 60X optical zoom and 2.7-inch (measured diagonally) wide LCD touch panel screens. Taking advantage of the compact nature of flash memory, the new camcorders are highly portable with personalized color variations in red, blue and silver.
The 16GB DCR-SX60, 8GB DCR-SX41and 4GB DCR-SX40 camcorders will cost about $370, $300 and $270, respectively. The models will work with Sony’s new DVDirect® Express writer (model VRD-P1), which offers a quick and easy way to transfer home videos directly to DVD without a computer. The VRD-P1 DVD Express writer will be available this month for about $150.
Sony Announces Two New DVD Camcorders: DCR-DV850 and DCR-DVD650
Sony Enhances DVD Camcorder Line with Advanced Optics, More Embedded Memory, and Ease-Of-Use
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200) – Sony is updating its DVD Handycam® camcorder line today with two models that combine advanced optics with easy-to-use features.
The new DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 models offer high performance imaging optics for great-looking movies and photos using powerful Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lenses, 60X optical zoom, and 1/8-inch 680K-pixel CCD imagers.
“Our DVD Handycam camcorders make sharing memories with friends and family easy,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “You can record content to the media of your choice for easy playback on DVD players or other viewing devices that you use every day.”
Ideal for recording family moments, the models include 60X optical zoom to capture detailed shots even from far away. This is especially useful when recording graduation ceremonies, school plays, sporting events, wildlife and distant landmarks.
Flexible recording options make it easy to store content on several types of media, so you will never worry about running out of space. The DCR-DVD650 camcorder features hybrid recording on three-inch DVD discs and Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media cards, while the DCR-DVD850 camcorder offers Hybrid Plus recording with an additional 16GB of embedded memory (a portion of which is used for data management) for up to 11 additional hours of LP mode recording time.
The DCR-DVD850 camera includes a dubbing button to transfer content from the camcorder’s internal memory or Memory Stick® media to a three-inch DVD, without using a PC. It also has a built-in zoom microphone with Dolby® Digital 5.1 channel recording to capture realistic surround sound even when your subject is far away. Both models feature Steady Shot® image stabilization to reduce blur and a 2.7-inch wide (measured diagonally) LCD touch panel screen that instantly powers the device when opened.
The DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 camcorders will be in stores in February for about $430 and $300, respectively.
Sony Introduces New Low Cost “Webbie HD™” Cameras
Share Fun Moments Online
Two Stylish Devices Provide Quick Video and Photo Uploads to the Web
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200) – Social networking is all the rage with Sony’s new stylish cameras that make it easy to capture and upload MP4 video and still photos directly to the Web.
The MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 Webbie HD™ cameras capture daily events in high definition video (1440×1080/30p) and 5-megapixel still photos. Embedded software makes it possible to quickly upload content online in a few simple clicks. Two portable designs in three stylish colors—eggplant, orange and silver—reflect your personal style while capturing every wish-you-were-here moment.
“Webbie HD cameras are perfect for youth culture, who love to share moments on social networks as they happen,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “It’s exciting to see these new customers embracing video to share their experiences and we’ve expanded our camcorder line to meet their needs.”
The MHS-CM1 camera sports a slim horizontal design that fits naturally in your palm with a large 2.5-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that swivels up to 270 degrees. It also has 5X optical zoom to snap a detailed close-up of your subject.
The four-ounce MHS-PM1 camera is lightweight and can be taken virtually everywhere—just stash the vertical chassis in a pocket or purse to catch that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. A rotating swivel lens with 4X digital zoom flips over so you can see yourself while shooting video and taking photos.
By connecting the camera to your computer via the supplied USB cable, the embedded PMB Portable software quickly transfers content to video and photo sharing websites. It includes direct upload to Shutterfly™ and Picasa™ Web Albums photo sharing sites, YouTube™ and Dailymotion™ video sharing sites and Photobucket™ video and photo sharing site. You can also simply drag and drop video files from the camera to your personal computer folders.
Five scene selection modes—such as low light, sports and landscape— help you capture the best picture possible in any situation. Both cameras record directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately).
The MHS-CM1 camera is available today for about $200 and the MHS-PM1 model will be available in April for about $170.
