LAS VEGAS (CES, Booth #14200), Jan. 4, 2006 - Sony is taking the lead in bringing the focus on audio performance to the camcorder market with its new 2006 Handycam models.
Leading the pack are two high-end DVD models and Sony's first hard disk
drive camcorder. All models feature built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel
surround sound and a unique center-channel microphone capability.
"Nothing preserves memories better than moving images with sound," said
Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics. "We
are offering new enhancements to both audio and video performance in
our 2006 product line."
Hearing Is Believing
Now when you record your child's lead performance in
cinematic surround sound, you can be sure that his or her voice will
stand out clearly in the troupe.
The new DCR-DVD505 and DCR-DVD405 DVD Handycam models support an
optional wireless microphone that can be clipped to your subject while
shooting. The microphone then amplifies the center channel sound in the
camcorder's Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound system.
Thanks to Bluetooth technology, voices and sounds can be recorded wirelessly at distances up to 100 feet.
In addition to audio enhancements, Sony is bringing new ClearVID
CMOS sensor technology to the DCR-DVD505 model. The layout of this new
sensor is engineered to increase the number of recorded green pixels in
order to boost image resolution and better enable the human eye to
distinguish precise detail.
Combined with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor,
ClearVID CMOS technology offers a host of user benefits. For instance,
the camcorder not only records stunning video but also four-megapixel
still images. Its Dual Record function allows users to shoot video and
capture a three-megapixel still image simultaneously.
Other benefits from the CMOS technology include the smooth slow record
function that allows you to view scenes in slow motion. Three seconds
of video are played back in 12 seconds - ideal for analyzing your golf swing or tennis back-hand.
The DCR-DVD505 model stands out from the camcorder crowd thanks to its two-megapixel ClearVID CMOS sensor, compact body design, and wide 3.5" touch panel SwivelScreen LCD with Clear Photo Plus technology for brighter images with high-contrast that are easy to view in virtually any environment.
In total, Sony is introducing five new DVD Handycam
camcorders. Across the DVD line, you find Carl Zeiss optics for
exceptional video quality, improved menu functions and access controls
for greater ease of use, and enhanced digital still functionality.
Most models record digital still images in ratios of 4:3 and 16:9, perfect for slide shows on widescreen TVs. A Memory Stick Duo
slot has been incorporated into select models so that images can be
transferred easily from DVD disks to memory cards and vice versa. And
with higher still image capability on these new models, PictBridge
technology has been integrated for seamless PC-free printing.
Handycam Family Grows With Three-Megapixel Hard Disk Drive Camcorder
The latest addition to the Handycam camcorder line is
the hard disk drive-based DCR-SR100 model. It offers long record times
and seamless PC connectivity.
Unlike other camcorders in its class, the DCR-SR100 unit features
built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and supports Sony's new
optional center-channel Bluetooth microphone for a cinematic sound
experience.
The model also sports a three-megapixel Advanced
HAD CCD imager and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for excellent image
clarity and color resolution. It records on a 30GB hard disk drive,
which eliminates the need for tapes or discs. You can record up to
seven hours of DVD movie-quality video or more than
21 hours in long play mode. Users will also enjoy the camcorder's
three-megapixel still capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, built-in
flash, and wide 2.7-inch SwivelScreen LCD display.
For additional reliability, the DCR-SR100 model has a sophisticated
back-up protection. The camcorder has physical shock absorbers to
protect the hard disk drive. It incorporates G-sensor shock protection which safeguards internal mechanisms to help prevent data loss.
Sony is also adding in-box PC applications to back up your video
memories on DVD. For example, a DVD burn button on the model transfers
video to a PC and automatically creates
a DVD, with the entire process taking about 30 minutes for a full hour
of high-resolution video. It also comes with DVD authoring software to
edit footage.
High Quality Video On Any Budget
On the digital tape front, four new MiniDV models aim to please
cost-conscious video enthusiasts with prices beginning at about $350.
All the MiniDV models deliver a powerful combination of precise image
detail and vivid color reproduction thanks to Carl Zeiss optics and
Sony's high-resolution CCD imaging technology. They feature top-side
tape loading so it's effortless to replace tapes while shooting from a
tripod, and wide LCD screens on select models to address the growing
demand for 16:9 video. The high-end MiniDV models, the DCR-HC96 and
DCR-HC46, are supplied with Handycam Station cradle, a tabletop cradle
that charges the camcorders and connects them conveniently to a PC or
television.
The top-of-the-line DCR-HC96 model offers advanced performance with its three-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
to capture vivid video and three-megapixel still images in both 16:9
and 4:3 aspect ratios. The camcorder is equipped with a wide 2.7-inch
Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD screen, built-in flash, an intelligent accessory shoe, and Memory Stick Duo media slot.
Sony's new DVD camcorder models:
DCR-DVD105 provides the benefits of recording video directly to -R/-RW/+RW DVD media. 680K-pixel Advanced HAD CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, 2.5-inch hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD, and color viewfinder. Available in February for about $500.
DCR-DVD205 includes the above-mentioned features and adds a one-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, one-megapixel digital still images, 2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch panel SwivelScreen LCD, and digital still image capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. Available in February for about $600.
DCR-DVD305 has the above-mentioned features and adds Dolby
Digital 5.1 surround sound capability. Supplied with a Dolby Digital
5.1 channel surround sound microphone, USB 2.0, and Memory Stick Duo
media slot. Available in February for about $700.
DCR-DVD405 features
the above and adds built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and
supports an optional Bluetooth microphone for enhanced center channel
sound. Three-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, three-megapixel digital stills, built-in flash, and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Available in February for about $900.
DCR-DVD505 has the above-mentioned capability and adds a two-megapixel ClearVID CMOS sensor, four-megapixel digital stills, a 3.5-inch wide (16:9) touch panel SwivelScreen LCD, a dual record function to
capture video and three-megapixel stills simultaneously, and smooth
slow record function for slow motion video. Available in March for
about $1,100.
Sony's new Hard Disk Drive camcorder:
DCR-SR100 has
30GB hard disk drive storage and built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround
sound. Supports an optional Bluetooth microphone for enhanced center
channel sound. Three-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, three-megapixel, digital still capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, built-in flash, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, 2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch panel SwivelScreen LCD, and supplied DVD burning software. Available in May for about $1,100.
Sony's new MiniDV camcorder models:
DCR-HC26 features a 680K-pixel Advanced HAD CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, 2.5-inch hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD, and color viewfinder. Available in February for only about $350.
DCR-HC46 includes the above-mentioned features and adds a one-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, one-megapixel stills, 2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch panel SwivelScreen LCD, and supplied Handycam Station cradle. Available in February for about $500.
DCR-HC96 offers the above plus a three-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, three-megapixel stills, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens, digital still image capture in 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, and built-in flash. Available in February for about $800.
Source: Sony Press Release
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