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Sony is taking the lead in bringing the focus on audio performance
to the camcorder market with its new 2006 Handycam(R) 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."
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(R)
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(R), 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(TM) LCD
with Clear Photo Plus(R) 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(TM) 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.
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(TM) 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(TM) 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.
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(TM)
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.
DCR-DVD105 provides the benefits of recording video directly
to -R/-RW/+RW DVD media. 680K-pixel Advanced HAD(TM) CCD,
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar(R) lens, 2.5-inch hybrid SwivelScreen(TM)
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(TM) 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-HC36 has the above capability and adds a Memory Stick
Duo media slot and supplied remote. Available in February
for about $400.
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. All models will be available online at Sonystyle.com/newcamcorders,
at Sony Style retail stores (http://www.sonystyle.com/retail),
and at authorized dealers nationwide.
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