Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading supplier
of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today unveiled
its 2006 Handycam camcorder models, products featuring unrivalled audio
performance and providing consumers with an unprecedented choice of formats,
including DVD, tape and hard disk drive-based versions.
Leading the pack are two high-end DVD models and Sony’s first hard disk
drive camcorder. All of these models feature built-in Dolby Digital 5.1
channel surround sound and a unique centre-channel microphone capability.
“Nothing preserves memories better than moving images with sound,” said
Samuel Yip, Product Manager, Handycam Camcorder, Consumer Audio
Visual/Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “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,” added Mr. Yip.
New DVD Handycam camcorder models
The new Sony DVD Handycam DCR-DVD505 and DCR-DVD405 models support an
optional wireless microphone that can be clipped to a subject while shooting.
The microphone then amplifies the centre 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 (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor technology
to the Handycam DCR-DVD505 model. Combined with Sony’s Enhanced Imaging
Processor(R), ClearVID CMOS technology offers a host of user benefits. The DVD
Handycam DCR-DVD505 delivers a wide dynamic range for outstanding picture
quality with better lighting details. Also, the camcorder not only records
stunning video but also 4-megapixel still images. Its Dual Record function
allows users to shoot video and capture a 3-megapixel still image
simultaneously.
Other benefits from the CMOS technology include the smooth slow record
function that allows users to view scenes in slow motion. Three seconds of
video are played back in 12 seconds — ideal for analyzing a golf swing or
tennis back-hand.
The DVD Handycam DCR-DVD505 model stands out from other camcorders thanks
to its ClearVID CMOS sensor, compact body design, and wide 3.5″ touch panel
SwivelScreen LCD (liquid crystal display) 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, Carl Zeiss optics are featured 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 personal computer-free printing.
New Hard Disk Drive Handycam camcorder model
The latest addition to Sony’s marketshare-leading Handycam camcorder line
is the hard disk drive-based DCR-SR100 model. It offers long record times and
seamless personal computer connectivity.
Unlike other camcorders in its class, the Handycam DCR-SR100 model
features built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and supports Sony’s new
optional centre-channel Bluetooth microphone for a cinematic sound experience.
The model also sports a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD (charge coupled
device) imager and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens for excellent image
clarity and colour resolution. It records on a 30 GB (gigabyte) hard disk
drive, which eliminates the need for tapes or discs. Users 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 3-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 Handycam 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 video memories on
DVD. For example, a DVD burn button on the model allows direct transfer of
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.
New MiniDV Handycam camcorder models
On the digital tape front, four new MiniDV Handycam models aim to please
cost-conscious video enthusiasts, with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices
beginning at $449.99.
All the MiniDV Handycam models deliver a powerful combination of precise
image detail and vivid colour 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 Handycam DCR-HC96 and DCR-HC46 models 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 MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC96 model offers advanced
performance with its 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager and Carl Zeiss
Vario-Sonnar T lens to capture vivid video and 3-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:
– DVD Handycam DCR-DVD105 provides the benefits of recording
video directly to -R/-RW/+RW DVD media. 680K-pixel Advanced
HAD CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar(R) lens, 2.5-inch hybrid
SwivelScreen touch panel LCD, and colour viewfinder. It
is available in February at an MSRP of $649.99;
– DVD Handycam DCR-DVD205 includes the above-mentioned features
and adds a 1-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 1-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. It is available in February at an MSRP of $749.99;
– DVD Handycam 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. It is available in
February at an MSRP of $849.99;
– DVD Handycam 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. It
has a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 3-megapixel digital
stills, built-in flash and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens.
It is available in February at an MSRP of $1,099.99;
– DVD Handycam DCR-DVD505 has the above-mentioned capability
and adds a new ClearVID CMOS sensor, 4-megapixel digital
stills, a 3.5-inch wide (16:9) high contrast touch panel
SwivelScreen LCD with Clear Photo LCD Plus technology, a dual
record function to capture video and 3-megapixel stills
simultaneously, and smooth slow record function for slow
motion video. It is available in March at an MSRP of
$1,299.99;
– Hard Disk Drive Handycam DCR-SR100 has 30 GB hard disk drive
storage and built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. It has
a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 3-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. It
is available in May at an MSRP of $1,299.99;
– MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC26 features a 680K-pixel Advanced
HAD CCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, 2.5-inch hybrid
SwivelScreen touch panel LCD, and colour viewfinder. It is
available in February at an MSRP of $449.99;
– MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC36 has the above capability and adds a
Memory Stick Duo media slot and supplied remote. It is
available in February at an MSRP of $529.99;
– MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC46 includes the above-mentioned
features and adds a 1-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD, 1-megapixel
stills, 2.7-inch wide (16:9) touch panel SwivelScreen LCD,
and supplied Handycam Station cradle. It is available in
February at an MSRP of $649.99;
– MiniDV Handycam DCR-HC96 offers the above plus a 3-megapixel
Advanced HAD CCD, 3-megapixel stills, Carl Zeiss
Vario-Sonnar T(*) Lens, digital still image capture in
16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, and built-in flash. It is
available in February at an MSRP of $949.99.
