Sony Unveils World's Smallest and Lightest HD Consumer Camcorder

SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2005 - Sony today announced the world's smallest and lightest high definition consumer camcorder with full HD resolution based on HDV 1080i.

The ultra-compact HDR-HC1 Handycam® camcorder fits comfortably in your hand, while delivering high-definition picture quality and lighting detail on both video and digital still images.

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.

"As HDTV becomes more pervasive in American households, it is a natural progression to want to create personal content in high definition," said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics. "This introduction is a key step in bringing high-definition video recording to a broad cross-section of consumers. For about $2,000, there is now an easy-to-use solution."

Powerful and Compact
High definition recording requires fast image processing speeds to ensure a clear, detailed picture, with virtually no loss of picture data. The new 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 packs in a Carl Zeiss ® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens, which further enhances 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 this little wonder'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.

"We've creatively merged technology and design to achieve the ultimate in miniaturization for this product," Vuolo noted. "The result is not just an elegant-looking product, but also a full-featured HD camcorder that is easy to handle and enjoy."

High Definition Has Never Been Easier
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. It is one of few camcorders, in fact, the only HD one, that allows you to record high-definition video and take a 1-megapixel digital still image at the same time.

A Camcorder Bragging Rights
The HDR-HC1 offers a full complement 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.

The 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 interesting cinematic effects.

You can also record your own high definition video in total darkness with Sony's Super NightShot® Plus Infrared System, which adds the greatest amount of range and detail to your images in low- to no-light conditions.

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.

The HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder will be available in July. Optional accessories will include a full line of accessories, including custom cases, lights, lenses, microphones, Stamina® batteries, chargers and cables.