DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Sony Introduces New DVD and Mini DV Camcorders

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 7, 2007 -- Sony has a camcorder to match your personal video-making style with its new line of DVD and Mini DV tape Handycam® camcorders.

"Our new models feature enhancements and sophisticated technologies across the line to deliver benefits to satisfy the varying recording, sharing and archiving needs of different customers, depending on their preferences," said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics.

Double the Recording Time and Double the Fun with DVD
Sony is introducing four new DVD camcorders for busy people who can appreciate the advantages of recording directly to disc, easy playback on DVD players, effortless sharing of home movies on a disc, and instant archiving of video footage.

In addition to –R/-RW/+RW disc compatibility, all models are newly-compatible with three-inch, +R dual layer discs. A standard, three-inch DVD with 2.66 GB dual layer capacity can nearly double the camcorders' recording times. Now users can continuously record close to two hours of DVD footage, depending on the recording mode.

The new DCR-DVD508 model is at the top of the DVD camcorder line, designed to appeal to those who prefer the convenience of having one imaging device. This model features Sony's three-megapixel ClearVid™ CMOS sensor technology and Enhanced Imaging Processor, which produces vibrant, detailed video as well as six-megapixel digital still photos.

Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization further enhances this model's hybrid capabilities, producing clear, blur-free photos and smooth, crisp video.

The CMOS technology also powers the DCR-DVD508 camcorder's dual record function so you can shoot video and, at the same time, snap a smaller 4.6-megapixel digital still. With the smooth slow record function, you can create slow motion video by playing back short video clips at 240 frames per second. And this year's newly added voice memo feature lets you can playback those clips with audio recordings.

More of What You're Looking for in a Camcorder
With built-in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound, all the new DVD camcorders can provide an at-home cinematic experience. These models are compatible with Sony's ECM-HW1 Bluetooth® wireless microphone, which amplifies the center channel sound in the camcorders' surround sound system and lets you wirelessly capture audio up to 100 feet away.

The DCR-DVD108 model's ultra-versatile 40x optical zoom can fill the frame with distant subjects with minimal loss of picture quality. Another benefit of this powerful lens is a wider image [36 mm], which help include everyone in group portraits.

A Memory Stick Duo™ flash memory card slot has been incorporated into all three DVD models to facilitate easier management of photo and video libraries. And they all feature a USB jack for effortless connection and transfer of video footage to a PC for editing and storing.

Exceptional Performance on the Digital Tape Front
With such a wide variety of DV editing software in the marketplace, serious video editors are drawn to mini DV tape camcorders. Sony is introducing three tape-based models with feature sets to suit beginners and advanced camcorder users.

The top-of-the-line DCR-HC48 model features one-megapixel digital still photo capture, a 25x optical zoom, a wide 16:9 aspect ratio LCD screen, a new on-screen usage guide, and a supplied Handycam Station for a quick, one-time connection to a TV, PC or printer.

Meanwhile, the new DCR-HC38 camcorder has a powerful 40x optical zoom and wide viewing angle, and an on-screen usage guide that explains the menu functions.

All of the new mini DV models deliver a combination of Carl Zeiss optics, Sony's high-resolution CCD imaging technology, and long battery life. For instance, the DCR-HC28 unit can record up to 14 hours with an optional FH100 battery, which is compatible with all of Sony's 2007 camcorders and backwards compatible with select 2006 models.

Pricing & Availability
Sony's DCR-DVD508 and 408 models will be available in March for about $900 and $700, respectively. The DCR-DVD308 and 108 camcorders will ship in February for about $500 and $400, respectively. The DCR-HC48, 38, and 28 will also be available in February for about $400, $330, and $280, respectively.