High Definition SonyHandycam

-- Digital camcorder with Exmor R CMOS sensor gives 2x increase insensitivity(*1) for brilliant low-noise images, even in low light

-- Premium Sony G Lens for class-leading optical performance

-- Longest ever Full HD shooting time (up to 101 hrs) on 240GB HDD(XR520VE)

-- Sony camcorder containing Optical SteadyShot with new 'Active' modegives up to ten times improved anti-shake performance

-- GPS enhances your memories with geotagging and map display

Standard Definition Sony Handycam

-- Light, easy to carry new Memory Stick models in eye-catching colours

-- Highest-ever 60x optical zoom

-- Fastest ever Quick start for near-instant shooting from standby

This season's new SonyHandycam range is bursting with smart technology for incredible Full HDpicture quality plus fun new shooting and playback features. Superblystyled and easy to use, it's your passport to breathtaking images in anysituation -- from fun-filled holidays, parties and days out to preciousfamily moments.

New High Definition Sony Handycam range; longest ever record time,best-ever pictures

The Spring '09 Sony camcorder line-up is headed up by seven compact newHigh Definition models. Boasting best-ever picture quality and intelligentshooting features, the digital camcorder hard disk drive (HDD) models arejoined by colourful new Memory Stick models that offer amazing value.

The new Sony Handycam models set a new standard for extra-long recordtimes, letting you capture more of your favourite memories. The flagshipHDR-XR520VE digital camcorder can store 101 hours of sparkling HD video onits massive 240GB hard disk drive. That's an incredible two hours ofrecording time every weekend for a whole year without hitting 'delete'.

The range-topping AVCHD HDD digital camcorder models (XR520VE/500VE) nowfeature a super-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor. This groundbreaking imagerincreases sensitivity by approximately 2x compared with conventionalmodels. Significantly reducing image noise, the new sensor ensuresbrilliant picture quality, even when you're shooting in low light. Alsomaking its debut on top models is Sony's new high-quality G Lens that'sperfectly tailored to complement the resolving power of the Exmor R sensor.

New 'Active Mode' on Optical SteadyShot for top-end ACVHD HDD modelsdramatically reduces camera shake for more stable images, even when you'rewalking along as you shoot. Anti-shake performance is improved by up to tentimes at wide-angle settings compared with previous-generation Sony Handycam models.

Fun, easy-to-use shooting features

If you're looking for a real sense of place, automatic geotagging by GPSmakes its Sony Handycam debut. Selected HD models (XR520VE/500VE/200VE)include a sensitive GPS receiver inside the camcorder that tracks yourposition anywhere on earth where there's satellite coverage. Videos andstill images are automatically matched with location data as you travel.After shooting, Map Index shows where each clip was shot as 'map pins' onthe LCD screen(*2). Just touch an on-screen thumbnail image to select aclip from the map and enjoy a world of memories. Online map views can alsobe enjoyed on your PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser software.

With the new Sony Handycam you're even less likely to miss those amazingmoments when they happen. All models now feature Quick Start-up; flippingopen the LCD takes you from standby mode to ready-to-shoot in less than asecond -- three times faster that previous models and very low powerconsumption during standby mode.

Ever wished you had a camera handy while you're shooting video? Aftermaking its debut on Cyber-shot, Smile Shutter now comes to all HD Sony Handycam modelsfor the first time. Working with Face Detection, Smile Shutterautomatically grabs beautifully-exposed, smiling still portraits of friendsand family while you're recording video. It's a great way to capture happyfaces without disturbing your concentration.

All HD models now also feature Auto Backlight Correction for evenly-exposedhigh and low-lights. Exposure and D-Range Optimiser settings are adjustedautomatically for great results, even with challenging scenes like faces inthe foreground backed by strong sunlight.

After shooting, Sony Handycam gives you even more ways to enjoy yourmemories. Don't fancy editing all that footage? This new Sony camcorderdoes the hard work for you. Highlight Playback automatically picksstand-out shots from a chosen range of dates, favouring 'Dual REC' stillscaptured during video shooting and images with smiling faces. The SonyHandycam automatically splices together selected footage and stills. Italso adds pre-set scene transitions plus background music, either from apre-installed tune or your own choice of imported track. It's a fun, easyway to show off your favourite moments -- with no need for a PC or videoediting skills.

New Standard Definition Sony Handycam range; now with highest-ever 60x zoom

Complementary the HD range is a line-up of nine brilliantly affordableStandard Definition models in a choice of Memory Stick, hard disk or DVDformats. Shooting onto convenient internal flash memory or removable MemoryStick media, all-new SX Series models (DCR-SX30/50) stand out from thecrowd with a choice of bold colour finishes. In a Sony Handycam first,entry-level SD models in all formats now feature a highest-ever 60x opticalzoom range to pull distant objects closer still. Other highlights includequick start-up and SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer video andstills.

Get more with accessories for Sony Handycam

There's a full range of Sony Handycam accessories by Sony that give youeven more -- from stylish, colour co-ordinated carry cases to sparebatteries that boost shooting time when you're out and about.

A perfect match for the convenience of Sony Handycam is the compact newVRD-P1 DVDirect Express. Connecting via USB to '09 Standard Definition HDDand Memory Stick Sony Handycam models, DVDirect Express can fill a blankDVD with camcorder footage in as little as 20 minutes. (NB: depends onrecord mode and number of scenes). It also remembers the last time you'veburned onto DVD, creating discs only with new footage that hasn'tpreviously been archived.

The new Sony Handycam range of High Definition and Standard Definitioncamcorders will be available from February 2009.

(*1) Approx. increase when the model with Exmor R CMOS sensor is comparedto our conventional model

(*2) Map coverage does not cover all world regions (Russia and Turkey arenot covered)

2009 Sony Handycam New Line-up Featured Models HDR- HDR- HDR- HDR- DCR- DCR- DCR- XR520VE XR200VE XR105E CX105E SR37E SX30E DVD150E -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Movie format High High High High Standard Standard Standard Definit- Definit- Definit- Definit- Definit- Definit- Definit- ion, ion, ion, ion, ion, ion, ion, AVCHD / AVCHD / AVCHD / AVCHD / MPEG2 MPEG2 DVD-video Standard Standard Standard Standard / DVD-VR Definit- Definit- Definit- Definit- / DVD+RW ion, MP- ion, MP- ion, MP- ion, MP- Video / EG2 EG2 EG2 EG2 MPEG2 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Recording 8cm media 8GB 4GB DVD-R/- 240GB Internal Internal RW/+RW/ HDD 80GB HDD 80GB HDD memory, 60GB HDD Memory, +RDL, Memory Memory Memory Memory Memory Memory Memory Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick Stick -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Image Device 1/2.9" 1/5.0" 1/5.0" 1/5.0" 1/8.0" 1/8.0" 1/8.0" Exmor R Exmor Exmor Exmor CCD CCD CCD CMOS CMOS CMOS C MOS Sensor Sensor Sensor Sensor -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Number of Gross: Gross: Gross: Gross: Gross: Gross: Gross: MegaPixels 6631 2360 2360 2360 800 800 800 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Processor BIONZ BIONZ BIONZ BIONZ - - - -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Lens Carl Carl Carl Carl Carl Carl Zeiss Zeiss Zeiss Zeiss Zeiss Zeiss Sony Vario- Vario- Vario- Vario- Vario- Vario- G Lens Sonnar T* Tessar Tessar Tessar Tessar Tessar -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 12x 15x 10x 10x 60x 60x 60xZoom Optical Optical Optical Optical Optical Optical Optical -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------SteadyShot Optical, Optical, Active Active Electro- Electro- Electro- Electro- Electro- Mode Mode nic nic nic nic nic -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Audio System Dolby Dolby Dolby Dolby Dolby Dolby Dolby Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital Digital 5.1ch 5.1ch 5.1ch 5.1ch 2ch 2ch 2ch -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------AutomaticGeotagging by GPS Yes Yes No No No No No -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Face Detection Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Smile Shutter Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 2.7" 3.2"Xtra 2.7"Cle- 2.7"Cle- Clear Fine LCD ar Photo ar Photo Photo 2.7" LCD 2.7" LCD 2.7" LCDLCD Type plus LCD plus LCD plus LCD plus Screen Screen Screen -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Body Weight *without Battery 500g 330g 330g 280g 300g 240g 390g -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------Colours Black Black Black Black/ Silver Silver/ Silver Silver/ Blue/ Red Red -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------

NOTES TO EDITORS

Environmental Info

Sony is engaged in a constant review of its manufacturing, operational andbusiness practices to ensure that its products are developed in anenvironmentally responsible way. This approach can broadly be divided intothree areas:

Product

Halogenated materials can pose a risk to the environment if disposed ofimproperly. To minimize this risk,halogen-free flame retardants are used for certain printed circuit boards.

Process

The extended user manual is provided electronically on CD-ROM to reducepaper use.

Product packaging is made from 100% recycled paper to reduce the impact onthe environment. VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) -- free vegetable oilbased ink is used to print the carton.

Planet

Sony is determined to lead the way as a responsible manufacturer, and as aresult we are focussing on two key areas of investment:

1. Reducing CO2 gas emissions

2. Increasing the percentage of renewable energy used in manufacturingfacilities

About Sony:

Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technologyproducts for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music,pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be oneof the world's leading digital entertainment brands. Sony recordedconsolidated global annual sales of EUR 55.44 billion (yen 8,871 billion)for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, based on an average marketexchange rate for the same period of yen 160.0 to the EUR. It employsapproximately 180,500 people worldwide.

In Europe, the Sony Group recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 12.73billion (yen 2,328 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. SonyEurope, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, isresponsible for the company's European electronics business and registeredconsolidated sales of EUR 9.55 billion for the same period.

For more information on Sony Europe, please visithttp://www.sony-europe.com andhttp://www.sony-europe.com/presscenter

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=900263

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine