Sony Announces New Digicams & Camcorders

March 8, 2006: Sony has released details of six digital still cameras and seven digital camcorders that will go on sale in Australia in the next few months.
Due for release in April are the DSC-H5 (RRP $949) and DSC-H2 (RRP $749) models, which feature a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 12x optical zoom lens (36-432mm equivalent in 35mm format) plus Super Steady Shot stabilisation. Both models have 5.34 x 4.01 mm CCD sensors, the H5 model with 7.2-megapixels, while the H2 has 6-megapixels. The H5 model also features a larger 3.0-inch LCD screen, while the H2 has a 2.0-inch display. Designed to appeal to photo enthusiasts, these models offer a full range of user controls and include a new High Sensitivity Mode that delivers better results with high (up to 1000) ISO settings.
Both models feature Sony’s Real Imaging Processor circuitry and both offer five colour mode selections, along with MPEG Movie VX Fine video for recording high-quality movies with sound. A new on-screen Function Guide provides a brief description of camera settings as they are selected and One-touch Playback provides instant access to playback mode while shooting. Each model comes with 32 MB of internal memory plus a high-capacity lithium-ion battery that supplies power for up to 400 shots per charge.
Four new models will be added to Sony’s W series of snapshot digicams. The DSC-W30 (RRP $429) and DSC-W 50 (RRP $499) are due this month, both offering 6-megapixel resolution and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens. The W30 has a 2-inch LCD and comes in sky blue, white or silver, while the W50 has a 2.5-inch display and comes in silver or black.

Due out in April is the 8.1-megapixel DSC-W100 (RRP $699), which is similar to the W50 but with higher resolution. The 7.2-megapixel DCSC-W70 (RRP $599) is scheduled for release in May. Both these models will be offered in silver or textured black. All w-series models have 32MB of internal memory and provide a special 16:9 format shooting mode for image playback on widescreen TV. They also come with a High Sensitivity Mode, Clear RAW noise reduction, Menu Guidance and one-touch Image Brightness button for easy adjustment of image brightness.
Sony’s new camcorder line-up includes five DVD Handycam models, the DCR-DVD905 (RRP $1899), which is due out in May, the DVD805 (RRP $1499), DVD755 (RRP $1299), DVD705 ($1099) and DVD605 (RRP $949), which go on sale in April. Four of the new models offer 16:9 format shooting and three include Dolby Digital 5.1 Channel Surround Sound recording. All models include touch screen control systems, with a new moving thumbnails function making it easier for users to identify clips. The DVD905 model includes a 4-megapixel sensor for high-quality stills plus a new Smooth Slow Recording function for capturing fast action.

Sony will also release its first HDD camcorder, the DCR-S100, in May. Fitted with a 30 GB hard disk drive, this model eliminates the need for tapes or discs and can record more than seven hours of DVD quality video in memory. It also captures 5.1 Channel Surround Sound recording via the on-board Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator. The S100 has a 3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD sensor that provides video with up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution plus a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens for high-quality video and stills.
Also scheduled for release in May is the HDR-HC3 HDV 1080i Handycam, the world’s smallest and lightest HDV (high-definition video) camcorder, which combines advanced features with an affordable price tag of $2299. Weighing only 500 grams, the HC3 has a 2.7-inch touch panel SwivelScreen LCD and professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 10x optical zoom.
Full details of all products can be found at www.sony.com.au. For stockist information, phone 1300 720 071.