Sony Unveils 13 Handycam Camcorders

March 17, 2008: Sony has expanded its Handycam camcorder range with the introduction of five new high definition and eight new standard definition models across five different recording formats.
Recording options provided on the 2008 line-up now include Hard Disk Drive, DVD Disc, Memory Stick and Mini DV Tape, with additional flash memory capabilities on DVD and HDD models for hybrid recording. The new high definition models deliver full 1920 x 1080 HD recording and up to 10.2 megapixel still images (with the HDRSR11 and HDRSR12 models). Three models in this range – the HDRSR10, HDRSR11 and HDRSR12 – record to hard disk drive, while the HDRUX20 records to an 8cm disk.
New models featuring face detection technology include the DCRSR220, HDRUX20, HDRSR10, HDRSR11 and HDRSR12. Capable of identifying up to eight faces in a scene, the face detection function can be used for both video and still shots. It will automatically allocate more pixels to detected faces during the AVCHD encoding process, optimising focus, exposure and colour for natural-looking skin tones, and when snapshots are taken, it will also provide flash control.

Sony’s face detection technology can identify up to eight faces.
The new camcorders feature ClearVid CMOS sensors with Exmor-derived technology plus the new BIONZ image processing engine. Using technologies derived from Sony’s professional camcorders and DSLR cameras, this allows them to deliver high resolution, high sensitivity and low noise for both movie and still image capture. D-Range Optimiser technology is also provided.
While the HDD models include the ability to record to Memory Stick, two step-up models, DCRDVD810 and HDRUX20, also incorporate an internal flash drive that supports more than three hours of standard definition recording. Both the Memory Stick and Internal Flash Memory recordings can then be immediately dubbed to DVD in-camera for instant playback or downloaded to a DVD disk.
Additional functions provided in the new range include a simple YouTube conversion feature for uploading clips to websites with user-generated content. The DCRHC52 model also includes facilities for converting files to a manageable size for sharing. All new models have a Zoom Microphone that automatically “zooms” the lens and microphone sensitivity at the same time. Other new additions are Film Roll Index and Face Index, which make finding scenes easier.

Face Index makes it easy to locate wanted clips.
Sony Handycam has partnered with Sony Creative Software to provide a bonus 30 day trial of Sony Vegas MovieStudio Platinum edition with all Hard Disk Drive and High Definition Handycam models in 2008, giving all new purchasers an out of box PC editing solution experience. Additionally, all 2008 Sony Handycam models are compatible with iMovie 08 for Mac users. For full product details ,visit www.sony.com.au.