Sony Unveils Ultra-Compact HD Camcorder

June 19, 2007: Sony’s latest high-definition (HD) camcorder, the HDR-CX7K, claims to be the world’s lightest and most compact in the HD camcorder category.
Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, the HDR-CX7K has a Carl Ziess Vario-Sonnar 10x optical zoom lens and is the first model to record high definition video clips to Memory Stick media using the AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) recording format. AVC’s greater compression efficiency (when compared with the MPEG-2 codec used in HDV camcorders) allows AVCHD camcorders to capture the same amount of video using less storage. The 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo card included with the CX7Kcan accommodate almost 1.5 hours of full HD 1080i footage.

The use of flash memory storage has enabled the new camcorder to be much smaller than current models. Body weight of the CX7K is only 450 grams and the device measures 6.9 x 6.7 x 13.1 cm with battery attached. Power consumption has also been reduced and the new camcorder ‘s ClearVid CMOS sensor and Enhanced Imaging Processor allows both videos and 4.6 mega-pixel still images to be captured concurrently. The CX7K also captures 6.1 mega-pixel images in still image mode.
Other features include Sony’s Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation technology, Smooth Slow recording for slow-motion recording and enhanced browsing functions. A new ‘Face Index’ function uses face detection technology to simplify searches for ‘people pictures’. Scenes containing faces appear as thumbnail images that can be selected on the touchscreen. The ‘Film Roll Index’ function automatically divides footage into chapters that are easily accessible thumbnails, enabling scenes to be tracked down quickly on the camcorder’s touch-screen.
Video clips can also be played back directly on devices with Memory Stick slots, including PlayStation 3 games machines, Bravia HD TV sets and selected Vaio notebook PCs. The CX7K also has an easy one-touch “Disc Burn” function in the bundled Handycam Station for transferring videos directly to an AVCHD disc or DVD. For extra security, the Easy PC Back-up function backs up new videos in the PC’s hard drive automatically. With the supplied Picture Motion Browser software installed, users can extract still images of up to three mega-pixels from video content, edit videos and save them on an AVCHD disc or DVD.
The HDR-CX7K is scheduled for release next month at an RRP of $2,099. For product information, visit www.sony.com.au. Stockist details can be obtained by phoning 1300 720 071.