Sony’s New Digital Camcorders

June 3, 2005: Sony has unveiled new additions to its DVD Handycam and Handycam MiniDV line-ups, with top models offering 3-megapixel still image capture.
Four new models have been added to the DVD Handycam range, top model being the DCR-DVD803 (RRP $2199), which has a 3.3-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD sensor and
plus a built-in surround microphone. This and the DVD703 model (RRP $1599) feature 2.7-inch Wide LCD monitors and offer users a choice of standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 recording. The DVD703 supports still capture at 1.07 megapixels. The DVD653 (RRP $1399) and DVD602 (RRP $1199) are entry-level models with 2.5-inch Touch Panel Hybrid LCD monitors and Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 20x optical zoom lenses. All of the new models are compatible with the new Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator (included with the DVD803 model) and all can be used with both +R and -R DVD formats – including double-sided disks.
New models in the Handycam MiniDV line-up include the DCR-HC90, Sony’s first 3-megapixel MiniDV camcorder, and the compact DCR-HC42, DCR-HC32 and DCR-HC21 models. The DCR-HC90 (RRP $1799) and DCR-HC42 models feature a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 10x optical zoom lens and 2.7-inch SwivelScreen Hybrid LCD monitor. Both models provide widescreen recording and the HC90 supports three sound formats – four-channel stereo, wide-stereo and two-channel stereo. An accessory shoe is provided for add-on video lights and microphones.

The HC32 (RRP $1199) and HC21 (RRP $899) models have 20x optical zoom lenses and 2.5-inch SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD monitors. The HC32 and HC42 models come with a Handycam Station cradle that charges the camcorder battery and connects it to a PC or TV set for downloading or playing captured video footage. All four models feature Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilisation and all but the HC21 offer still image capture to Memory Stick Duo cards.
All models are available now from selected retailers. For more information visit www.sony.com.au or phone Sony on 1300 720 071.