SONY's Next-gen Image Stabilization

Sony unveils new family of Handycams: HDR CX760V/B steadies your hand with balanced image stabilization (hands-on)
By Mat Smith  posted Jan 9th 2012 8:00PM

Hands-On

We hope you're in the market for a camcorder, because Sony's cranked out a pile of new models to capture your favorite moving moments of 2012. We were particularly taken with the HDR CX760V/B Handycam. Its Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature moves the entire optical block, which significantly helped to maintain image stability during our hands-on. There's ample storage, with 96GB already baked in, while, like the rest of Sony's Handycam range there's also a back-lit Exmor R sensor.

The HDR XR260V/B manages full HD video capture, 8.9 megapixel stills, optical image stabilization, a wide-angle G lens capable of 30x optical zoom. Storage is provided by a 160GB hard drive. Other models arrives with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar and a 2.7-inch touchscreen, available in both 8GB (CX210/B) and flash storage-only (CX200/B) models. The CX190/B follows the same vein, although it's limited to manual controls.

The TD20V/S packs two sensors able to record high-definition 3D content at 1920 x 1080, or 24.1 megapixel stills. The 3D lens can also manage 10x optical, while there's a built-in glasses-free 3D display to showcase your content immediately. 64GB should ensure there's plenty of space for the data-hungry content.

The PJ760V/B (96GB) and PJ710V/B (32GB) forgoes the 3D bells and whistles in favor of a built-in projector. There's balanced optical steady shot and a wide-angle Carl Zeiss Lens. The projector itself is capable of expanding your content up to 100 inches. Sound quality is cared for by a 5.1 surround mic. The PJ580V/B (32GB), PJ260V/B (16GB) and the removable storage-only PJ200V/B lists similar specs, but carries the more standard optical stabilization. Prices aren't yet announced, but expect the family to arrive before the end of the summer.

Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Sony Intros Bloggie Live, Bloggie Sport Pocket Cams To Combat Camera Phones

from TechCrunch by Jordan Crook

Now that most of our smartphones can take crisp images and stunning video, the digital imaging sector is having a tough time holding on to its market share. Still, a few players are up for the challenge, including Sony which has today announced the latest in its line of Bloggie pocket cams: Bloggie Live and Bloggie Sport.

Bloggie Live is all about what’s happening right now, as it’s able to shoot video and broadcast it live to another device courtesy of the Qik platform. All videos taken with Bloggie Live are in 1080p, and are uploaded in the mp4 format so you can share quickly to Facebook and YouTube. Speaking of, Bloggie Live has built-in WiFi so whenever you’re connected to a network, you’ll be able to share directly to your favorite platforms without plugging anything in. On the still images front, Bloggie Live still has your smartphone beat with a 12.8 megapixel sensor.

Bloggie Live sports a 3-inch touchscreen, along with a flip-out USB arm for charging/uploading, 8GB of memory, and an HDMI-out port. Sony’s also loaded this little guy up with some software including its PlayMemories online platform, which lets you view pictures and videos from your iOS or Android devices once you’ve downloaded the PlayMemories mobile app.

Then there’s the Bloggie Sport, Bloggie Live’s ruggedized little brother. It still shoots in 1080p and has a 4x digital zoom like the premium model, but Sony opted to offer this guy with 4GB of memory instead of 8GB, bringing its video shooting time down to two hours instead of three. Still images will be 5MP instead of 12MP, and the LCD touchscreen has been reduced from 3-inches to 2.7.

However, there is some added functionality there, including the ability to take this thing 16 feet under water (with full touchscreen control). Bloggie Sport is also shock resistant. It’s got a rubberized finish, and has special locks to prevent any seepage on that flip-out USB arm. Like the Bloggie Live, you’ll also find an LED light on the back to help with low-light shots.

Bloggie Live will hit shelves today and has an MSRP of $249, while the Bloggie Sport won’t be available until mid- to late February for $179.