SONY's Handicam Technical Trends

Advanced Optics & Intelligent Features 

With sleek, compact designs and a refined level of optical performance, Sony continues to introduce best-in-class features that set Handycam camcorders apart from the competition.

The following new technologies will be integrated among select models in the lineup:

• Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization – controls the entire optical path as one floating unit to improve image stabilization by up to 13 times better than its predecessor (when both models are  in the standard mode)
• By Pixel Super Resolution – creating higher pixel count in still images by referencing hundreds of samples in database to generate pixels close to reality
• Closer Voice – Utilizing Face Detection, which detects people in a scene, and its advanced audio processing to suppress unwanted noise and capture human voices with maximum clarity
• Auto Wind Noise Reduction – iAUTO intelligently detects wind noise based on wind strength while employing a new algorithm to broaden the range of noise reduced 
• Extended Zoom – improved BIONZ processor for up to 20 percent more powerful digital zooming capability
• Built-in USB cable – convenient USB cable built into camcorder strap for easy content transfer and quick charge
• GPS w/ Enhanced NAVTEQ Maps – Built-in GPS for geotagging with embedded NAVTEQ Maps for detailed maps that will display street-level shooting locations

The following carry-forward technologies will be integrated across the entire lineup:

• Full HD Video – 1920 x 1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps, the highest bit-rate offered by the AVCHD™ format 
• Exmor R^® CMOS sensor – back-illuminated sensor for stunning low light performance
• Dual Record – allows for simultaneous capture of video and still images
• Large LCD – display for easy viewing and touch operation (except HDR-CX190)
• iAUTO – automatic selection of optimal camcorder settings in different environments
• Tracking Focus – extension of Face Detection to choose an object by touching LCD and have the focus follow selected object (except HDR-CX190)
• Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode – compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto in CX260V models and above
• Wide angle lens – offers a broader perspective to capture everything in the shot; 26.0mm in PJ/CX700V series, 26.8mm in PJ/CX580V and 29.8 mm for PJ/CX/XR260V models

High Definition Camcorder Portfolio

Sony continues to offer superior engineering in its HD models and is adding a new Entry HD camcorder segment at an attractive price with four models, a Step-Up HD category with three models, Mid HD options with two models, four High End HD models, and a Double Full HD 3D camcorder. 

Entry HD

·         HDR-CX190: Full HD, 5.3-megapixels, Exmor R^® CMOS sensor and 30x Extended Digital Zoom – about $300

·         HDR-CX200: With touch panel and HDMI^®cable – about $340

·         HDR-CX210: With 8GB flash memory – about $370 (in black, blue, red and silver)

·         HDR-PJ200: With built-in projector, large speakers (0GB) – about $440

Step-Up HD

·         HDR-CX260V: 16GB flash memory, 8.9-megapixels, wide angle 29.8mm, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, Closer Voice, Auto Wind Noise Reduction, 55x Extended Digital Zoom, and mic jack – about $550 (in black, white & Bordeaux brown)

·         HDR-XR260V: With 160GB hard disk drive memory – about $700

·         HDR-PJ260V: With built-in projector, stereo speaker and 5.1 ch mic – about $650

Mid HD

·         HDR-CX580V: 32 GB flash memory, 20.4-megapixels, wide angle 26.8mm, 3.0” XtraFine LCD™ display (921K), Cinema Tone (gamma/color) and Zebra/Peaking  – about $800

·         HDR-PJ580V: With built-in projector – about $900

High End HD

·         HDR-PJ710V: 32GB flash memory, 24.1-megapixels, wide angle 26.0mm, Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, 26.0mm Wide Carl Zeiss^® lens, and built-in projector  – about $1300

·         HDR-CX760V: With 96GB flash memory, 24.1-megapixels, and Electronic Viewfinder – about $1500

·         HDR-PJ760V: With built-in projector – about$1600 

Double Full HD 3D

·         HDR-TD20V: 64GB flash memory and 20.4-megapixels, with 3D/2D video capture – about $1500

Accessories

·         DP-CA1: portable speaker for 360-degree “Circle Sound Technology” – about $70

·         HVL-LE1: LED adopted Battery Video Light for more nuanced lighting – about $250

·         VCT-MP1: “multi-pod” for stable long-hour shooting – about $250