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Sony Unveils Four Consumer HD Camcorders

Jan 19, 2007 8:37 PM

Four additions to Sony Electronics' consumer lineup of high-definition Handycam camcorders debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The new HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 AVCHD DVD models and HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 HDV tape camcorders feature Sony's ClearVid CMOS sensor technology. Developed for the processing needs of data-rich, high-definition video, this technology, along with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor circuitry, bring the advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity with low noise, and virtually smear-free pictures.

The top-of-the-line HDR-UX7 and HDR-HC7 models feature Sony's three-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, which produces exceptional 1080i HD video quality, as well as six-megapixel digital still photos. Combined with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization, these two camcorders have even more hybrid benefits. Such as the virtually blur-free results that a sensor-stabilized device can deliver with both digital stills and video.

The HDR-UX5 and HDR-HC7 models also deliver a powerful high-definition punch with their two-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensors that can also produce four-megapixel digital still photos.

All four new models exemplify the ClearVid benefits of smooth slow record and dual record modes. With the smooth slow record function, you can create slow-motion video by playing back short video clips at 240 frames per second. Newly added this year is a voice memo so that you can playback those clips with audio recordings.

Dual record mode is even more useful now that the HDR-UX7 and HDR-HC7 models can shoot video while simultaneously capturing a 4.6-megapixel digital still picture. The HDR-UX5 and HDR-HC5 models can produce a 2.3-megapixel photo in this mode.

The incorporation of x.v.Color technology is also new to the HD Handycam camcorder line in all four new models. Based on the new international xvYCC color standard, Sony x.v.Color supports a much wider data range of colors compared to the conventional sRGB standard.

According to the National Physical Laboratory in the U.K., this wider range is closer to colors that the human eye can recognize.

"X.v.Color-compatible camcorders and displays will have a huge impact on home moviemaking," said Linda Vuolo, director of camcorder products at Sony Electronics. "They will bring exquisite color reproduction to your home movies like you've never seen before."

Busy moms and dads without a lot of free time will appreciate that the HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 camcorders record directly to blank 3in. DVDs for playback, sharing and archiving. HD content recorded on DVDs can be played back on select Blu-ray Disc devices, including the Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc player and the PlayStation 3 video entertainment console, as well as on standard DVD drives on compatible PCs with the bundled software.

Vuolo expects that budding filmmakers and video editors will gravitate towards the HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 HDV 1080i models, which record onto standard MiniDV tapes and offer the most flexibility when choosing editing solutions from a wide range of software manufacturers.

All of the new models exhibit excellent low-light performance with a new auto slow shutter feature, which automatically reduces shutter speeds to 1/30 second (minimum) in order to capture brighter images. These camcorders can shoot clear, detailed video in dark environments as low as two lux.

They also feature Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* optics for exceptional video quality, high-resolution SwivelScreen LCD screens with Clear Photo LCD plus technology for superb contrast and accurate color reproduction, and an HDMI terminal for simple, one-cord connection to compatible HD televisions and displays.

The HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 models include built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround-sound recording for integration into home theater-equipped living rooms. The HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 tape models get even "handier" with the incorporation of new usage guides that give brief, on-screen explanations of selectable menu options.

In February, the HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 camcorders will be available for about $1,400 and $1,200, respectively. The HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 models will hit stores in March for about $1,300 and $1,100, respectively. Accessory options will include lights, lenses, microphones, InfoLithium batteries, chargers and cables.

All four camcorders will be available online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide.

© 2008 Penton Media, Inc.