today launched its new single-CCD 3.3 megapixel MiniDV Handycam, DCR-PC330, as well as what it calls the world's smallest and lightest tape-based camcorder, the DCR-IP1. Both feature a 10x optical zoom, Carl Zeiss optics, Super SteadyShot picture stabilization, and hybrid LCD touch screens with improved menu controls.

Sony's latest MiniDV Handycam is the industry's first single-CCD, 3.31-megapixel consumer model, offering both digital video and still camera optics in a single device. The new DCR-PC330 model has a Advanced HAD CCD imager, a 10x optical zoom, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and a new advanced primary color filter, which together create outstanding video and digital photographs. It is expected to be available in October for about $1,700.



"The PC330 Handycam model eliminates any compromise that digital still
photographers might feel when looking for a combined digital video and still
unit," said Linda Vuolo, Sony Electronics' director of camcorder product
management. "The new CCD imager plays double-duty by enhancing the already
stellar quality of the MiniDV format, by bringing it up to 530 lines of
resolution, while producing outstanding, print-quality still images."



In addition to standard its Super NightShot infrared system for shooting video in total darkness and the Super SteadyShot system for image stabilization, this new model also has a new smooth interval record feature, enabling smooth time-lapse recording. It also features a 2.5-inch SwivelScreen hybrid touch panel LCD for an
easy-access, easy-to-see menu, and a customizable 3-D user menu. The DCR-PC330 camcorder weighs just over a pound with its battery.




The new three-color filter uses proprietary technology that quadruples the area for each primary color resulting in what Sony says is "more true-to-life photographs and video." Other features include an intelligent pop-up flash, its Hologram AF focus system, and its NightFraming system, which uses infrared technology to frame and capture a still shot with no or low lighting. Digital still photos are captured as JPEG files directly to Memory
Stick media (16MB Memory Stick Included), while video can be saved in the MPEG Movie EX format with audio onto the Memory Stick media or to the MiniDV tape.



Sony: "the smallest and lightest tape-based camcorder"




Sony today said it also introduced the "the smallest and lightest tape-based camcorder in world, which it says weights only 8 ounces and is about the size of a deck of cards. It features high-quality Carl Zeiss optics, a 10X optical/120X precision digital zoom and a one-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager. The imager can capture stills at 1152 x 864 resolution and produce video with 520 lines of horizontal video resolution. It is also the first Sony Handycam camcorder to incorporate an automatic, retractable lens cover that opens and closes when the camcorder is powered on or off.



The camcorder also features a 2" Precision SwivelScreen Hybrid Touch Panel LCD Display, Super SteadyShot picture stabilization and a Handycam Station, that charges the DCR-IP1 camcorder and connects it to a TV or PC. The Handycam Station comes offers several inputs, including S-Video and an audio/video terminal for hooking the unit up to a TV as well as a USB 1.1 port and an i.LINK (IEEE-1394) interface for connection to compatible PCs.



A MPEG Movie AX Mode allow users to capture MPEG1 compressed video and audio directly to the Memory Stick Duo media in MPEG1 (352x240) resolutions at 30 frames per second.



The DCR-IP1 model with the Handycam Station will be available in November for about $1,200. Other supplied accessories include an 8MB Memory Stick Duo media with adapter, MovieShaker video editing software (Windows only), A/V and USB cables.

by MacNN Staff