Sony has developed four new high definition camcorders which were shown at the CES 2007 show. Of these four new models, the top of the line model is the HDR-UX7, a professional quality high definition camcorder.

The Sony HDR-UX7 features the three megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, which produces exceptional 1080i HD video quailty, as well as six-megapixel digital still photos. It also features Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization, and other hybrid benefits such as blur-free results on digital stills and video.

The ClearVid CMOS sensor also allows you to recorder in slow motion and dual record modes. With the slow record function, you can create slow motion video by playing back short video clips at 240 frames per second. A new feature is voice memo, which allows you to playback those clips with audio recordings. The dual record mode allows you to shoot video while simultaneously capturing a 4.6 megapixel digital still picture.

The HDR-UX7 incorporates x.v.Color technology, which supports a much wider data range of colors compared to the conventional sRGB standard. According to the National Physical Laboratory in the United Kingdom, the x.v.Color technology range is closer to colors that the human eye can recognize.

Videos can be recorded direct to blank 3" DVDs for playback, sharing, and archiving. HD content recorded on DVDs can also be played back on select Blue-ray devices, including the Playstation 3.

You can also expect to experience premium sound with the built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound recording for integration into home-theater equipped living rooms. The HDR-UX7 will be available in stores in March at the retail price of $1,300.

A part of Sony's newest line of DVD Handycam camcorders, the Sony DCR-DVD308 allows you to easily capture video directly to DVD. Record your videos in crystal clarity and 5.1ch surround sound to a number of DVD solutions, including DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer).

The Sony DCR-DVD308 also includes Active Interface Shoe, which provides for additional powered accessory options. Video can be transfered to your PC via the high-speed USB 2.0 connection.

Video can be recorded directly to a 3" DVD in either single or dual layer formats. The discs made by the camcorder, after being finalized, can be played in compatible DVD players, computers, and even the Playstation 2 and Playstation 3 video game consoles.

Widescreen capabilities allow you to record and playback video in widescreen mode, at the 16:9 aspect ratio. Or, if you prefer, you can record and playback in 4:3 aspect ratio. Changing between the different ratios is as easy as a touch of a button. Premium sound recording is available through the camcorders built in 5.1ch surround sound microphone.

The camcorder's Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization system reduces "shakes" without compromising video quality. The professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens offers less glare and flare with increased contrast, resulting in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect rendition of subtle tones.

For the film buffs, or those who just want a quality camcorder, the Sony DCR-DVD308 Handycam camcorder is a perfect solution with its ease of use and variety of storage options.

Sony makes a splash this year at CES with their line of new camcorders. In this new line, is the DCR-HC48 MiniDV Handycam camcorder, which contains a 1 megapixel CCD for enhanced detail and clarity, and exceptional analog video. By utilizing Sony Memory Stick Duo technology, you can easily record and transfer video by putting in your PC's memory slot, or through the included Handycam Station. This camera is great for amatuer videographers who want to capture life's precious moments and preserve them in quality form, without a lot of hassle.

The 2.7" wide scree provides for excellent viewing clarity at both 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, and the OneTouch Wide Angle shooting allows you to easily switch between the different aspect rations with just the touch of a button. The integrated picture stabilization system uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for any shakiness, withouth compromising the video quality.

The DCR-HC48's TeleMacro function allows you to shoot up close shots without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. This function allows images shot in this mode to have the subject properly focused, while leaving the background unfocused so that the subject stands out.

And if you're looking to shoot video at night, or in lower lighting, Sony's Super Night Shot Plus Infrared system allows you to capture natural looking video of subjects within 20 feet in low light.

This one's for the serious ones. Serious about movie making, I mean. Sony unveiled the F23 Digital Cinema Camera featuring full HD1080 compatibility with 24 frames-per-second recording which translates to standard film-based movie.

High quality recording is possible in the HD1080/60P mode, and for optimum visual effects the HD RGB 4:4:4 mode is supported. State-of-the-art 2/3 type progressive 3CCD and new CCD circuitry coupled with a 14-bit ADC (analog-to-digital converter) can be found under the F23's hood.

At full 1920x1080 resolution, the camera supports 1080/23.98PsF, 24PsF, 25PsF, 29.97PsF, 50P and 59.94P (for progressive systems) and 1080/50i and 59.94i (for interlaced systems).

Weighing in at 5 kilograms, this baby is a big one. No word on the pricing yet, but you have to wait until May 2007 to get your hands on this.

Sony

The time of high definition (HD) is nigh, and on display in Tokyo, at the CEATEC2006, is Sony’s HDR-SR1 30GB HDD digital camcorder.

The new Sony series Handycam, is the first consumer camcorder to allow high definition recording and detailed sound with enough memory space to satisfy any shoot, interview, vacation, without any disks or tapes.

The HDR-SR1 packs a 30 gigabyte hard drive for recording of up to 10 hours of high definition video at LP setting, directly to the built-in 30-gigabyte hard drive, in full 1080i HD resolution and 5.1-channel surround sound, for home theatre capability that’s full of vivid imagery and crystal clear auditorial.

Built in is a 2.1-megapixel ClearVid™ CMOS image sensor, with a swing-out 3-1/2" wide touch-panel LCD screen for easy setting browsing. Impressive is the advanced Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* optical zoom lens that ensures true-to-life color saturation and minimizes unwanted glare , with variable speed and magnification of up to digital 80x! Camera stills are possible at 4 megapixels with grand resolutions of 2304 x 1728. The Dual Record function allows you to shoot video and simultaneously capture 2.3 megapixel stills, and a Smooth Slow Record function allows recording in slow motion.

If these specs don’t impress then the HDR-SR1’s- Super SteadyShot®, Super NightShot®, or the One Touch Disc Burn button via pc; should. Hookup is made simple with a one cord connection to an HD television, high speed USB port, or sound recording via a sold separately Bluetooth® wireless microphone; which amplifies the center channel sound and allows to record seamlessly from up to 100 feet away. Recordings can also be played back on future Blu-ray Disc devices and DVD drives.

The HDR-SR1 30GB HDD camcorder hits Sony and stores this month, with a retail price of about $1,500.

Order at Sony
MobileMag via Aving

Sony Japan unveiled a new camcorder which would be perfect for all the pros. The Sony HDV camcorder 'HVR-V1J has the Sony ClearVid CMOS Sensor under its hood and a 20x HD Optical Zoom Lens. It promises brilliant and stunning imagery and includes features like Progressive Scan, Last Scene Review, Smooth Slow Recording, Interval Recording and 1080/50i. It should be available by the end of the year and should retail for 567,000 Yen. Nothing else is known about this one but we shall keep you updated. For more info visit Sony.

The HDV revolution has begun with much gusto and the new Sony HVR-V1U HDV camcorder carries forward this next generation trend. The new HVR-V1U is touted be the superior version of the equally awe-inspiring HDR-FX7 and this one is strictly for the pros! The cam has a 24p frame rate which is the norm in film-making and as additional bonus there is a 1080p resolution.

The Sony HVR-V1U has a CMOS sensor and promises jaw-dropping video performance! One can also attach an optional hard disk to the top of the camcorder and the hard drive's recording parameters are displayed on the camera's viewfinder. Thus according to Sony this "hybrid recording system is the perfect solution for pros who have both HDV tape and disk backup on their fingertips. Not on does the camcorder support HDTV and XLR audio, it also has a HDMI port. The Sony HVR-V1U doesn’t come cheap and one would need to shell out $4800 to get their hands on this baby. It should hit the shelves by December, so start saving up guys!

Via Gizmodo

Sony has achieved another electronic milestone with the creation of the Sony HDR-FX7 1080i HDV camcorder. Like the models before it, the HDR-FX7 can record standard definition DV video and 1080i HDV on miniDV tapes. This is the first high-definition camera to feature Three-Chip ClearVID Sensor Technology.

So what does that mean? In short, it means higher resolution, greater light sensitivity, and more accurate color reproduction. It means that you can use its three sensors to film 6 seconds, and then play them back clearly in slow motion for 24 seconds. You can also take 1.2 megapixel stills while shooting video at the very same time.

All that is pretty impressive, and that is just the beginning. The Sony InfoLithium L Series battery’s STAMINA technology allows up to eight hours of continuous recording time. The camera is also more compact, easy-to-use, and forty percent smaller than Sony’s other HDV models. At three pounds, it is also twenty percent lighter than Sony’s previous HDV models.

Not only that, the Sony HDR-FX7 features a high-resolution viewfinder, as well as a 3.5-inch LCD viewing screen. Clear Photo Plus LCD technology will give the clearest shots available today, and a low dispersion lens glass to reduce color distortion. Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps to keep your video and still shots as non-shaky as possible.

It also has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens that gives a 20x optical zoom range in 16:9 widescreen mode. Even greater magnification can be achieved with a digital extender function that can bring a 30x optical zoom.

Manual controls for shooting include zoom, focus, shutter speed, white balance, iris, and gain. Editing footage is made simple with an HDMI interface and non-linear editing software.

Preorders for the Sony HDR-FX7 should be available very soon, and it should hit the market in October 2006. The expected price should run about $3,500.

The folks at the website CamcorderInfo were lucky enough to get their hands on the new Sony HDR-UX1 and let’s see what they have to say. They like the camera for its novelty as a similar product from a different brand is not on the market yet. Not only is it the first AVCHD camcorder but also the first DVD camcorder to record high definition video. The camcorder also has an intuitive interface and they found the multi-function ring a great manual control. The review is pretty positive and the only drawbacks they could think about was the DVD compartment which was a little inaccessible and the lack of manual gain control.

The Sony HDR-UX1 is a high definition DVD camcorder and is one the most expensive DVD camcorders in the market. This baby includes a 2100K (1434K effective in 16:9) 1/3-inch ClearVID CMOS sensor for amazing imagery and via the ClearVID technology the camcorder is able to produce a wider dynamic range and faster processing speed when compared with traditional CCDs. Not only is it the first AVCHD camcorder but also the first DVD camcorder to record high definition video. The camcorder sports a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a 30mm filter diameter and automatic lens cap and an electronic viewfinder. Users will also dig the 3.5” widescreen LCD screen and the 10x optical zoom and 80x digital zoom. HD Settings include 12 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 7 Mbps, and 5 Mbps and still images can be captured too.

The review ends on a positive note as the website writes - All of these features are packed into a typically well-designed Sony camcorder body, with a comfortable hand strap and excellent zoom toggle. As a package, we anticipate the Sony HDR-UX1 to be the strongest combination of video performance, manual control and ease-of-use yet seen in a consumer camcorder. It may not produce video that can rival competing high definition formats, but would be hard-pressed not to surpass the best performing MiniDV camcorders. The first impressions are unquestionably very positive, this is an exciting model. The HDR-UX1 is intriguing and compelling, and it’s a camcorder we can’t wait to spend some quality time with”.

The DVDirect™ DVD recorder family of Sony has just welcomed two more new members, the video- and digital photo-capable VRD-MC3 and the video-only VRD-VC30 recorders. Both these recorders complement the release of the 3 new HD based camcorders by Sony, for consumers to have a complete recording solution. Thanks to these recorders one doesn’t need to depend on a computer as they are capable of real-time recording of video footage, digital still images (VRD-MC3 only) and TV shows from digital video recorders to DVDs. The recorders have also been designed to effortlessly transfer content via Hi-Speed USB using Handycam cameras or Digital Video (DV) interfaces.

The VRD-MC3 model is also capable of recording digital still images directly from flash memory cards to DVD and sports a 2.5-inch color LCD with a wide-view filter. It also includes media slots for Memory Stick® and Memory Stick Duo™ storage media, Compact Flash®, Secure Digital (SD), and xD cards and is PictBridge™-compatible. Both the models feature Hi-Speed USB, digital video (i.LINK®/FireWire®/IEEE 1394), and analog S-video and composite video inputs with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

The two news models are capable of burning up to 12 hours of hardware-encoded MPEG-2 video on DVD+R DL double layer discs and up to four hours of video or up to 2,000 photos on single layer discs. Both are capable of maintaining 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios and come with Nero® Essentials software suite. In the computer mode, the recorders are capable of burning DVD+R and DVD-R discs at 16X max and support 8X DVD-R DL/DVD+R DL/+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 40X CD-R and24X CD-RW maximum recording speeds.

The VRD-MC3 and VRD-VC30 will debut in October where the former will be available for $250 and the latter $200. For more info visit sonystyle.com

The DCR-SR40 is the last model in the new Sony hard drive line and this one has a 30GB hard drive and is the cheapest when compared to the other two models. The DCR-SR40 has a battery life of six hours and sports a 2.5-inch (4:3 ratio) LCD monitor with touch panel functionality. This one too like its counterparts sports the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, however unlike them, the SR40 is capable of an 20x optical zoom.

The DCR-SR40 can record up to 20 hours of footage in long play mode and more than seven hours in high quality mode and also sports the famous HDD Smart Protection system. As you may know b y now, that the protection system includes physical shock absorbers, G-sensor™ shock protection and video stream buffering to prevent data loss. This one too comes with a Handycam Station which lets one easily connect to a computer, television set or DVDirect™ DVD recorder via the included USB, AV and DC-in cables. Like all its siblings the camcorder comes with DVD authoring software which lets you edit the downloaded content.

The Handycam Station also sports the One Touch DVD Burn button which automatically burns video to a DVD via a PC and flawlessly works with the new VRD-MC3 and VRD-VC30 DVDirect recorder models. The DCR-SR40 will be available in September for about $600.

Another Sony handycam to emerge today is the DCR-SR60 which is also a hard drive based camcorder. The 30 GB DCR-SR60 camcorder includes a 2.7-inch wide hybrid LCD display with start, stop and zoom buttons keeping in mind the user’s convenience. This camcorder has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens which is capable of producing up to 12x optical zoom and the active interface shoe lets one attach accessories like light, microphone with complete ease.

The Sony DCR-SR60 apart from an one-mega pixel CCD imager also is capable of impressive recording times. This particular camcorder can record up to 20 hours of footage in long play mode and more than seven hours in high quality mode. This one too sports all the protection necessary to care for your precious camcorder including physical shock absorbers, G-sensor™ shock protection and video stream buffering. So now you don’t have to worry about damaging the handycam and can concentrate all your energies in shooting!

The Sony DCR-SR60 comes with the Sony Handycam Station which Station lets you connect to any source like a PC or a TV. The Station also includes the One Touch DVD Burn button which automatically burns video to a DVD via a PC and flawlessly works with the new VRD-MC3 and VRD-VC30 DVDirect recorder models. The 30GB DCR-SR60 camcorder will be available in September for about $700.

The Sony DCR-SR80 is a new hard drive camcorder from Sony which though is a consumer product, it has all the functionality of a high quality Handycam akin to professional equipment. Since it’s a hard drive based camcorder, one doesn’t need to worry about storage material like tapes or discs. Thus Sony is offering true mobility as users wouldn’t be tied down with all the extra baggage! The camcorder also is able to capture 41 hours of video in long-play mode (3Mbps) or up to 14 hours of footage in high quality mode (9Mbps), which is not bad!

The Sony DCR-SR80 is a tough cookie as it sports the HDD Smart Protection system which is a heady mix of physical shock absorbers, G-sensor™ shock protection and video stream buffering. All these features prevent in data loss when the handy cam is accidentally dropped! The handycam features the renowned Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens and the included Handycam Station lets you connect to any source like a PC or a TV. The Sony DCR-SR80 feature a wide 2.7-inch wide hybrid LCD display and also sports an active interface shoe for attaching accessories like microphones etc.

The Sony DCR-SR80 display features buttons for start, stop and zoom buttons, so that navigation is easier! The handycam is capable of producing a total of 12x optical zoom and includes a one-mega pixel CCD. Sony for convenience has put a cool feature on the Handycam Station called One Touch DVD Burn button which automatically burns video to a DVD via a PC. The Handycam station also seamlessly works with VRD-MC3 and VRD-VC30 DVDirect recorder models which are also new. The 60GB DCR-SR80 model will be available in September for about $800.

Sony announced its very first DSLR , the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 developed in conjunction with camera giants Konica Minolta. The A100 promises to produce stunning images thanks to its ten megapixel APS CCD image sensor and its Super SteadyShot® image stabilization technology.

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 with its 10 MP resolution is suppose to offer the highest resolution in its class and Sony will launch 19 new lenses to compliment the new DSLR. The Sony A100 is also a godsend of sorts to the Konica Minolta loyalists as the system would be compatible with former Minolta lenses. This DSLR also sports a new and according to Sony path-breaking image processing engine called Bionz (come again?) which ensures intelligent power management especially when it comes to high paced shooting. The novel and pioneering Dynamic Range Optimizer image analysis technology ensures striking , balanced and realistic images.

The Sony A100 impresses further with its proprietary Super SteadyShot® image stabilization which eliminates blurry images even at ISO setting of 1600 and automatically stabilizes lenses like telephoto, wide-angle, standard and macro. So you do not have to worry about carrying a tripod or flash. According to Sony the DSLR is one of its kind as it can optimize dynamic range from shadows to highlights via the in-camera hardware processing. The DSLR also impresses with its battery life which gives you 750 shots per full charge. One cool feature found on the DSLR is no doubt it’s ability to shake of dust via the onboard anti-dust feature. The CCD image sensor has also been coated with indium tin oxide to combat static build-up.

As of now Sony has developed three lenses with Carl Zeiss including an ultra-wide, 16-80 mm Vario-Sonnar T* zoom model and two fixed focal length telephoto models ─ a Planar T* 85 mm and Sonnar T* 135 mm. The 2.5-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus and the eye-start auto focus makes focusing and viewing easy. The camera is able to support a wide variety of storage cards including CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive® media cards, Memory Stick PRO™ and Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media cards via and adapter. The A-100 will start shipping from July and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 camera body will be available for about $900. However one can opt for the Sony DSLR-A100K kit which includes the body and an 18-70mm zoom lens for about $1000. For more info visit the Sony

Today Sony announced that for a limited time For, you can trade in your old camcorder, no matter what brand it is*, and receive an e-coupon worth the value of your trade-in to be applied toward the purchase of a new Sony Handycam® camcorder at SonyStyle.com. From DVD models with easy playback, to mass storage on hard disk, to the ultimate video performance of high definition, there is a Handycam camcorder for you. The program goes up until May 15 2006.

Sony, has already made news for the upcoming NAB 2006, which will be held in April( 22nd to 27th) LasVegas, Nevada USA. Sony today, unveiled that it will be showcasing its latest range of new products and systems that will help drive the continued adoption and use of High Definition (HD) across global broadcast environments. With the rapid upsurge in the demand for High Definition in Home, European broadcasters are now recognising that the era of HD is here, saysNaomi Climer, Director of Professional Services and Head of Media Sales, Western Europe. Sony will be offering innovative solutions which provide the ability to generate new content and quality that has never been seen before.

At NAB 2006, Sony will be demonstrating a range of HD products including the first HD products in the XDCAM line-up as well as the latest addition to the HDCAM family, the HDW-F900R. Lets take a look at Sony's PRODUCT ROUNDUP for NAB 2006

HDC-3300 super slow motion camera system
HDC-3300 super slow motion camera system, offers unprecedented ability to achieve 3x speed slow motion effects in full HD resolution. It features in-camera functions like, flicker reduction, shading correction, white balance and auto iris detection. It includes three 2/3-inch CCDs and enables recording at 1920 x 1080/180i or 150i and 1280 x 720/180p or 150p. It also is compatible with standard SMPTE fibre cable at runs exceeding 2,000 metres.

HDW-F900R Camcorder
Gaining on the success of it's predecessor, HDW-F900, the HDW-F900R combines the imaging performance of the HDW-F900 in a more compact chassis, with HD interfaces that are now probablu the most common to the production community. It is basically designed for prestige drama, commercials and feature film productions shot in 24P. Also the new the monitoring is digital(HD-SDI), so there won't be any need for external adapters.

HVR-M25 and HVR-M15 HDV videocassette recorder
One really wonders the wisdom behind the announcement of these two new videpcassette recorder in this world of double layered DVDs and stuffs, but anyway!! the two new HDV videocassette recorders capable of 1080i recording and playback and which support both standard and mini-size DV cassettes, expand the options for video professionals. Both the models can be switched netween 50Hz and 60Hz(PAL/NTSC). It offers HDVTM, DVCAM and DV SP recording and play back capability.

PDJ-A640 cart system and PDW-R1 field recorder/player
Two new additions to Sony’s XDCAM family of Professional Disc products, the PDJ-A640 cart system and PDW-R1 field recorder/player. PDJ-A640 can hold up to 640 of Sony’s Professional Discs and can be used with up to 4 XDCAM decks, including both the PDW-1500 and the recently introduced PDW-F70. The PDW-R1 can be AC or battery-powered, features a tilt-up LCD screen and a range of interfaces. It has a low power consumption of just 35W and is available with such features as audio monitor select and mix out select.

Sony Europe has just unveiled its brand new digital high definition video camera The HDR – HC3E an upgrade to the highly appreciative Sony HDR-HC1. The Sony HC3E is lighter smaller and produces better image quality than its predecessor making it perfect for every group and type of use. The HC3E has what Sony calls ClearVid CMOS sensor which records movies with higher sensitivity resulting in better picture quality. Still images are recorded at 4MP and with the Enhanced Imaging Processor pixel data is captured for realistic and bright pictures.

The Sony HC3E is capable of recording still images at 2.3 MP while shooting movie footage thanks to the Dual Rec function. Another great feature is the Smooth Slow Rec function slow motion effects on high speed recordings are possible. Smooth Slow Rec can record upto 200 fields as compared to 50 fields/second in the normal mode. Sony has kept in mind the growing popularity of HDTV and thus made the HC3E HDMI ready. With this feature one can playback audio and video without compromising on the digital image by sending uncompressed high quality HD signals.

The 2.7 inch LCD is a winner too with its clear and sharp display. There is an Anti Reflection Coat on the screen to make it viewable even in bright sunny conditions. Sony has incorporated a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, with a 10x Optical Zoom to produce brilliant vibrant and sharp images even at a minimal distance. The camera is also extremely elegant and compact in design weighing only 500g making it very easy to use. No word on pricing yet but expect the camera to hit the stores around April 2006.

Check out the official website for more details.

The Sony DCR-HC26 features Sony’s unique Easy Handycam menu, providing one-button access to simplified camera operation and recording settings.Add to that a 20x Optical and 800x Digital Zoom and you have the ability to film up close and personal when you are far away from the action. The DCR-HC26 from Sony gives you a full-featured, compact MiniDV camcorder at an affordable price. And also not to mention the Carl Zeis Vario-Tessar lens, which offers less glare and increased contrast for vivid, more life-like color and tones.

The Sony DCR-HC26 is available at a suggested price of $349.99. For more details visit Sony's Website

Based on the leaked-manual the camera's tech specs are as follows: Carl Zeiss-Sonnar T lens, 30mm filter diameter, 10x optical zoom, 5.1-51mm focal length, and a 2.7-inch LCD. The camera is also capable of producing still shots of up to 4 megapixels.

Via Engadget.com / Camcorderinfo.

The display is a 2.7" hybrid LCD and the image sensor is a 1/3 primary color filter CCD. Optical zoom tops out at 10x and digital zoom at 120x. The handycam supports Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound recording via the built-in microphone. Connectivity is via USB 2.0. It's quite compact at 82 x 69 x 149 mm and 535 grams. If you still want to record your memories on to a DVD, the SR100 makes it a snap. There's a one-touch record-to-DVD button provided.

The SR100 can be yours on the 3rd of March 2006. Bad luck if you're not in Japan at that time. Pricing, however, is yet to be announced. Should be coming to USA soon.

Manufacturer website: Sony Japan

DCR-DVD405	DCR-DVD505

The DCR-DVD505 comes with Sony's new "clear photo liquid crystal plus" display technology which allows you to view the display clearly even under bright sunlight. The display is a generous 3.5" wide. There's also the "clear-bit CMOS sensor" which can record pictures in high resolution and in vivid detail. Another highlight is the "smooth and slow video recording" facility, which allows you to capture the swing of a golf iron or the flapping of a birds wings in slow motion.

The DCR-DVD405 has a smaller 2.7" hybrid liquid crystal display. There is nothing outstanding about the 405 compared to the 505. In fact, you would wonder why the 405 is being released.

Looking at the common features, both the handycams feature a 10x optical zoom and a 120x digital zoom. They also have a Memory Stick Duo slot. You can capture still images directly to the memory stick or when videos are being played back from the DVD. "Nero Express 6" is bundled with the package. The handycams also record sound in Dolby Digital 5.1 format.

The handycams will be on sale in Japan from 3rd March 2006. Pricing is yet to be announced.

Manufacturer website: Sony Japan

The Sony PDW-F350L can also over-crank and under-crank for slow or fast motion capture which means a variable frame rate of anywhere between 4 to 60 frames-per-second. This XDCAM HD camera comes in a stunning design , allowing for variable bit rates for recording 1080i at 18/25/35 Mbps.

Recording will be encoded to MPEG-2 Long GOP format. A 16:9 viewfinder is provided, with lens available separately. The Professional Disk offers a capacity of 23 gibabytes. Autofocus is possible, as usual, and is pretty heavy at 3.85 kg.

Costs a whopping US $25,800. But then again, I'm not your average TV channel, so I won't be buying this. More info from Sony. This one'll hit the markets in April this year.

Sony recently announced the Sony DCR-HC96 Camcorder, it features built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound and a unique center-channel microphone capability that records and produces super audio quality.

1/3" Advanced HAD™ (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 2050K (effective) pixels are what stands for the rendering of crispy and fine-looking images and exceptional video (up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution). 2.7" Wide Touch Panel SwivelScreen™ LCD Display1 (123K Pixels) can rotate up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles bodes to provide excellent viewing lucidity with improved resolution.

The 10X optical zoom lens with 120X digital zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. Professional quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast thus ensuring vibrant images, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of even delicate tones.

Company is set to make Sony DCR-HC96 available in February for about $800. www.sony.com.

Sony unveiled the Sony DCR-DVD505 Camcorder at the recently concluded 2006 Consumer Electronics Show. The DCR-DVD505 emphasizes on audio performance in this new line-up of handycams.

Recognizing the need for quality audio, Sony has incorporated Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound as well as a unique center-channel microphone capability. This will make voices stand out even when there are several other sounds. And if that's not enough, the DCR-DVD505 model supports an optional wireless mic that can be clipped to the subject while recording.

The DVD505 model is also one of the first models to implement ClearVID CMOS sensor technology which increases the number of recorded green pixels, vastly enhancing the image resolution. This also enables smooth slow record function. It also helps in taking still images at an impressive 4 megapixels.

The wide 3.5" 16:9 touch panel SwivelScreen LCD provides for brighter images with high-contrast. Costing $1,100, the Sony DCR-DVD505 Camcorder will be available in March 2006. Access Sony for details.

No shuddering images now! The camcorder features a Super SteadyShot® picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and correct camera “shake” thus rendering smoother video recording. Few of the picked up features from the featured loaded pool of this camcorder are Super NightShot® infrared system, LINK®1 DV interface and Tele Macro Mode zoom. The Super NightShot® infrared system makes it possible for you to capture natural looking video even in low light conditions. LINK®1 DV interface supports a connection from the camcorder to a variety of compatible devices and Tele Macro Mode zooms also add to the features by providing a an enhancement above the conventional zoom. With USB Streaming connectivity support one can easily sync with PC and can also broadcast live video to family and friends.

The Sony DCR-HC36 comes with a Memory Stick Duo media slot and supplied remote. Sony planned the camcorder to be available in February for an estimated price of $400. www.sony.com.