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.