Sony Packs Performance and Style in Petite Mini DV Camcorder Package

Just in time for a summer road trip or a day in the park, Sony Electronics today introduced the DCR-PC105 Mini DV Handycam® camcorder that travels anywhere and achieves top quality video and high resolution still images anytime.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030506/LATU069 )

Weighing in at about 16 ounces, the compact camcorder combines a one-megapixel imager with Carl Zeiss® optics to produce video with 520 lines of horizontal resolution that has crisp detail and color clarity. The new camcorder also incorporates an intelligent pop-up flash to ensure that the still images (1152 X 864) are captured in bright and vivid resolution even in tough lighting situations.

In addition to its slimmed down design, the new camcorder features a futuristic two-tone finish of silver and metallic blue.

"This Handycam camcorder exemplifies Sony's strength in miniaturization and style," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of the Digital Imaging Products Division at Sony Electronics.

Simple Touch-Screen Navigation

For convenient access to the camcorder's numerous modes and features, the camcorder offers a touch panel 2.5" SwivelScreen™ hybrid LCD display with access to its entire menu. The hybrid LCD, a new feature for Sony's Mini DV camcorders, allows for increased visibility in challenging outdoor lighting situations such as bright sunlight. The touch panel also compliments a spot focus mode that overrides the auto mode by focusing in on an object with a touch of the LCD screen.

Stay Connected with USB Streaming

With the DCR-PC105, users not only enjoy the benefits of a digital camcorder and digital still camera in one, but can also turn the camcorder into their own video conferencing system. With USB Streaming, users can stream live or recorded video of their day at the beach by connecting the camcorder using a USB connection to a PC with Internet access, and employing video conferencing software such as the Microsoft® Windows® NetMeeting® application.

MPEG Movie EX - MPEG1 Without Limits

The DCR-PC105 also comes equipped with MPEG Movie EX, which allows it to capture mini-movies with audio onto Memory Stick® media up to the length of the media's capacity. Video clips can either be captured directly onto Memory Stick media, or recorded on tape and later converted in-camera to MPEG1. These clips can be easily shared with friends as an e-mail attachment or included on Web sites and office presentations.

  The new Handycam camcorder also features:
  *  InfoLithium® Rechargeable Battery With AccuPower ™ Meter
     System -- All Sony Handycam camcorders conveniently indicate the
     remaining minutes of battery life on the LCD or viewfinder display,
     allowing users to keep an accurate and constant reading of remaining
     battery power.  In addition, Sony has incorporated a new "Battery Info"
     button on its camcorders.  Even when the camcorder is off, simply press
     the button and the battery charge level and remaining recording time is
     quickly displayed.

  *  i.LINK® DV Interface -- The i.LINK (IEEE-1394) DV interface allows
     for high-speed, bi-directional digital communication between two
     digital Handycam camcorders or with other devices such as compatible
     PCs or MAC® computers for digital video editing.

  *  10X Optical/120X Precision Digital Zoom -- Sony's optical zoom not only
     brings the action closer but the precision digital zoom uses
     interpolation technology to make digital zooming cleaner, with less
     distortion than conventional digital zooms.

  *  Super NightShot® 0 Lux/Color Slow Shutter Recording System -- This
     system captures video in total darkness up to 10 feet away by using an
     advanced infrared system.  Super NightShot recording employs an
     automatic slow-shutter control to deliver brighter, sharper images with
     more detail when shooting in the dark.  Or use the new color mode for
     recording full-color video in dim light.  Color mode helps capture
     true-to-life color video of sleeping babies, birthday candles and early
     evening events.

  *  Super SteadyShot® Picture Stabilization -- Using motion sensors to
     compensate for camera shake, this Worry Free® feature enhances video
     and eliminates high frequency vibration without compromising picture
     quality, meaning virtually no blurred images during shaky camera
     situations.

  The DCR-PC105 model will be available in June for about $1,000.

For additional information about Sony products, call (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/di . Press releases and digital images are available for the media at Sony Electronics' news and information web site at: www.sony.com/news .

For further information please contact Rosemary Flynn of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-7763, Rosemary.Flynn@am.sony.com; or Sherrie Weldon of Hoffman Agency, +1-408-975-3068, sweldon@hoffman.com, for Sony Electronics Inc.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030506/LATU069
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SOURCE: Sony Electronics

CONTACT: Rosemary Flynn of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-7763,
Rosemary.Flynn@am.sony.com; or Sherrie Weldon of Hoffman Agency,
+1-408-975-3068, sweldon@hoffman.com, for Sony Electronics Inc.

Web site: http://www.sony.com/di

Web site: http://www.sony.com/news