Creativity Comes Unleashed With Sony's Latest 3-CCD Megapixel MiniDV Handycam Camcorder

Advancing the category it created, Sony today unveiled a three-CCD camcorder with an innovative, multi-angle handle and state-of-the-art optics.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040707/LAW051)

At less than two pounds, the super-compact DCR-HC1000 MiniDV Handycam camcorder features Sony's three-chip, one-megapixel Advanced HAD™ progressive scan CCD technology.

Each CCD imager is dedicated to a primary color. They separate light passing through the lens into individual color components for noticeably sharper images and colors. By giving each lens its own megapixel imager, the camcorder captures the intense detail and color that expert videographers appreciate.

And for the first time on a 3-CCD camcorder, high-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* optics have been incorporated for improved sharpness and resolution, along with higher contrast. The new DCR-HC1000 model is expected to be available next month for about $1,700.

Get a Grip for More Control and Comfort

The camcorder's new grip swivels forward a full 90 degrees. It allows your hand to be placed near the buttons, so you can gracefully control the camcorder with one hand from even the most awkward positions and angles. In addition, a stop/start record button on the LCD frame offers greater recording flexibility in challenging shooting situations.

For the video hobbyist, there are a multitude of optional manual controls, including a 12X optical and 150X digital zoom, zoom ring, zebra pattern, spotlight compensation and spot focus. And with the LCD's touch-panel menu system with bit-map technology, tough to adjust manual operations such as color level and shutter speed can be modified with precision.

Break the Sound Barrier

The new camcorder also offers audio recording flexibility with PCM Digital Stereo Audio in 12 and 16-bit audio modes. The 16-bit mode offers high quality stereo sound, while the 12-bit Audio Dub mode records digital video in two stereo tracks for the simple addition of background music or voice-over to the video.

A Smooth Ride

Additionally, the DCR-HC1000 model features Sony's super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization system to keep the image steady. The advanced optical stabilization system controls higher ranges of shakes and vibration frequencies, resulting in a greater level of smoothness.

The camcorder offers the dual functionality of capturing digital still images of up to 1152 X 864 resolution. JPEG images are stored directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media cards for transfer to PCs and other devices.

  Other features include:

   *  2.5" Precision SwivelScreen™ Hybrid LCD Display -- The LCD provides
      excellent viewing clarity with 211,000 pixels.  The hybrid system
      allows for increased visibility in challenging lighting situations
      such as bright sunlight.

   *  InfoLithium® Battery with AccuPower™ System -- Charge the battery
      at any time as the rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not
      subjected to a life shortening "memory effect."  Sony's exclusive
      AccuPower meter conveniently indicates 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.

   *  i.LINK® Digital Video Interface -- The i.LINK (IEEE 1394) DV
      interface is a high speed bi-directional digital video/audio
      communication between two devices equipped with a compatible i.LINK DV
      interface, including camcorders, digital VTRs and PCs.

For further information, please contact: Rosemary Flynn of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-7763, rosemary.flynn@am.sony.com; or Alexandra Laurelli of Ruder Finn/Switzer, +1-415-249-6760, laurellia@ruderfinnswitzer.com, for Sony Electronics Inc.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040707/LAW051
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: Sony Electronics Inc.

CONTACT: Rosemary Flynn of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-7763,
rosemary.flynn@am.sony.com; or Alexandra Laurelli of Ruder Finn/Switzer,
+1-415-249-6760, laurellia@ruderfinnswitzer.com, for Sony Electronics Inc.

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