LAS VEGAS -- Sony announced 16 new camcorders here this week, introducing models priced as low as $280 and climbing up to a $1400 top-of-the-line high-definition model.
The new camcorder line includes hard disk drive models, high-definition (HD) offerings, and new DVD and mini-DVD handycam models. Sony also brings premium features like the addition of optical image stabilization producing clear, blur-free photos and smooth, crisp video to its entry-level camcorders. New features on high-end models like automatic slow shutter speed have been introduced to help deliver better low-light video quality.
Sony says the camcorders, shown first at the Consumer Electronics Show here, will be available in March.
Most notable were HD camcorders able to capture video at 1080i-resolution. None of Sony's HD offerings was priced below $1000; the cheapest is HDR-UX5 AVCHD HD Handycam, which costs $1100. This camcorder records directly to DVDs and can play back discs on Blue-ray Disc players.
On the high end of the HD spectrum is Sony's HDR-HC7 HDV, for $1400. This model shoots full HD 1080 video and six-megapixel stills.
New hard-drive-based models are the 30GB DCR-SR42, priced at $600; 30GB DCR-SR62 ($650); 40GB DCR-SR200 ($850); 40GB DCR-SR300 ($1000); and 60GB DCR-SR82 ($750). Each of these camcorders uses standard definition. The 60GB model boasts 41 hours of recording time and a 25X optical zoom lens.
Its entry level models include three miniDV tape camcorders. The least expensive is the DCR-HC28, which Sony says will cost $280.
At the low end of the crop of miniDVD disc camcorders is the $450 DCR-DVD108. This model has a 40X optical zoom lens and is compatible with dual layer DVD+R discs capable of storing nearly two hours of video.
Sony is just one of a number of companies announcing HD camcorders here at CES. JVC introduced HD camcorders here at the show, along with Panasonic and Sanyo's Xacti division.
Tom Spring, PC World
