Sony Unveils Two New Handycams

With high-definition (HD) being the strategy to conquer camcorder markets in India this year, Sony India recently launched its latest range of HD Handycam Camcorders -- HDR-SR10E and HDR-HC9E.

Both camcorders incorporate "Face Detection" technology for both video and photos. Unlike other Handycam models with face detection, the new Sony camcorders allocate more pixels to images for the best possible pictures when people are subjects, says the company.
Sony says ClearVid CMOS sensors (with Exmor-derived technology) that utilize column analog/digital conversion to minimize picture noise, are used in these camcorders. Together with the high processing speed and noise reduction capability of the Bionz processing engine and Dynamic Range Optimization, the new camcorders produce high-resolution video and photos with natural color reproduction and rich details.

Both camcorders record in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound and feature built-in zoom microphones that zoom the audio along with the video for clear recording of subjects. The camcorders also allow for quick data transfer via USB from the camcorders to compatible devices like DVD burners and recorders.

The company claims that the 40GB HDR-SR10E camcorder provides a continuous recording time (1920 mode) of nearly five hours. It features Hybrid Movie recording on media cards, as well as built-in hard drives. It also has Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T optics and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization.

The other new camcorder, HDR-HC9E, is based on the HDV format for recording of 1920 x 1080 HD video; it offers compatibility with a wide range of video-editing suites. HDR-HC9E features Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T optics, a 3.2 mega pixels ClearVid CMOS sensor, and 6.1 mega pixels photo capture. The model offers extensive manual controls to meet the demands of advanced videographers that include focus to infinity spot meter and focus to change exposure; center mark to use as guide frame in the LCD screen or view-finder; and peaking to facilitate better focusing by outlining objects with a color line. White balance, shutter speed, and focus can also be adjusted manually.

The HDR-SR10E and HDR-HC9E HD handycam camcorders are priced at Rs 49,990 and Rs 59,990 respectively.