It doesn’t matter if you’re a casual videographer seeking something for you to record your everyday life, or a professional one who requires the latest and greatest equipment for your career, Sony announced a whole range of Handycam camcorders at the on-going CES that are all equipped with different technologies targeted at many different segments of the market. They are all equipped with something for both the casual shooter and advanced videographer, with upgrades like Sonys Balanced Optical SteadyShot for smoother movie recording, built-in projector, Wi-Fi connectivity and a range of advanced performance capabilities.
First up would be the entry-level range of Handycams with a price starting from USD$249 – the CX220, CX230, PJ230 and CX290. An upgrade to last year’s CX190 is the most affordable CX220 that comes with a price tag of USD$249. It’s packed with an Exmor R sensor that can capture 8.9MP still images and 2.3Mp video, with a 32/27x 29.8mm Carl Zeiss lens, AVCHD and MP4 recording options. A slightly pricier CX230 offers basically just about the same thing as the CX220 except that it comes with 8GB of internal storage at USD$279. PJ230 comes with a retail price of USD$399 offers something a little different – a built-in 13-lumen projector to make sharing with a group of friends a whole load easier. The last addition to the entry-level Handycam is the CX290 that is equipped with a lance range to 50/27x, features Optical SteadyShot with an enhanced 2.7” display, all for USD$349.
Hit the break to find out more.
(Source: Engadget 1, Engadget 2, Engadget 3, Engadget 4, Sony)
Coming in at the mid-range camcorder section would be the company’s Handycam 380 – the CX380 and PJ380. They’re essentially the same when it comes to specs – Exmor R sensor that captures 8.9MP still images, a 55/30x optical SteadyShot zoom lens, a 230k-dot 3” LCD display, captures 60p, have a microphone input and 16GB of built-in memory. What sets these Handycams apart would be the fact that PJ380 comes with a 13-lumen projector, including a video input for displaying content from other devices such as smartphones, tablets or any device with a HDMI port.
Sony also announced the TD30V, a sub-USD$1,000 Handycam that is a whole load more affordable than its predecessor, the TD20V. Capable of recording 3D content, it’s packed with a 20.4MP Exmor R sensor, a 17/10x zoom lens (12x in 3D mode) with a 29.88mm wide-angle position in 2D or 33.4mm in 3D. Other specs include 1.229m-dot 3.5” 3D LCD display, 5.1-channel mic, microphone jack, Optical SteadyShot, AI, GPS, and HDMI port. To cope with the now more affordable price, it comes with no built-in storage.
Finally, the top of the line Handycam camcorder announced are the PJ970V and PJ650V that by now you should figure, are camcorders that are equipped with built-in projectors. Priced at USD$1,600 and USD$1,100 respectively, features the company’s Balanced Optical SteadyShot, which moves the entire lens module for a much more effective stabilization. With Exmor R sensor on board, it is capable of shooting 21.4MP and 20.9MP respectively. The lower end one features a 26.8mm wide-angle 20/12x G lens, 32GB of storage and a 20-lumen projector. The PJ790V on the other hand ships with a 26mm wide-angle 17/10x Carl Zeiss lens, 96GB of storage and 30-lumen projector on the side. Other specs include 921k-dot 3” LCD, electronic viewfinder, 5.1-channel mics, an option for AVCHD or MP4 recording.
More information available in the press release below.
SONY UNVEILS NEW, VERSATILE HANDYCAM® CAMCORDERS
New Models Offer Best-Ever Picture Quality, Superior Sound, Enhanced Projection Capabilities and Easy Sharing
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 7, 2013 – Sony’s new suite of advanced Handycam® camcorders make it even easier to capture and preserve once-in-a-lifetime memories in crisp full HD video and pristine still images. The new camcorders have something for both the casual shooter and advanced videographer, with upgrades including increased picture quality by Sony’s unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ for smoother movies deployed in more models, higher brightness for built-in projection, Wi-Fi™ for easier sharing and a range of advanced performance capabilities.
Improved Video Projection, AVCHD/MP4 Selectable & Optional Wi-Fi
Taking its ultimate theater experience to the next level, Sony’s Handycam® camcorders with built-in video projectors get a boost in brightness. The compact, LED-based projector built into the flip-out LCD panel of these camcorders can project video and images up to 100” diagonal onto any flat surface with upgraded resolution for an even clearer, sharper picture. Select models also now add an external HDMI input that lets users project content from compatible smartphones, tablets or PCs – movies, slideshows, web pages, games, etc. – onto any flat wall or surface. Select models also offer a high sensitivity microphone and an advanced sound processor for rich audio results.
Making its Handycam® debut, all new camcorders now offer the option of recording HD video in either top-quality AVCHD or web-friendly MP4 formats. While AVCHD offers the highest-quality picture for viewing on an HDTV or burning to a Blu-ray™ Disc for archiving, shooting crisply-detailed clips using the popular bandwidth-saving MP4 format is perfect for online sharing and easy uploads to social media web sites.
In another Handycam® first, an optional Wi-Fi adaptor simplifies cable-free transfers of video clips and still photos. Consumers can even step away from behind the camcorder and control the video capture device remotely with their compatible smartphone.
“As the leader in this category, each year we strive to improve upon our feature-rich camcorder family and innovate in ways that provide value to consumers,” said Hidenori Toyoda, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “We’ve been listening to what people say they want in a premium video camera and continue to deliver on that feedback.”
Superior Imaging and Sound
The new Handycam® camcorder portfolio now integrates more advanced features from entry level to high end, including Sony’s hallmark Exmor R® CMOS image sensor for beautifully clear, detailed video and stills, even in tricky low-light conditions. Sony’s unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization will be deployed in more new models for up to 13 times more stable and smooth footage than its predecessors. This powerful image stabilizer makes it much easier to shoot crisp blur-free images in a range of challenging situations using a floating lens unit which controls the entire optical path, including the image sensor.
All models now offer a wide angle lens with less than 30mm minimum focal length to capture everything in the shot, from landscapes to big groups and beyond. Another common feature is TRILUMINOS color technology that reproduces precious memories in rich and natural colors. When still images and videos are played back on any BRAVIA® TV with TRILUMINOS display, users will experience an expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic hues.
Handycam camcorder audio is also upgraded this year. Sony’s Advanced Sound System (available on select models) offers several quality enhancements to ensure every sound is captured beautifully – from the loudest concert to the softest whispers. The high-quality external microphone lets users record audio with pinpoint accuracy and Wider Dynamic Range for extreme clarity. In addition, consumers can easily adjust audio record levels to eliminate distortion at high volumes – an area where a smartphone’s camera microphone typically struggles.
A new Multi-Interface Shoe on select models works with a compact Wi-Fi adapter (ADP-WL1M) to bring wireless connectivity to Handycam camcorders for the first time. It allows easy wireless transfer of MP4 movie files and photos directly to a compatible smartphone or tablet, and also backs up both AVCHD and MP4 content to a PC, eliminating the need for cables. Consumers can even use a compatible smartphone as a wireless remote to control Record, Start/Stop, Zoom and other functions on the camcorder.
The HVL-LEIR1 battery-powered video light is also compatible with the Multi-Interface shoe and runs on AA batteries. It doubles as an infrared source for ‘no-lights’ footage with Handycam® models that support NightShot® or Super NightShot®. To further the mobile theater experience, the new Handycam camcorder projector models with the Multi-Interface Shoe can house the RDP-CA2 portable ‘360 degrees’ speaker – a great way to enjoy a clear, rich soundtrack while viewing projected content.
Best-In-Class Features & New Post-Shooting Solution
All Sony Handycam camcorders integrate the following technologies that make them stand out from the competition:
Full HD Video – 1920 x 1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps, the highest bit-rate offered by the AVCHD™ format
Exmor R® CMOS sensor – back-illuminated sensor for stunning low light performance
Dual Record – allows for simultaneous capture of video and still images
Large LCD – display for easy viewing and touch operation
iAUTO – automatic selection of optimal camcorder settings in different environments
Tracking Focus – extension of Face Detection® to choose an object by touching LCD and have the focus follow selected object
Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode – compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smooth video
Wide angle lens – offers a broader perspective to capture everything in the shot
Closer Voice – Utilizing Face Detection®, its advanced audio processing to suppress unwanted noise and capture human voices with maximum clarity
Auto Wind Noise Reduction – iAUTO intelligently detects wind noise based on wind strength while employing an advanced algorithm to broaden the range of noise reduced
Extended Zoom – improved BIONZ processorfor up to 20 per cent more powerful digital zooming capability compared to previous models
Built-in USB cable – convenient USB cable built into camcorder strap for easy content transfer and quick charge
GPS w/ Enhanced NAVTEQ Maps – Built-in GPS for geotagging with embedded NAVTEQ Maps for detailed maps that will display street-level shooting locations
Sony is also announcing an exciting new benefit for Handycam camcorder owners. In collaboration with WeVideo, the leading online video editing company, Sony is making cloud-based, online video editing a reality. Starting in late January, owners of Handycam camcorder models from 2012 through 2013 will be entitled to three free months of access to WeVideo, for access to powerful video editing features including Full HD 1080p export quality; real-time previews, fast rendering; 10GB of cloud storage; and 400 royalty-free audio tracks.
2013 Handycam® High Definition Camcorders & Accessories
Entry HD
HDR-CX220: Full HD 60p, 8.9-megapixels, Exmor R® CMOS sensor, SteadyShot™ image stabilization, 29.8mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar Lens with 32x Extended Digital Zoom, AVCHD/MP4 recording, and 2.7” LCD™ display – about $249 (in black, blue, red and silver)
HDR-CX230: With 8GB flash memory – about $279
HDR-PJ230: With built-in projector (13lm) – about $399
HDR-CX290: With 50x Extended Digital Zoom and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization – about $349
Mid HD
HDR-CX380V: 16GB flash memory, 55x Extended Zoom, 3.0” wide touch screen Clear Photo LCD™ display (230K), wide angle 26.8mm Sony G Lens, mic/headphone jack, Closer Voice, Auto Wind Noise Reduction – about $449
HDR-PJ380V: With built-in projector (13lm), HDMI external device input, and Tracking Focus – about $599 (in black, red and white)
HDR-CX430V: Full HD 24p/60p, Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, 32GB flash memory, 5.1 surround sound mic, multi-interface shoe allowing optional Wi-Fi accessory, Cinema Tone presets, and audio REC level adjust – about $699
HDR-PJ430V: With built-in projector, external device input, and advanced sound processor (13lm) – about $849
High End HD
HDR-PJ650V: 20.4-megapixels, manual control (iris/shutter/exposure/white balance), wide angle 26.8mm Sony G Lens with hood, advanced controls with expanded focus, zebra, and peaking, touch screen 3.0” Xtra Fine LCD™ (921K), color Electronic Viewfinder (0.27” 201K), and built-in projector (20lm) with external device input – about $1099
HDR-PJ790V: With 24.1-megapixels, top-mounted 5.1 ch surround sound mic, 96GB flash memory, multi-interface shoe allowing optional Wi-Fi and XLR box compatibility, wide angle 26mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Sonar Lens with hood, and built-in projector (35lm) with external device input – about $1599.
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