Sony Unveils World's Smallest and Lightest HD Consumer Camcorder

[Gregg Lengling]

Sony today announced the world's
smallest and lightest high definition consumer camcorder with full HD
resolution based on HDV 1080i.
    The ultra-compact HDR-HC1 Handycam(R) camcorder fits comfortably in your
hand, while delivering high-definition picture quality and lighting detail on
both video and digital still images.
    This camcorder's introduction is in response to the growing demand for
HDTV.  With more broadcasters transmitting high-definition content, the demand
for HD has been steadily increasing.  In fact, the Consumer Electronics
Association estimates that nearly 15 million HDTV sets will be in US
households by the end of 2005.
    "As HDTV becomes more pervasive in American households, it is a natural
progression to want to create personal content in high definition," said Linda
Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics.  "This
introduction is a key step in bringing high-definition video recording to a
broad cross-section of consumers.  For about $2,000, there is now an
easy-to-use solution."

                             Powerful and Compact
    High definition recording requires fast image processing speeds to ensure
a clear, detailed picture, with virtually no loss of picture data.  The new
HDR-HC1 model features Sony's CMOS imaging sensor technology, designed to
deliver faster image processing speeds for richer colors, more vivid detail,
and significantly less glare from reflected light.
    Weighing only about 1-1/2 pounds, the model packs in a Carl Zeiss (R)
Vario-Sonnar(R) T* lens, which further enhances image clarity and richness,
even when shooting in low light.
    The combination of the unit's CMOS imaging sensor and Sony's Enhanced
Imaging Processor technology enables it to capture moving and still images
with smoother movements and clearer pictures.
    These combined technologies also play a key role in this little wonder's
compact body design.  Because the CMOS sensor consumes less power, the
camcorder can be powered with a smaller battery like the model's supplied
InfoLithium(R) M battery, which delivers about 90 minutes of continuous
recording (depending on recording mode).  Sony also designed a circuitry board
layout that conforms to the size of the lens and body.
    "We've creatively merged technology and design to achieve the ultimate in
miniaturization for this product," Vuolo noted.  "The result is not just an
elegant-looking product, but also a full-featured HD camcorder that is easy to
handle and enjoy."

                    High Definition Has Never Been Easier
    For quick framing and easy image sharing, the camcorder has a 2.7-inch
wide hybrid, touch-panel LCD screen to access menu options.  You can switch
between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios (in DV mode) to see exactly how your
content will be viewed on television.  Other convenient features include fully
automatic controls, a built-in microphone for audio quality, an intelligent
pop-up flash, and Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization.
    The camcorder also captures 2.8-megapixel digital still images, which can
be stored directly on Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) media for transfer to PCs and
other devices.  It is one of few camcorders, in fact, the only HD one, that
allows you to record high-definition video and take a 1-megapixel digital
still image at the same time.

                       A Camcorder with Bragging Rights
    The HDR-HC1 offers a full complement of manual controls, including a 10X
optical and 120X digital zoom, zoom ring, zebra pattern, and spot focus.
White balance, shutter speed and focus can all be adjusted manually.
    The Cinematic mode allows you to record video with a film-like appearance,
while the Shot Transition(TM) feature allows you to go even further in
creating interesting cinematic effects.
    You can also record your own high definition video in total darkness with
Sony's Super NightShot(R) Plus Infrared System, which adds the greatest amount
of range and detail to your images in low- to no-light conditions.

     Additional features include:
     *  InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower(TM) System -- Lithium-Ion batteries
        minimize the life shortening "memory effect" and can be charged at any
        time.  Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter conveniently indicates the
        remaining minutes of battery life on the LCD or viewfinder display, so
        you can keep an accurate and constant reading of remaining battery
        power.

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

     *  PictBridge(TM) Compatibility -- Printing one or many images is easy
        with the HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder, which is PictBridge compatible.
        Connect the camcorder to a PictBridge-enabled printer, such as Sony's
        new PictureStation(TM) DPP-FP50, and printing is as simple as pressing
        the print button.

    The HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder will be available in July.  Optional
accessories will include a full line of accessories, including custom cases,
lights, lenses, microphones, Stamina(R) batteries, chargers and cables.

    Editor's Note: HDV and HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and
Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC).  For additional information about Sony
products, your readers can call toll-free at (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's
web site at: http://www.sonystyle.com.  Press releases and digital images are
available for the news media at Sony Electronics' news and information web
site at: http://www.sony.com/news

     Contact:  Yolanda Hunt-Boes
               Sony Electronics Inc.
               (858) 942-4714
               yolanda.hunt-boes@am.sony.com