Capturebuzz

Sony has announced four additions to Sony Electronics' consumer lineup of high-definition Handycam® camcorders debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The new HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 AVCHD™ DVD models and HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 HDV tape camcorders feature Sony's ClearVid™ CMOS sensor technology. Developed for the processing needs of data-rich, high-definition video, this technology, along with Sony's Enhanced Imaging Processor® circuitry, bring the advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity with low noise, and virtually smear-free pictures.

The top-of-the-line HDR-UX7 and HDR-HC7 models feature Sony's three-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, which produces exceptional 1080i HD video quality, as well as 6MP digital still photos. Combined with Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization, these two camcorders have even more hybrid benefits. Such as the virtually blur-free results that a sensor-stabilized device can deliver with both digital stills and video.

The HDR-UX5 and HDR-HC7 models also deliver a powerful high-definition punch with their two-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensors that can also produce 4MP digital still photos.

All four new models exemplify the ClearVid benefits of smooth slow record and dual record modes. With the smooth slow record function, you can create slow motion video by playing back short video clips at 240 frames per second. Added this year is a voice memo so that you can playback those clips with audio recordings.

Dual record mode is even more useful now that the HDR-UX7 and HDR-HC7 models can shoot video, while simultaneously capturing a 4.6MP digital still picture. The HDR-UX5 and HDR-HC5 models can produce a 2.3MP photo in this mode.

Pricing and Availability

The HDR-HC7 and HDR-HC5 camcorders will be available in February for $1,400 and $1,100, respectively (US MSRP). The HDR-UX7 and HDR-UX5 models will be available in March for $1,300 and $1,000, respectively (US MSRP).