Sony has introduced its 2005 line of six new Mini DV Handycam camcorder models. Heading the lineup is the DCR-PC1000 model with three-chip complimentary metal oxide semiconductor sensor technology. The enhanced imaging processor allows wide dynamic range for improved picture quality with better lighting details on video and still images. The DCR-PC1000 also includes a cinematic mode, a 2.7-inch-wide hybrid SwivelScreen touch-panel LCD screen and a Handycam Station for connection to televisions or PCs.
The DCR-PC55 model, which is slightly larger than a deck of cards, has a three-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD, a SlideShow Plus feature and a Handycam Station. The DCR-HC90 3-megapixel Mini DV camcorder comes with a 2.7-inch Hybrid Swivel-Screen touch-panel LCD display to record and play back in widescreen format, an intelligent accessory shoe, Super NightShot Plus, a built-in flash and the advanced multi-layer coating of a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Rounding out the new Mini DV camcorders with Handycam Stations are the DCR-HC32 and DCR-HC42 models.
Handycam Stations charge the units and connect them to tele-visions or PCs. They incorporate all necessary inputs, including S-video and audio/video terminals, USB ports and i.LINK (IEEE1394) digital interfaces.
The line is available at a starting retail price of about $500 for the DCR-HC32. The DCR-HC42 is priced at about $600, while the DCR-PC55 is $800, the DCR-HC90 $1,000 and the DCR-PC1000 about $1,300.