Sony has introduced five new high-definition (HD) camcorder models based on AVCHD technology and featuring 1,920 x 1,080 high-definition recording. The HDR-SR12, HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR10 are hard drive models, while the HDR-UX20 and HDR-UX10 are DVD models. Sony has also debuted the HDR-HC9, a 1,440 x 1,080 HD video that records on mini-DV tape.
Based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video codec, the HDR-SR and HDR-UX models are compatible with many third-party editing suites and offer a face-detection technology for both video and still images capable of identifying up to eight faces. In addition, the camcorders include ClearVid CMOS sensors with Exmor-derived technology, which utilizes column analog/digital conversion on the sensor to minimize picture noise. They are designed with Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* optics and record in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound.
The SR12 and SR11 camcorders also introduce Sony's new 5.7-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensors, with a 10.2-megapixel photo capture capable of pulling 2.1-megapixel photos from video footage in playback mode. The SR12 and SR11 feature 3.2-inch, Xtra Fine (16:9) wide LCD screens with a viewing angle of 160 degrees and 921K resolution.
The 120GB SR12, 60GB SR11 and 40GB SR10 camcorders provide recording times of nearly 15, 7 and 5 hours, respectively, on their built-in hard drives or optional Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The UX10 offers 1440 LP mode-recording to DVD or on a media card. The UX20 can record to compatible memory cards, DVD or up to an hour of 1,920 HD-mode on its 8GB hard drive.
The HDR-HC9 model is made for advanced videographers and offers extensive manual controls, including "focus to infinity," spot meter and focus to change exposure and focus at the same point, at the same time. White balance, shutter speed and focus can also be adjusted manually.
The SR12, SR11, SR10, UX20 and UX10 models retail for about $1,400, $1,200, $1,000, $1,000 and $800, respectively. The HDR-HC9 camcorder retails for about $1,100.