Meet this year’s new Handycam® range

9th Jan 2012

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Full HD camcorders from Sony with best-ever picture performance and sound

 World’s first^*1 Balanced Optical SteadyShot for even more stable images while walking/zooming (CX740VE, PJ740VE, CX730E)

• Four new models with built-in projector
• World’s smallest and lightest^*2 new 3D Handycam® HDR-TD20VE
• Clearer dialogue with Auto Wind Noise Reduction and Closer Voice (selected models)
• By Pixel Super Resolution processing for high-resolution still images and Extended Zoom (all models)

^*1 As an AVCHD camcorder as of January 9^th, 2012

^*2 As an AVCHD 3D camcorder as of January 9^th, 2012

This year’s Handycam® line-up puts even better-looking Full HD video and crisper, clearer sound within easy reach.

Advanced technology from Sony brings out the professional movie-maker in everyone. Shoot more stable, blur-free video and stills, even at tele settings where other camcorders disappoint with shaky, hard-to-watch footage. Zoom in closer and capture beautifully detailed video and still images. Record crisper, clearer dialogue, even when the wind’s gusting.

There’s a new family of projector models that turn any wall, ceiling or handy surface into an impromptu movie theatre. And if you want to add an extra dimension to those special memories, the smallest 3D Handycam® yet adds exciting new features for satisfying, immersive images.

New features for better HD video and sound

High-end models introduce Balanced Optical SteadyShot, a sophisticated new stabilisation system that gives more stable, professional looking images with HD video or still shooting. Stabilisation is now applied to the whole optical system, including lens and Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor. The result is best-ever anti-shake performance that’s up to 13x more efficient than previous models (when both models are in the standard mode). It’s effective at all zoom settings, from wide angle to telephoto.

Four new PJ Series models feature a built-in projector that’s built directly into the camcorder’s flip-out LCD panel. Stereo speakers with Clear Phase and S-Master Digital Amplifier technology in selected models deliver clear, dynamic sound while you’re enjoying movies projected onto a wall or any handy surface.

Handycam® doesn’t just capture amazing Full HD video and stills – it also sounds better than ever. Powered by a new Advanced Sound Processor, Handycam® automatically detects troublesome wind noise if you’re shooting outdoors. A sophisticated algorithm intelligently reduces wind noise, especially low- and mid-range frequencies that interfere with speech clarity. Human voices sound better, as well. Closer Voice uses Face Detection to recognise people in the scene. Advanced audio processing boosts microphone directionality, optimises speech and reduces background noise for clearer, sharper dialogue.

Introduced with Cyber-shot™ last year, ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ analyses neighbouring pixels, detecting patterns that are matched against the camera’s image database. Handycam® uses this extra information to produce extremely high-resolution still photos, packed with detail.

Smaller, more powerful Full HD 3D Handycam®

Following 2011’s launch of the world’s first ‘Double Full HD’ 3D consumer camcorder, the new HDR-TD20VE is around 66% the size of its predecessor. A matched stereoscopic G Lens pair with 10x optical zoom (12x extended zoom in 3D and 17x extended zoom in 2D) is teamed with dual Exmor R™ CMOS sensors and dual BIONZ image processors.

This dual recording system captures 3D video in 1920x1080 Full HD to enjoy on your 3D TV with active shutter glasses. Shots can also be viewed ‘glasses-free’ on the 8.8cm (3.5-inch) Xtra Fine 3D touchscreen LCD. New AUTO 3D depth adjustment ensures more natural, comfortable 3D viewing. The distance between each camcorder lens has also been optimised to create an even more realistic stereoscopic effect. 3D close-ups are now even closer: minimum camera-to-subject distance is now 30cm, compared with the previous model’s 80cm.

Other HDR-TD20VE features shared with selected 2D Handycam® models include iAUTO with Auto Wind Noise Reduction; geotagging with GPS; versatile Manual controls; and a built-in USB cable for easy file transfers and quick charging from your PC.

New camcorder accessories

Enhancing the Handycam® mobile theatre experience is the new RDP-CA1 Portable Speaker that clips directly onto latest Handycam® projector models featuring an Active Interface Shoe. The speaker delivers clear, 360-degree sound that can be heard by everyone in the room.

The new HVL-LE1 is a versatile LED adopted Battery Video Light for advanced image creation. The video light can accommodate variable lighting angles, vertical or horizontal, and brightness as well as a colour conversion filter and diffuser.

Illuminating the scene with an array of 60 super luminosity LEDs, the HVL-LE1 attaches to the accessory shoe of your Handycam® NEX-VG Series (with E-mount lens) or α camera (with A-mount lens). It can be powered by infoLITHIUM V series or M series rechargeable batteries, as well as regular Ni-MH AA or alkaline AA batteries.

The VCT-MP1 ‘Multipod’ is versatile ‘4-way’ support solution that includes an adjustable monopod, mini tripod, support stand and support case. It’s ideal for stabilising your camcorder or camera, even in active shooting situations.

New 30MB/s SDHC media cards – ideal for Handycam® 3D

A perfect match for Handycam™, the new core range of SDHC cards by Sony is available from March 2012 in capacities up to 32GB. X-ray-, shock- and temperature-resistant, they’re a dependable choice for travel, special occasions and everyday shooting alike.

The cards’ performance has been upgraded to support data rates up to 30MB/s. As well as accelerating PC transfers of large files, the cards’ uprated speed effortlessly meets the requirements of shooting Full HD and 3D video with this season’s Handycam® range.

In a world first* by Sony, File Rescue software now allows recovery of accidentally deleted or damaged 3D movies and photos as well as 2D image files. File Rescue software is available as a free download for registered card owners.

*as of November 1^st, 2011

For more information on the new range of SDHC media cards by Sony, please visit: http://www.sony.net/Products/memorycard/en_us/datarescue/index.html

The new Handycam® range of camcorders by Sony is available from February 2012.