Sony intends to shake up the camcorder market and take personal DVD recording to the next level with its 2005 DVD Handycam camcorder line, featuring enhanced technology, surprising new design and amazing value.

"The marriage of advanced technology and elegant design in our latest DVD Handycam camcorder models will make recording video as much of an everyday occurrence as listening to music or watching TV," said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics.

Starting at only about $600, five new DVD models deliver such exciting features as Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround recording, DVD+RW/-RW/-R compatibility, and touch-panel displays. Your personal DVD recordings can be played back using most current home DVD players and PC drives, as well as later releases of PlayStation2 videogame consoles.

The Surround Sound Advantage
Addressing the expanding appetite for a home theater experience, several of the new DVD camcorders provide surround sound recording. The DCR-DVD403 model has a built-in mic to record in 5.1 channel surround sound, while the DCR-DVD103 and DCR-DVD203 models offer the ability to record in rich, surround sound with an optional accessory microphone.

The pinnacle of the DVD lineup, the DCR-DVD403 units is the first consumer camcorder to include Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator. This unique technology incorporates built-in, multichannel microphones, so you can record your home movies in dramatic 5.1 channel digital surround sound for an immersive audio experience.

This feature-rich model also has a 3.3 (gross) Megapixel Advanced HAD™ CCD for higher picture quality video and outstanding three megapixel still images. For viewing on wide-screen televisions, the model has a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen™ touch- panel LCD screen. That's allows you switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.

Easy menu control and the ability to see the screen whether shooting in bright daylight or a dark room, ensures that you always get the best shot. A Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens and built-in flash complete this fully-equipped package.

The DCR-DVD403 DVD Handycam camcorder will be available this spring for about $1,000.

Two other smart options for surround sound recording are provided by the DCR-DVD203 and DCR-DVD103 models. Both camcorders utilize an external microphone to create home movies with rich, full sound that capture the entire mood.

The DCR-DVD203 camcorder has a 1.07 Megapixel Advanced HAD™ CCD for shooting clear, crisp video and one megapixel still images. It also features a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen™ Touch Panel LCD Screen and will be available this spring for about $800.

The DCR-DVD103 model offers an Advanced HAD™ CCD and 2.5-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen™ Touch Panel LCD Screen. It will also be available this spring for about $700.

Breaking the Mold
Another highlight of the line, the DCR-DVD7 model has a distinctive new design sure to be the subject of envy on soccer sidelines and at school plays everywhere. This compact model has a one-of-a-kind round shape, which is extremely comfortable in the hand.

"The design alone of this model is enough to motivate hours of movie-making", Vuolo noted.

The DCR-DVD7 camcorder is gripped much like a digital camera, where full advantage can be taken of its 2.5-inch Hybrid Touch Panel LCD Screen. It has an Advanced HAD™ CCD and convenient features like Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization and the NightShot Infrared System. It will be available this spring for about $700.

Rounding out the Lineup
DCR-DVD92: Entry-level model provides the benefits of DVD recording for only about $600! Advanced HAD™ CCD and 2.5-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen™ Touch Panel LCD Screen. Available this spring.

DCR-DVD301: Has a 1.07 Megapixel Advanced HAD™ CCD for high quality video and one megapixel stills. 3.5-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen™ LCD Screen, Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization, Color Viewfinder, Progressive Shutter System, Super NightShot Plus Infrared System and Intelligent Accessory Shoe. DVD-R/ -RW Compatibility. This model is currently available.

From The Manilla Bulletin