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1080p Sony Camcorder Pair Offer 3-Way Shake-Reduction System

San Diego – Sony formally unveiled Tuesday a
pair of FullHD 1080p Handycam camcorders with up to 12-megapixel still image capability.

Models HDR-CX520V
($1,300 suggested retail) and HDR-CX500V ($1,100) offer essentially the same
feature sets, with the exception of onboard flash-storage capacity. The
HDR-CX520V includes 64GB of
storage space while the HDR-CX500V includes 32GB of internal flash memory
with up to 25 hours of HD video storage time in LP mode.

Both models are
scheduled to ship to dealers in September.

The camcorders feature 60p output,
which automatically converts content to 60 progressive fps when connected to a
compatible high-definition television.

The camcorders are also equipped
with Optical SteadyShot with Active mode, which allows a moveable lens element
to shift with greater range of motion during camera shake. The system has been
improved with what Sony calls “3-Way
Shake Canceling,” which reduces hand shake in three directions – vertical and
horizontal shake corrected by optical image stabilization, and the third uses
electronic image stabilization to correct for lateral roll.

The shake-correction system
reduces blur caused by rolling wrist movements.

Sony’s Bionz imaging
processor in both units adds a
Face Touch function that can prioritize focus and exposure on a particular
individual’s face by touching a detected face on the camcorder’s viewscreen
before shooting.

The camcorders prioritize and
optimize focus, skin color and brightness for the selected individual, even if they leave the scene, for
the entire recording session.

The feature enhances the former face-detection
feature, which also incorporates Smile Shutter technology to capture candid
smiling photos while simultaneously recording video.

When Face Touch is activated, the Smile
Shutter feature only activates automatically in response to the smiles of the
selected person, Sony said.

“These models combine
the best in digital imaging technology, strengthening Sony’s industry
leadership and meeting demand for both quality camcorders and HD video,” stated
Kelly Davis, camcorder business director for Sony Electronics. “Expanding our
lineup to include Handycam camcorders with large-capacity embedded flash memory
allows us to offer consumers flexible recording solutions concentrated in a
very portable, compact body.”

In addition to built-in flash
memory, the models will record content to optional Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX
media, which will be available in capacities up to 32GB.

The removable memory format will
enable the transfer of almost two hours of FullHD video to a PC in
approximately 13 minutes (using the supplied adapter).

The camcorders also
include a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor to enhance low-light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity
of Sony’s existing front-illuminated CMOS sensor at F2.0, Sony said.

The G lens uses
low-dispersion aspheric glass elements for accurate color reproduction and sharp
detail. A six-blade aperture produces circular “bokeh” defocus effects.

Also included is a
built-in GPS antenna and Navteq digital maps geo-tagging function to record on
a map where particular videos and photos were taken. Geo-tagged content is
marked by a virtual push pin at each shot location and can be played back on
the camcorder map index display on the 3-inch (measured diagonally) touchpanel
LCD.

New down-conversion technology
enables converting the AVCHD formatted recordings to MPEG2, eliminating
the need for a PC when simple DVD
creation of recordings is desired using an optional DVDirect Express (VRD-P1)
DVD writer.

When the camcorders are connected
to the add-on DVDirect Express ($150) via a USB
cable, they will instantly burn HD video footage onto a DVD, Sony said.

The camcorder will also down-convert
content and burn DVDs in standard-definition picture quality.

Other features
include a built-in zoom
microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound and an instant power-on
feature when the LCD is opened.

The camcorders’ advanced user
interface features a new operation bar, which allows scroll searching for all
menu items, and a customizable shortcut menu.

Improving upon the Highlight
Playback feature that personalizes video footage by generating a video
slideshow with theme transitions and background music, Sony introduces
Highlight Scenario, which saves up to eight highlight scenes for viewing again
later.

Picture Motion Browser software is
included with both camcorders to view, edit, organize and upload images to many
major video- and photo-sharing Web sites.

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