Sony Announces New MiniDV Camcorder Range for 2006

Sony UK Limited is pleased to announce the introduction of six new MiniDV camcorder models offering consumers optimum choice when selecting a suitable model.  The new models are lightweight and portable and designed for easy grip making shooting on the go easier.

DCR-HC96E and DCR-HC94E
The most advanced models, the DCR-HC96E and DCR-HC94E, use the full width of a 3 Megapixel CCD to capture and play back images in true 16:9 widescreen utilising the whole of your widescreen TV.

Both models feature a Carl ZeissŪ Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a filter diameter of 30mm. The advanced multi-layer T* coating within the Carl Zeiss lenses minimises reflections, reduces flare and increases contrast.

Both models have a 10x optical zoom and are designed with ease of use in mind, lightweight and with an easy grip shape.

DCR-HC46 and DCR-HC44
The DCR-HC46E and DCR-HC44E models feature a 1 Megapixel CCD for 16:9 recording and playback. In addition, these models also feature a Sony Memory Stick Duo Slot for the easy transfer and storage of still images.

Both models feature a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, ensuring excellent quality pictures with true to life, beautiful colours and a 12x optical zoom

Additionally, these four models are also equipped with a large and bright 2.7" Wide Hybrid LCD Monitor to make framing and viewing an easy and exciting experience so you can feel part of the action.

DCR-HC35E and DCR-HC24E
In addition to being equipped with a 2.5" LCD monitor, 800k pixel CCD and 20x Optical Zoom, the DCR-HC35E and DCR-HC24E feature high quality Sony Handycam technology featured across all of the new models.

All models are incredibly easy to use thanks to a large Touch panel on the camcorder's LCD screen, this allows you to easily select the filming mode of your choice and even view the remaining battery levels.

In addition, models feature Start/Stop and Zoom buttons on the frame of the LCD screen itself so that you don't have to take your eye off the action or obstruct the screen to operate these functions.

All models feature Sony's Stamina battery technology and Sony's unique Easy Handycam menu, providing one-button access to simplified camera operation and record settings. It locks out the more advanced features of the menu, giving the user a quick and easy selection of basic settings to choose from. These are displayed on the LCD screen in large, easy to read characters and are ideally suited to the first time movie-maker. 

The DCR-HC96E, DCR-HC46E and DCR-HC35E all feature a DV-IN function, allowing you to record back to miniDV tape after you edit your footage on PC.

Most of the new models, the DCR-HC96E, DCR-HC94E, DCR-HC46E, DCR-HC44E and DCR-HC35E are supplied with a Handycam station to ensure that your camcorder is always ready to shoot and share - simply plug the Handycam in and charge the camcorder's InfoLITHIUM battery. Meanwhile, the Handycam station features an i.LINK connection for digital video editing on a PC as well as USB for web streaming purposes. Multi AV (Analogue, S-Video and Audio) is also featured for playing back movies or still images on a TV.

To further help you share your memories with friends and family, the DCR-HC44E, DCR-HC46E, DCR-HC94E and DCR-HC96E all feature Pictbridge, the standard for printing directly to compatible PictBridge photo printers, such as the Sony DPP-FP50. 

The new MiniDv line from Sony will be available across Europe from February 2006.

Optional accessories
Sony provides a wide variety of accessories to maximise the Handycam shooting experience and address the diverse needs of all customers. All potential requirements are covered, from lenses to microphones, from lights to high-power batteries and from tripods to stylish carrying cases. New additions to the camcorder accessory line from Sony in 2006 include:

The ECM-HW1 wireless microphone for the DCR-HC94 and HC96 uses bluetooth technology and is designed to add further depth and clarity to your audio recording. It is easily attached to your subject by clipping onto clothes, worn around the arm, around the neck or placed nearby. The microphone communicates with the receiver unit wirelessly at up to 30M distance.

The ACC-FP71 value accessory kit contains three indispensable items to accompany your camcorder, offering a saving on the price of buying them separately. The kit contains the NP-FP71 high capacity battery, the LCS-VAC carrying case and shoulder belt.

Sony also offers LCM-HCF, a new Semi Soft Carrying Case for easy storage and carrying of your Handycam - this is available for all new miniDV Handycam models. The new sports housing SPK-HCB offers waterproofing for up to 5 metres.

The HVL-10NH is a high power 10w light. Compatible with all new Handycam models, it is supplied with an Accessory Shoe Adaptor.