Press Release Sony Unveils New High-definition Handycam Camcorders for Ultimate Shooting Experience Hong Kong, February 8, 2007

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Press Release Sony Unveils New High-definition Handycam Camcorders for Ultimate Shooting Experience Hong Kong, February 8, 2007"

Oscar Short
5 years ago
Views:

Press Release Sony Unveils New High-definition Handycam Camcorders for Ultimate Shooting Experience New HDV and AVCHD Handycam Camcorders Capture 6.

1 Press Release Sony Unveils New High-definition Handycam Camcorders for Ultimate Shooting Experience New HDV and AVCHD Handycam Camcorders Capture 6.1 Mega Pixels Still Images and More Colours with Enhanced ClearVid CMOS Sensor and Imaging Processor Hong Kong, February 8, 2007 Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited today introduced an exciting range of 1080i high-definition Handycam camcorders, including two AVCHD camcorders (the HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E), which record videos on 8cm DVD disc, and two HDV camcorders (HDR-HC7/E and HDR-HC5/E) using MiniDV tapes. The latest HD Handycam camcorders boast a wealth of enhanced features for great shooting experiences in high definition with better resolution, colour and superior performance. With the Enhanced Imaging Processor and Sony s original ClearVid CMOS Sensor, the higher-end models HDR-UX7/E and HDR-HC7/E can shoot up to 3.2 mega pixels of videos and 6.1 mega pixels of still images with picture quality comparable to a digital camera. The latest HD Handycam camcorders complement with an array of impressive features including the Super SteadyShot (Optical) Image Stabilization technology for stable videos and dual recording function for high precision still images of up to 4.6 mega pixels in video mode. The new range incorporates the high quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens to deliver superior videos and still images. These new HD Handycam models are the first camcorders compliant with xvycc, the international standard for wide colour space within moving images. Endorsed by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), xvycc is a colour range standard with approximately twice that of conventional standards (srgb). When filming video with Handycam camcorder that adopts x.v.colour and playing it on an x.v.colour compliant TV, users can enjoy a much wider range of colours. Natural colours such as the brilliant colours of flowers and the sky blue can be faithfully reproduced. The latest series of high-definition Handycam camcorders have once again demonstrated Sony s zealous commitment to constantly perfect the Handycam camcorders that go beyond the imagination of our customers, said Mr. Koichi Tsunematsu, Division Managing Director, Hong Kong Marketing Company, Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited. Sony is the first to develop HD camcorders that comply with the international standard of xvycc colour range. Thanks to this new standard, users are empowered with an even more compelling recording and viewing experience in 1080i high-definition (HD) video with the best picture quality. Further enhancements are made to the latest series of HDV and AVCHD Handycam camcorders, including the Smooth Slow Recording with audio function, minimum 1

2 illumination (at 2 lux) 1 and high stamina ActiFORCE H series battery that can shoot up to 5 to 7 hours of videos 2 continuously. The HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E AVCHD video recording on 8cm DVD disc media The higher end AVCHD model, the HDR-UX7/E employs Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation, which uses a sensor to detect camera shake and a lens that is controlled to compensate for the vibration. This mechanism efficiently minimises blur and allows stable shooting for both video and still images. Smaller and lighter in size compared to the predecessor HDR-UX1/E, the HDR-UX7/E offers a generous 3.5 Wide Clear Photo LCD plus display that makes viewing of images easy and crisp even under bright conditions. The HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E provide users with a wide DVD recording compatibility, including DVD+R DL, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. And DVD+RW allows users to instantly play back on most DVD players or DVD recorders without the need to finalise the disc, this facilitates the easy sharing of videos and images with friends. Both the HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E incorporate the Dolby Digital 5.1 creator to record surround sounds to provide a real scenario. The dual recording function allows the HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E to record still images of up to 4.6 mega pixels and 2.3 mega pixels respectively during video recording. The HDMI connectivity enables video and audio to be played on TVs and computers with just one cable, providing great convenience and eliminate the problem of managing massy cables The HDR-HC7/E and HDR-HC5/E HD video recording on MiniDV tapes The HDR-HC7/E and HDR-HC5/E allow current camcorder users to reuse their existing minidv tapes to record videos in high definition. Users can also switch between recording modes of HDV and DV. The much improved ClearVid CMOS sensor lets users take high-resolution 6.1 mega pixels (2,848 x 2,136) of still images with the HDR- HC7/E. With dual recording, the HDR-HC7/E can record up to 4.6 mega pixels of still images and up to 2.3 mega pixels for the HDR-HC5/E while shooting in video mode. Similar to the HDR-UX7/E, the HDR-HC7/E applies Super SteadyShot (Optical) feature to counter blurry images caused by inevitable movements. Creativity can also be explored with its manual shooting function on the camera control dial that allows the user to shoot in a more creative way and manipulate the shutter speed to produce various effects on the video. Adopted from the predecessor HDR-HC3/E, the HDR-HC7/E and HDR-HC5/E are designed with the 7-degree grip tilt that reduces wrist stress and make extended shooting more comfortable. The frequently used interface elements like the auto pop-up 1 NTSC: 2 lux (with Auto Slow Shutter On and 1/30 shutter ; PAL: 2 lux (with Auto Slow Shutter On and 1/25 shutter. 2 With the optional battery NP-FH100 and playback hours may vary from models, details please refer to the spec table attached. 2

3 Intelligent Flash are located in one line to improve user friendliness. The Picture Motion Browser software is bundled with these 2 models for easy HDV editing. The HDR-HC7/E and HDR-HC5/E are now available while the HDR-UX7/E and HDR- UX5/E will be launched from end of February

4 AVCHD Licensing and Supporting Companies On July 13 th, 2006, Panasonic and Sony announced jointly the commencement of licensing for AVCHD the high-definition digital video camera recorder format, as well as expansion of the format s specifications. The two companies have been promoting this format extensively throughout the industry and the following companies have expressed their support for AVCHD. <AVCHD Supporting Companies> (Company names in alphabetical order) Consumer Electronics Manufacturers: CANON INC. PIONEER CORPORATION SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD. SHARP CORPORATION Non-liner Editing Software Suppliers [software supporting AVCHD] Adobe Systems Incorporated CyberLink Corporation InterVideo, Inc. Nero AG [Adobe Production Studio] [PowerDVD, PowerDirector] [WinDVD] [Nero 7 Premium (Nero 7 Ultra Edition)] Sonic Solutions [Easy Media Creator 9] Sony Media Software [Vegas 7.0] Ulead Systems, Inc. [Video Studio, DVD MovieWriter] 4

5 About Hong Kong Marketing Company Hong Kong Marketing Company (HKMC), a division of Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited, provides sales, marketing and after sales services for Sony s consumer electronics products as well as broadcast and professional products in Hong Kong and Macau. For more information on Sony s products and services, please visit its web site on ### 5

6 Fact Sheet AVCHD Format The AVCHD format delivers high-definition image recording and playback using a variety of media including 8cm DVD and hard disk. The AVCHD uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression that is twice as efficient as MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 technologies. Dolby Digital is used for audio codec and enables 5.1 channel recording. ClearVid CMOS Sensor and Enhanced Imaging Processor The new HD camcorders feature Sony s originally developed ClearVid CMOS sensor and the Enhanced Imaging Processor to deliver high picture quality images. These models deliver higher resolution, higher sensitivity, and record movies with bright colours and fine details. Advanced functions such as dual recording (simultaneous recording of video and still images) and smooth slow recording with audio recording function are also achieved. Advantages of the ClearVid CMOS Sensor are high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise, smear-free and wide dynamic range. These are realised by the Enhanced Imaging Processor. Enhanced Imaging Processor is Sony s own signal-processing circuit developed by utilizing advanced signal processing technology, which Sony has accumulated through the years. It processes large amounts of data that the ClearVid CMOS sensor reads to record precise and clear images. x.v.colour" To enable wider colour reproduction, a new international standard xvycc (IEC ) for wide colour space within moving images was accepted and issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in January This enables the current colour data range to be expanded by approximately twice when compared to the conventional srgb standard that current broadcast stations are using. Existing video content such as TV broadcasts and DVD software are created within the standard colour range, srgb for optimum output on conventional CRT TVs. x.v.colour is a brand name established by Sony to be used for products which apply xvycc standard and it aims to promote this name actively within the industry. Sony will seek to create an environment where consumers can film, record, store, edit, transmit and play back contents using this full colour range. 6

7 Smooth Slow Recording with Audio Recording Function By capturing at a field rate four times of the normal recording mode*, quick motions that the human eye cannot capture can now be recorded in smooth slow motion mode. This feature is achieved by the ClearVid CMOS sensor and the high-speed signal processing technology, Enhanced Imaging Processor. For instance a bat hits the ball, the drops of water as water splashes, or the moment an athlete reaches the finishing line at a sports event can be captured as film-like scenes in slow motion mode. With 240 field/second* high speed recording, a three-second video can be recorded as a smooth 12-second slow-motion video. An audio recording function is added. If the audio recording function is turned On (the default setting is Off ), it records sound while writing the slow motion movie file on media. Moments such as windsurfing, roller coaster riding and athletes scoring goals at tournaments can be captured in slow motion like a movie scene. * 240 (NTSC) / 200 (PAL) fields per second Dual Recording (Simultaneous Recording of Movie and Still Images) Dual recording enables the capture of up to 4.6 mega pixels still images for the HDR- UX7/E and HDR-HC7/E (at 2,848 x 1,602, 16:9) even while recording in movie mode. Due to the limitations in reading speed of conventional image sensors, still images taken while recording in video mode can be recorded in only VGA size. Dual recording function has been achieved through the Enhanced Imaging Processor which processes huge amount of pixel data that the ClearVid CMOS sensor reads. Graphical User Interface (GUI) (for the HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E) The new Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been designed for easy handling by implementing user-friendly functions for beginners to operate the camera through Home, Option, TV Connect Guide, Disc Select Guide and Help. The Visual Index function enables immediate viewing of a desired scene during playback. For advanced users, manual settings such as Camera Control Dial, Focus, Brightness, AE Shift and WB Shift can be easily adjusted with the dial button. 7

8 The HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E: High Definition & Standard Definition Recording Modes HD AVERAGE BIT RATE APPROXIMATE VIDEO RECORDING TIME PICTURE QUALITY MODE AVCHD AVCHD AVCHD AVCHD 5M (LP) 7M (SP) 9M (HQ) 12M (HQ+) 5 Mbps 7 Mbps 9 Mbps 12 Mbps 32 Mins 60 Mins 25 Mins 45 Mins 20 Mins 35 Mins 15 Mins 27 Mins AVERAGE BIT RATE PICTURE QUALITY MODE LP SP HQ 5 Mbps 7 Mbps 9 Mbps SD APPROXIMATE VIDEO RECORDING TIME 60 Mins 110 Mins 30 Mins 55 Mins 20 Mins 35 Mins ** HQ+ mode is not available for SD recording mode 8

9 Specification Sheet for the AVCHD Handycam HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E HDR-UX7/E HDR-UX5/E Supports 8cm DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, Supports 8cm DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW discs DVD-R and DVD-RW discs Variable Bit Rate (VBR) Recording: Variable Bit Rate (VBR) Recording: o HD: AVCHD 5M (LP) / o HD: AVCHD 5M (LP) / AVCHD AVCHD 7M (SP) / AVCHD 9M 7M (SP) / AVCHD 9M (HQ) / (HQ) / AVCHD 12M (HQ+) AVC HD 12M (HQ+) o SD: LP / SP / HQ o SD: LP / SP / HQ 1/2.9-inch (6.3mm) 2848H ClearVid 1/3-inch (5.9mm) 2304H ClearVid CMOS Sensor and Enhanced Imaging CMOS Sensor and Enhanced Imaging Processor Processor o 6.1 mega pixels still image o 4.0 mega pixels still image recording (at 4:3, 2,848 x 2,136) recording (at 4:3, 2,304 x 1,728) o Gross: approx. 3,200K movie o Gross: approx. 2,100K movie mode: 2,280K effective mode: 1,430K effective pixels/still mode: 3,040K pixels/still mode: 1990K effective effective pixels pixels Dual recording: Still images of 4.6 mega Dual recording: Still images of 2.3 mega pixels (at 2,848 x 1,602, 16:9) during pixels (at 2,016x1,134, 16:9) during video video shooting shooting Smooth slow recording with audio Smooth slow recording with audio recording function recording function x.v. Colour a trademark of Sony that x.v. Colour a trademark of Sony that compliant to the xvycc international compliant to the xvycc international standard for colour space standard for colour space Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens (Filter Diameter: 37mm) (Filter Diameter: 37mm) 10x Optical Zoom / 20x Digital Zoom 10x Optical Zoom / 80x Digital Zoom Super SteadyShot (Optical) Super SteadShot Super NightShot / NightShot Super NightShot / NightShot Minimum Illumination Minimum Illumination o NTSC: 2 lux (with Auto Slow o NTSC: 2 lux (with Auto Slow Shutter On and 1/30 shutter Shutter On and 1/30 shutter o PAL: 2 lux (with Auto Slow o PAL: 2 lux (with Auto Slow Shutter On and 1/25 shutter Shutter On and 1/25 shutter Colour Slow Shutter Colour Slow Shutter Auto Lens Cover Auto Lens Cover Wide Viewfinder Wide Viewfinder 3.5 inch 211k dots Clear Photo LCD plus 2.7 inch 211k dots Clear Photo LCD plus Touch Panel Touch Panel Scene Selection Scene Selection - Auto/ Twilight/ Twilight Portrait/ Candle/ - Auto/ Twilight/ Twilight Portrait/ Candle/ Sunrise & Sunset/ Fireworks/ Landscape/ Sunrise & Sunset/ Fireworks/ Landscape/ Portrait/ Spotlight/ Beach/ Snow Portrait/ Spotlight/ Beach/ Snow Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator 5.1ch Center Mic compatible 5.1ch Center Mic compatible Disc Select Guide Disc Select Guide HELP Function HELP Function TV Connect Guide TV Connect Guide 9

10 Intelligent Flash Easy Handycam Camera Control Dial for manual operation, shooting according to preference REC START/STOP and Zoom Buttons on the LCD Frame Fader Digital Effect Picture Effect Tele Macro Playback Zoom (only for still images) High performance Down-conversion function HDMI terminal USB2.0 Hi-Speed Compatible Memory Stick Duo slot Stamina: 5 hours when using optional NP-FH100 InfoLITHIUM battery and viewfinder only Active Interface Shoe PictBridge Compliant Intelligent Flash Easy Handycam REC START/STOP and Zoom Buttons on the LCD Frame Fader Digital Effect Picture Effect Tele Macro Playback Zoom (only for still images) High performance Down-conversion function HDMI terminal USB2.0 Hi-Speed Compatible Memory Stick Duo slot Stamina: 5 hours when using optional NP- FH100 InfoLITHIUM battery and viewfinder only Active Interface Shoe PictBridge Compliant 10

11 Specification Sheet for the AVCHD Handycam HDR-UX7/E and HDR-UX5/E HDR-HC7/E HDR-HC5/E HDV1080i compatible HDV1080i compatible HDV/DV switching system HDV/DV switching system 1/2.9 (6.3mm) 2848H ClearVid 1/3 (5.9mm) 2304H ClearVid CMOS CMOS Sensor and Enhanced Imaging Sensor and Enhanced Imaging Processor Processor o 4.0 mega pixels still image o 6.1 mega pixels still image recording (at 4:3, 2,304 x 1,728) recording (at 4:3, 2,848 x 2136) o Gross: approx. 2100K movie o Gross: approx. 3200K movie mode: 1,430K effective mode: 2,280K effective pixels/still mode: 1,990K pixels/still mode: 3,040K effective pixels effective pixels Dual recording: 2.3 mega pixels (at 2,016 Dual recording: 4.6 mega pixels (at 2,848 x 1,134, 16:9) during video shooting x 1,602, 16:9) during video shooting Smooth slow recording with audio Smooth slow recording with audio recording function recording function x.v. Colour a trademark of Sony that x.v. Colour a trademark of Sony that compliant to the xvycc international compliant to the xvycc international standard for colour space standard for colour space HD Codec Engine HD Codec Engine Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens (Filter Diameter: 37mm) (Filter Diameter: 37mm) 10x Optical Zoom / 80x Digital Zoom 10x Optical Zoom / 20x Digital Zoom Super SteadyShot Super SteadyShot (Optical) Super NightShot / NightShot Super NightShot / NightShot Minimum Illumination Minimum Illumination o NTSC: 2 lux (with Auto Slow o NTSC: 2 lux (with Auto Slow Shutter On and 1/30 shutter Shutter On and 1/30 shutter o PAL: 2 lux (with Auto Slow o PAL: 2 lux (with Auto Slow Shutter On and 1/25 shutter Shutter On and 1/25 shutter Colour Slow Shutter Colour Slow Shutter Auto Lens Cover Auto Lens Cover Wide Viewfinder Wide Viewfinder 2.7-inch 211k dots Clear Photo LCD plus 2.7-inch 211k dots Clear Photo LCD plus Touch Panel Touch Panel Scene Selection Scene Selection - Auto/ Twilight/ Twilight Portrait/ Candle/ - Auto/ Twilight/ Twilight Portrait/ Candle/ Sunrise & Sunset/ Fireworks/ Landscape/ Sunrise & Sunset/ Fireworks/ Landscape/ Portrait/ Spotlight/ Beach/ Snow Portrait/ Spotlight/ Beach/ Snow User friendly Usage Guide User friendly Usage Guide o Shooting Guide o Shooting Guide o Connecting Guide o Connecting Guide o Useful Guide o Useful Guide o Display Guide o Display Guide Auto Pop-up Intelligent Flash Auto Pop-up Intelligent Flash Easy Handycam Easy Handycam 7-degree grip tilt for wrist stress reduction Camera Control Dial for manual and easy handling operation, shooting according to REC START/STOP and Zoom Buttons preference, and shutter speed adjustment on the LCD Frame 7-degree grip tilt for wrist stress Fader 11

12 reduction and easy handling REC START/STOP and Zoom Buttons on the LCD Frame Fader Digital Effect Picture Effect TELE MACRO Histogram Playback Zoom Dubbing pictures from a tape to a Memory Stick HDMI terminal Memory Stick Duo slot Stamina: 6 hours when using optional NP-FH100 InfoLITHIUM battery and viewfinder only Active Interface Shoe PictBridge Compliant Picture Motion Browser software (Windows OS) bundled for HDV editing Digital Effect Picture Effect TELE MACRO Histogram Playback Zoom Dubbing pictures from a tape to a Memory Stick HDMI terminal Memory Stick Duo slot Stamina: o NTSC: 6 hours when using optional NP-FH100 InfoLITHIUM battery and viewfinder only o PAL: 7 hours when using optional NP-FH100 InfoLITHIUM battery and viewfinder only Active Interface Shoe PictBridge Compliant Picture Motion Browser software (Windows OS) bundled for HDV editing Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. 12

Press Release. HDR-UX1/E Recording 1080i High Definition video direct to DVD

Press Release. HDR-UX1/E Recording 1080i High Definition video direct to DVD Press Release Sony Unveils the World s First Camcorders in New High-Definition Format - AVCHD DVD-based Handycam HDR-UX1/E and hard disk-based Handycam HDR-SR1/E Hong Kong, August 9, 2006 Sony Corporation