Sony launch HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder

Small and light leads the charge

17 May 2005 15:05 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Sony, not content with launching the PlayStation 3 today has also unveiled what it believes is the world's smallest and lightest HD consumer camcorder with full HD resolution based on HDV 1080i.

The ultra-compact HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder fits comfortably in your hand and features Sony's CMOS imaging sensor technology.

The camcorder weights about 1-1/2 pounds, packs in a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, a 10X optical and 120X digital zoom, zoom ring, zebra pattern, and spot focus. White balance, shutter speed and focus can all be adjusted manually as well as offering around 90 minutes of continuous recording (depending on recording mode).

The camera will also feature a 2.7in wide hybrid, touch-panel LCD screen to access menu options. You can switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios (in DV mode) to see exactly how your content will be viewed on television, a built-in microphone for audio quality, an intelligent pop-up flash, and Super SteadyShot image stabilization.

The camcorder also captures 2.8-megapixel digital still images, which can be stored directly on Memory Stick PRO Duo media for transfer to PCs and other devices.

Additional features include: IEEE 1394 and PictBridge support.

The HDR-HC1 Handycam camcorder will be available in the US in July we are awaiting confirmation from Sony in the UK as to a release date here.