Sony today released a three-CCD camcorder with an innovative, multi-angle handle and state-of-the-art optics.
At less than two pounds, the super-compact DCR-HC1000 MiniDV Handycam camcorder features Sony's three-chip, one-megapixel Advanced HAD progressive scan CCD technology.
Each CCD imager is dedicated to a primary color. They separate light passing through the lens into individual color components for noticeably sharper images and colors. By giving each lens its own megapixel imager, the camcorder captures the intense detail and color that expert videographers appreciate.
And for the first time on a 3-CCD camcorder, high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T optics have been incorporated for improved sharpness and resolution, along with higher contrast.
The camcorder's new grip swivels forward a full 90 degrees. It allows your hand to be placed near the buttons, so you can gracefully control the camcorder with one hand from even the most awkward positions and angles. In addition, a stop-start record button on the LCD frame offers greater recording flexibility in challenging shooting situations.
For the video hobbyist, there are a multitude of optional manual controls, including a 12X optical and 150X digital zoom, zoom ring, zebra pattern, spotlight compensation and spot focus. And with the LCD's touch-panel menu system with bit-map technology, tough to adjust manual operations such as color level and shutter speed can be modified with precision.
The new camcorder also offers audio recording flexibility with PCM Digital Stereo Audio in 12 and 16-bit audio modes. The 16-bit mode offers high quality stereo sound, while the 12-bit Audio Dub mode records digital video in two stereo tracks for the simple addition of background music or voice-over to the video.
Additionally, the DCR-HC1000 model features Sony's super SteadyShot optical image stabilization system to keep the image steady. The advanced optical stabilization system controls higher ranges of shakes and vibration frequencies, resulting in a greater level of smoothness.
The camcorder offers the dual functionality of capturing digital still images of up to 1152 X 864 resolution. JPEG images are stored directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards for transfer to PCs and other devices.
The 2.5" Precision SwivelScreen Hybrid LCD Display provides excellent viewing clarity with 211,000 pixels. The hybrid system allows for increased visibility in challenging lighting situations such as bright sunlight.
Charge the battery at any time as the rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening memory effect. Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter conveniently indicates the remaining minutes of battery life on the LCD or viewfinder display, allowing users to keep an accurate and constant reading of remaining battery power.
The i.LINK (IEEE 1394) DV interface is a high speed bi-directional digital video/audio communication between two devices equipped with a compatible i.LINK DV interface, including camcorders, digital VTRs and PCs.