Sony launches HDR-PJ760v and HDR-PJ710V Handycams at CES 2012

Sony this week unveiled its new line of Handycam Camcorders including five models with a built-in video projector which lets owners project video and images up to 100” diagonal (from a distance of 5m) onto walls, ceilings, or other flat surfaces.

Sony this week unveiled its new line of Handycam Camcorders including five models with a built-in video projector which lets owners project video and images up to 100" diagonal (from a distance of 5m) onto walls, ceilings, or other flat surfaces.

The line-up includes three entry level HD camcorders, six mid-range devices, four high end HD models, and one HD 3D camcorder.

The new high definition camcorder lineup and their accessories will be available in March. A complete list is provided further down the page.

Topping the line-up is the video enthusiast-level consumer camcorders, HDR-PJ760V and HDR-PJ710V, which capture full HD 24p and 60p recording with 24.1-megapixel still images.

A newly developed feature is Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization which controls the entire optical path, including the image sensor, as one floating unit to enable image stabilization that is 13 times more stable than its predecessor (compared to standard mode of HDR-CX700V). Balanced Optical SteadyShot advantages apply to the full zoom range from wide to telephoto. Other new features include Wide Angle (26.0mm) Carl Zeiss Lens, tilting Electronic View Finder (HDR-PJ760V), and 17x extended zoom.

Along with standard Handycam features like "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor, the high-end camcorders borrow from Sony's professional products to provide advanced features such as Manual Control (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/White Balance), CinemaTone Gamma and CinemaTone Color presets, Expanded Focus, Zebra and Peaking settings for more precise video expressions.

The camcorders are also compatible with a new optional LED Video Light (model HVL-LE1) which realizes more nuanced lighting when shooting videos. Equipped with up to 60 pieces of high brightness powered LED elements, the video light can accommodate variable lighting angles, vertical or horizontal, and brightness as well as a colour conversion filter and diffuser. A multi-purpose "Multipod," VCT-MP1, combines the portability of a monopod with the added versatility for stable long-hour shooting. Coupling the Multipod with a support case, mini tripod and other accessories, it can achieve various shooting needs.

Double Full HD 3D

Sony also announced their second 3D camcorder, the HDR-TD20V. Once again the camcorder employs an integrated dual lens system, which includes two of each key component - double Sony Wide Angle G Lenses, double "Exmor R" CMOS image sensors, and double BIONZ image processors, but this time in a much smaller package. The HDR-TD20V is 2/3 the size of its predecessor weighing only 1.02 lbs and measuring 2.5" x 2.875" x 5.25" (H x W x D).

The dual recording system allows 3D content to be captured in 1920×1080 full HD resolution and viewed on the device's built-in glasses-free 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD 3D touch screen or with 3D active glasses on 3D-capable HDTVs, as well as in full HD 2D on non-3D displays. Features new to the camcorder include geotagging with built-in GPS receiver and NAVTEQ maps, 10x optical zoom in 2D/3D with 12x extended zoom in 3D and 17x extended zoom in 2D, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode, and manual setting controls, among others.

The following new technologies will be integrated among select models in the lineup:

1. Balanced Optical SteadyShot -

controls the entire optical path as one floating unit to improve image stabilization by up to 13 times better than its predecessor

2. By Pixel Super Resolution -

creating higher pixel count in still images by referencing hundreds of samples in database to generate pixels closer to reality

3. Closer Voice -

Utilizes Face Detection, which detects people in a scene, and advanced audio processing to suppress unwanted noise and capture human voices with maximum clarity

4. Auto Wind Noise Reduction -

iAUTO intelligently detects wind noise based on wind strength while employing a new algorithm to broaden the range of noise reduced

5. Extended Zoom -

improved BIONZ processor for up to 20 percent more powerful zooming capability

6. Built-in USB cable -

convenient USB cable built into camcorder strap for easy content transfer and quick charge

7. GPS w/ Enhanced NAVTEQ Maps -

Built-in GPS for geotagging with embedded NAVTEQ Maps for detailed maps that will display street-level shooting locations

The following carry-forward technologies will be integrated across the entire lineup:

1. Full HD Video -

1920 x 1080 high-definition video recording

2. "Exmor R" CMOS sensor -

back-illuminated sensor for improved low light performance

3. Dual Record -

allows for simultaneous capture of video and still images

4. Large LCD -

display for improved viewing and touch operation

5. iAUTO -

automatic selection of optimal camcorder settings in different environments

6. Tracking Focus -

extension of Face Detection to choose an object by touching LCD and have the focus follow selected object

7. Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode -

compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto in CX250 models and above

8. Wide angle lens -

offers a broader perspective to capture everything in the shot