Sony Enhances DVD Camcorder Line With Advanced Optics, More Embedded Memory, And Ease-of-use

Sony is updating its DVD Handycam® camcorder line today with two models that combine advanced optics with easy-to-use features.

The new DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 models offer high performance imaging optics for great-looking movies and photos using powerful Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lenses, 60X optical zoom, and 1/8-inch 680K-pixel CCD imagers.

Sony DCR-DVD850

“Our DVD Handycam camcorders make sharing memories with friends and family easy,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “You can record content to the media of your choice for easy playback on DVD players or other viewing devices that you use every day.”

Ideal for recording family moments, the models include 60X optical zoom to capture detailed shots even from far away. This is especially useful when recording graduation ceremonies, school plays, sporting events, wildlife and distant landmarks.

Flexible recording options make it easy to store content on several types of media, so you will never worry about running out of space. The DCR-DVD650 camcorder features hybrid recording on three-inch DVD discs and Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media cards, while the DCR-DVD850 camcorder offers Hybrid Plus recording with an additional 16GB of embedded memory (a portion of which is used for data management) for up to 11 additional hours of LP mode recording time.

The DCR-DVD850 camera includes a dubbing button to transfer content from the camcorder’s internal memory or Memory Stick® media to a three-inch DVD, without using a PC. It also has a built-in zoom microphone with Dolby® Digital 5.1 channel recording to capture realistic surround sound even when your subject is far away. Both models feature Steady Shot® image stabilization to reduce blur and a 2.7-inch wide (measured diagonally) LCD touch panel screen that instantly powers the device when opened.

The DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 camcorders will be in stores in February for about $430 and $300, respectively. The models will be available at Sony Style® retail stores, online through www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.