Sony has unveiled a total of seven brand new miniDV camcorders: DCR-HC96E, DCR-HC94E, DCR-HC46, DCR–HC44, DCR–HC35E, DCR–HC24E and the DCR-HC23E.

Full press release from Sony:

Sony announces new miniDV line with something for everyone
Launch of seven new Sony miniDV Handycam models packed with features including 3Megapixel CCD and 16:9 widescreen recording and playback – making these the most easy to use Handycams yetJan 5, 2006

Berlin, 05 January 2006 – Sony Europe announces the launch of seven new miniDV camcorder models to provide customers with optimum choice when selecting the right miniDV camcorder for them. In addition to some great features, these new models are more compact and lighter than previous Sony models.

DCR-HC96E and DCR-HC94E
The most advanced models, the DCR-HC96E and DCR–HC94E, use the full width of a 3 Megapixel CCD to capture and play back images in true 16:9 widescreen and wide Recording, allowing you to relive moments as if you were there. Both models feature a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a filter diameter of 30mm. The advanced multi-layer T* coating within the Carl Zeiss lenses minimizes reflections, reduces flare and increases contrast. This results in brilliantly vivid images, natural colour saturation and precise renditions of subtle tones. These new models for 2006 are easier to use with lighter weights and easy grip shape.

DCR-HC46 and DCR–HC44
The DCR-HC46E and DCR–HC44E models feature a 1 Megapixel CCD for 16:9 recording and playback and the capture of still images. In addition, these models also feature a Sony Memory Stick Duo Slot for the easy transfer and storage of images. A common feature of the DCR-HC46E, DCR-HC44E, is the inclusion of a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, ensuring excellent quality pictures with true to life, beautiful colours. The DCR-HC94E and DCR-HC96E have a 10x Optical Zoom and the DCR-HC46E and DCR-HC44E a 12x Optical Zoom to ensure the highest quality is maintained during zooming and close focusing. Additionally, these four models are also equipped with a large and bright 2.7” Wide Hybrid LCD Monitor to make framing and viewing an easy and exciting experience so you can feel part of the action.

DCR–HC35E, DCR–HC24E and DCR-HC23E
In addition to being equipped with a 2.5” LCD monitor, 800k pixel CCD and 20x Optical Zoom, the DCR-HC35E, DCR-HC24E and DCR-HC23E all feature high quality Sony Handycam technology featured across all of the seven new models. Each is incredibly easy to use thanks to a large Touch panel on the camcorder’s LCD screen, allowing you to easily select the filming mode of your choice and even view the remaining battery levels. In addition, Sony has thoughtfully added Start/Stop and Zoom buttons on the frame of the LCD screen itself so that you don’t have to take your eye off the action or obstruct the screen to operate these functions.

Sony quality across the board for maximum choiceAll the models feature the STAMINA technology you have come to expect from Sony, meaning you should never miss that special moment. The DCR-HC23E can operate for nine hours* on a single charge and the powerful DCR-HC96E* for around five hours from a single charge of its InfoLITHIUM P Series battery. (* With Optional battery)

All models feature Sony’s unique Easy Handycam menu, providing one-button access to simplified camera operation and recording settings. It locks out the more advanced features of the menu, giving the user a quick and easy selection of basic settings to choose from. These are displayed on the LCD screen in large, easy to read characters and are ideally suited to the first time movie-maker.

The DCR-HC96E, DCR-HC46E and DCR-HC35E all feature a DV-IN function, allowing you to record back to miniDV tape after you edit your footage on PC. Most of the new models, the DCR-HC96E, DCR-HC94E, DCR-HC46E, DCR–HC44E and DCR–HC35E are supplied with a Handycam station to ensure that your camcorder is always ready to shoot and share – simply plug the Handycam in and charge the camcorder’s InfoLITHIUM battery. Meanwhile, the Handycam station features an i.LINK connection for digital video editing on a PC as well as USB for web streaming purposes. Multi AV (Analogue, S-Video and Audio) is also featured for playing back movies or still images on a TV.

To further help you share your memories with friends and family, the DCR-HC44E, DCR-HC46E, DCR-HC94E and DCR-HC96E all feature Pictbridge, the standard for printing directly to compatible PictBridge photo printers, such as the Sony DPP-FP50.

The new miniDv line from Sony will be available across Europe from February 2006.

Optional accessories
Sony provides a wide variety of accessories to maximise the Handycam shooting experience and address the diverse needs of all customers. All potential requirements are covered, from lenses to microphones, from lights to high-power batteries and from tripods to stylish carrying cases. New additions to the camcorder accessory line from Sony in 2006 include:

The exciting ECM-HW1 wireless microphone, using bluetooth technology, is designed to add further depth and clarity to your audio recording by being easily attached to your subject by clipping onto the clothes, worn around the arm, around the neck or placed nearby. The microphone communicates with the receiver unit wirelessly at up to 30M distance. This microphone may not be available in some countries due to the wireless technology regulations. The ACC-FP71 value accessory kit contains three indispensable items to accompany your camcorder, offering a saving of more than 25 per cent on the price of buying them separately. The kit contains the NP-FP71 high capacity battery, the LCS-VAC carrying case and shoulder belt. Sony also offers LCM-HCF, a new Semi Soft Carrying Case for easy storage and carrying of your Handycam – this is available for all new miniDV Handycam models. Sony range the SPK-HCB Sports Pack. This is compatible with new Handycam models, and offers waterproofing up to 5metres. The HVL-10NH is a high power 10w light. Compatible with all new Handycam models, it is supplied with an Accessory Shoe Adaptor.

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