Sony HDTV Camcorder

A new Sony HDTV camcorder, aimed at consumers and priced significantly below the FX1 HD camcorder, is due to hit the stores this summer.

The Sony HDR-HC1 was announced in mid-May and is the smallest and lightes high definition camcorder yet. Without its battery it measures just2.8 x 3.7 x 7.4in and weighs in at 1.5lb. That's less than half the size and one third of the weight of the FX1.

"As HDTV becomes more pervasive in American households, it is a natural progression to want to create personal content in high definition," said Linda Vuolo, director for camcorder products at Sony Electronics. "This introduction is a key step in bringing high-definition video recording to a broad cross-section of consumers. For about $2,000, there is now an easy-to-use solution."

Sony was able to cut the size and weight by using one CMOS sensor instead of three CCDs - a move that may reduce the colour fidelity of images captured by the HC1 when compared to the FX1, but will still keep the HC1 well ahead of current DV camcorders in terms of image resolution. Sony also used a more compact lens, fewer circuit boards and a thousand fewer parts than the FX1.

This Sony HDTV camcorder is the first serious attempt by any consumer electronics company to market an HD camcorder to consumers. The general manager of Sony's personal video division, Keikichi Chiba said 'We wanted to further develop the market for HD camcorders and knew that significantly decreasing the size of the product would be key.'

The HC1 will go one on sale in July 2005, priced at ¥180,000 (about $1,684).

This Sony HDTV camcorder was launched alongside the HVR-A1E, another HD camcorder, aimed at professional users. The A1E has built-in conversion down to Standard Definition, two-channel XLR audio inputs, and, like the HC1, a 2.7in, 16:9 LCD monitor.