New Mini DV Handycam Camcorder from Sony

April 26, 2001--Sony Electronics today introduced the DCR-PC9 Mini DV Handycam camcorder that combines expanded battery capacity, MPEG movie capability and USB connectivity, while maintaining the diminutive form factor of its forerunner, the award-winning DCR-PC5 model.
Weighing in at only 1 pound and 1 ounce, the new DCR-PC9 still packs a powerful punch with a 10x optical/120x-digital zoom and a 1/4-inch, 680K pixel CCD imager. This lightweight Mini DV Handycam camcorder offers stunning digital video quality and digital still capture to Memory Stick media.

Additionally, the new camcorder features Carl Zeiss optics, a precision color viewfinder and a 2.5 inch Precision SwivelScreen LCD display with Touchscreen controls all in one tiny package.

The supplied "M" series InfoLithium battery on the DCR-PC9 increases battery life more than 30 percent over last year's DCR-PC5 model. With this increased power, users can shoot up to 115 minutes of action and the AccuPower meter conveniently indicates the remaining minutes of battery life on the LCD display.

MPEG Movie mode allows the capture of up to 60 seconds of video and audio in the Video E-mail mode (160 x 112 resolution), or up to 15 seconds in the Presentation mode (320 x 240 resolution) onto Memory Stick media. These "mini-movies" are ideal video resolutions for attaching to e-mails, inserting into Web pages and including in presentation materials. Users can conveniently convert up to 60 seconds of recorded videotape and convert it to an MPEG movie right in camera or shoot an MPEG movie at the spur of the moment "on location."

Advanced Connectivity and Enhanced Creativity
To make the transfer of MPEG movies and still images from your Memory Stick media to your compatible PC even faster and easier, the new camcorder incorporates a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. With the supplied USB cable, the DCR-PC9 can transport still images and MPEG video to a compatible PC up to twenty times faster than camcorders with only a serial interface.

Additionally, with Sony's ImageStation.com USB Direct Connect software, users can upload video clips to Sony's online photo sharing service straight from the USB-equipped DCR-PC9 in just two mouse-clicks. The software is available free of charge and requires a one-time installation to a home PC.

As a further advantage, Sony supplies MGI PhotoSuite and MGI VideoWave software to facilitate the transfer of digital still images and MPEG movies from the camcorder to a PC. With this software, camcorder users can also perform a variety of editing and imaging enhancements, including color alteration, drawing and more.

Worry-Free Recording and Performance Features

• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens -- Carl Zeiss lens have an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones.



• 2.5 inch Precision SwivelScreen LCD Display -- The LCD display provides for sharp and detailed images during playback or when monitoring recording. Touchscreen technology transforms the LCD into a convenient control pad. Users simply touch the appropriate button on the LCD screen to search, edit or operate any number of special effects while recording or playing back their video on the same screen.



• Digital Program Editing -- The camcorder enables 20-segment assemble editing without the need for a PC or a professional studio. This allows for a convenient, uncomplicated way to assemble up to 20 scenes automatically.



• i.LINK Digital Video Interface -- The i.LINK (IEEE 1394) DV interface allows for high speed bi-directional digital communication between two devices equipped with a similar i.LINK DV interface, including digital camcorders, digital VTRs and PCs.



• Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization -- Using motion sensors to compensate for camera shake, this "Worry-Free" feature enhances video and eliminates high frequency vibration without compromising picture quality, meaning virtually no blurred images during shaky camera situations.



• Super NightShot O Lux Recording system -- This allows the capture of video in total darkness up to 10 feet away by using an advanced infrared system. Super NightShot recording employs an automatic slow-shutter control to deliver brighter, sharper images with more detail when shooting in the dark.

The DCR-PC9 will be available in retail stores in June for about $1,300.

For additional information about Sony products, call 888/222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/di.

SOURCE Newstream