Sony’s Smallest Mini DV Handycam has Latest Digital Features

April 4, 2002 -- Travelers who want to pack light capturing the sights and sounds of their destinations will soon have a great traveling companion in Sony's newest Mini DV Handycam camcorder, the DCR-PC101, which puts a high resolution camera into a top quality camcorder, and shrinks it to the size of a paperback book. With a one-megapixel CCD (charge-coupled device), the bantam-sized camcorder delivers 520 lines of horizontal video with crisp definition of the subtlest colors for both video and digital still images (1152 X 864 file size). As the smallest of all Sony Mini DV camcorder models, the DCR-PC101 weighs just 17 ounces.

Let Your Fingers Do the Walking
For convenient access to the camcorder's numerous modes and features, it offers a touch panel 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD display with access to its entire menu. The touch panel compliments a new spot focus mode that accurately focuses the most challenging shots with a touch of the LCD screen.

Connect to the World with USB Streaming
Streaming live or recorded video is easily accomplished connecting the camcorder to a PC using its USB Streaming feature. This feature turns the camcorder into a webcam by using a USB connection and video conferencing software like the Microsoft Windows NetMeeting application.

Movie Magic on the Web -- MPEG Movie EX
The DCR-PC101 also comes equipped with MPEG MovieEX, which allows it to capture video clips with audio onto Memory Stick media up to the length of the media's capacity. Video clips can either be captured directly onto Memory Stick media or shot on tape and converted in-camera to MPEG1 format at a later time. These clips can be transferred to a PC and sent as e-mail attachments or included on Web sites and office presentations.

Dual-Options for Video Recording in Dark and Low-Light Settings
The new camcorder has two recording modes to help improve video quality in low-light situations. Users can take advantage of Sony's Super Nightshot mode for shooting monochrome video in total darkness or can select the new color mode for recording full-color video in dim light. Color mode helps capture true-to-life color video of sleeping babies, birthday candles and early evening events.

Additional Features
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens -- The Carl Zeiss lens has 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.

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 compatible i.LINK DV interface, including digital camcorders, digital VCRs 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.

10X Optical/120X Precision Digital Zoom -- Sony's optical zoom not only brings the action closer but the precision digital zoom uses interpolation technology to make digital zooming cleaner, with less distortion than conventional digital zooms.

The DCR-PC101 model will be available in June for about $1,300.

SOURCE Sony