Aaaargh!!! I Want One Bad!!!
Sony’s latest MiniDV Handycam is the industry’s first single-CCD, 3.31-megapixel consumer model, offering both digital video and still camera optics in a single device. The new DCR-PC330 model has a Advanced HAD CCD imager, a 10x optical zoom, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and a new advanced primary color filter, which together create outstanding video and digital photographs. It is expected to be available in October for about $1,700.
“The PC330 Handycam model eliminates any compromise that digital still photographers might feel when looking for a combined digital video and still unit,” said Linda Vuolo, Sony Electronics’ director of camcorder product management. “The new CCD imager plays double-duty by enhancing the already stellar quality of the MiniDV format, by bringing it up to 530 lines of resolution, while producing outstanding, print-quality still images.”
In addition to standard its Super NightShot infrared system for shooting video in total darkness and the Super SteadyShot system for image stabilization, this new model also has a new smooth interval record feature, enabling smooth time-lapse recording. It also features a 2.5-inch SwivelScreen hybrid touch panel LCD for an easy-access, easy-to-see menu, and a customizable 3-D user menu. The DCR-PC330 camcorder weighs just over a pound with its battery.
The new three-color filter uses proprietary technology that quadruples the area for each primary color resulting in what Sony says is “more true-to-life photographs and video.” Other features include an intelligent pop-up flash, its Hologram AF focus system, and its NightFraming system, which uses infrared technology to frame and capture a still shot with no or low lighting. Digital still photos are captured as JPEG files directly to Memory Stick media (16MB Memory Stick Included), while video can be saved in the MPEG Movie EX format with audio onto the Memory Stick media or to the MiniDV tape.