Sony Unveils World's First HDV 1080i Consumer Camcorder

The Cinematone Gamma and Cineframe functions enable high quality picture processing to create video with the warmth, softness and richness similar to a big screen movie.

Smooth, seamless, shot transitions are achieved using the Shot Transition(TM) function. With settings to control focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter and white balance, focus can gradually be shifted from the front of the screen to a deeper subject, or vice versa, enabling an effortless transition in depth of field.

For creativity and control, the HDR-FX1 camcorder allows users to define their own default settings through the Picture Profile function.

This function offers six different profiles that can be customized and taken advantage of, depending on the scene. Scenes may include a setting for filming sunsets, another for filming people, and another for recording in black and white. And for ultimate control, the iris, gain, white balance, shutter speed and focus can also be adjusted manually.

The HDR-FX1 camcorder will be available in November for around US$3,700.

To complement the high-definition recording capabilities of the new HDR-FX1 camcorder, Sony is also introducing new HD DVC videotape, optimized to meet the demanding requirements of 1080i high-definition recording and playback.

Sony HD DVC media utilizes a new, second-generation Advanced Metal Evaporated (AME II) technology, as well as improved quality control processes. The result is an improved drop-out rate, which translates into significantly higher reliability and audio/video stability, as well as a lower carrier-to-noise ratio for lower error rates, greater output and less noise during recording.

Sony HD DVC tape will be offered in the 63-minute professional tape length, which allows three minutes for recording tests. The tape will be available in October in the US for about US$18 per cassette.