Sony unveils GPS-enabled HD camcorder for travelers

Sony has backed up its announcement of a GPS-enabled HD camcorder at this year's CES with a new lightweight GPS-enabled model designed to woo the avid traveler. The HDR-TG5V Handycam camcorder includes Navteq digital mapping software which geotags the video or still digital images, 16GB of flash memory, a 10X optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD touch panel with a new intuitive user interface and a hard-coated titanium body designed to withstand the rigors of life on the road.

The camcorder’s built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ® digital maps enable geo-tagging of the videos and digital still images so users can pinpoint the precise location they were taken. Geo-tagged content can be played back on the camcorder’s map index display by pressing the pinpointed location on the touch-sensitive LCD. Sony includes PC software that Windows users can use to view the geotag information on a map; for Mac users, the geotags can be viewed via iPhoto.

The ultra-compact HDR-TG5V packs a Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® lens with 10X optical zoom, BIONZ™ Image Processor, Exmor™ CMOS sensor and a built in flash designed to improve images in low-light situations.

Image capture is 1920x1080 high-definition video and four-megapixel still photos with the 16GB Flash memory catering for more than six hours of high definition video footage (LP mode). You can also capture content onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media - sold separately- for additional recording time. On the audio front, the unit features Dolby Digital stereo recording with a built-in zoom microphone, a super slow motion recording mode, image stabilization and both HDMI and USB 2.0 ports.

Also notable is the inclusion of Smile Shutter technology which enables digital stills to be taken at the same time as recording video and Face Detection, which automatically corrects focus, exposure and color control for faces.

The Sony HDR-TG5V will be available in May with a retail price of around USD$1,000. Optional extras on offer include the Sony ACC0TCH5 travel kit with a battery, travel charger and pouch for about USD$100 and a wide angle lens (VCL-HGE07TB) available at around the same price. More details at Sonystyle.

David Greig