HD camcorder Sony HDR – HC3E

The new high definition camcorder from Sony is the lightest and smallest HDV in the World.

Highest resolution and sensitivity ensures unrivalled picture quality

· Launch of new Sony HDV Handycam® HDR-HC3E with a host of new features
· ClearVid CMOS sensor and Enhanced Image Processor unique to Sony mean higher quality, beautiful images
· 4Mega Still Image Recording
· Equipped with HDMI interface for High Quality pictures through your HDTV
· All in a compact size

Sony Europe announces the launch of the HDR – HC3E, a digital high definition video camera providing professional level high video quality in an easy to hold compact size.

The HC3E is the latest model following on to the HDR-HC1 digital high definition Handycam which was released in July 2005, along with the growing popularity of high definition televisions. With great improvements including higher image quality, being smaller, more lightweight and easier to use, this HDV camcorder will fully satisfy all users, from beginners through to experienced amateurs.

Two powerful Sony technologies combine for optimum image quality

The new HDR – HC3E features the ability to record movies with higher sensitivity and higher picture quality, and 4Mega pixel still image. This is made possible by a ClearVid CMOS sensor entirely new and unique to Sony. The combination of the ClearVid CMOS sensor with the new Enhanced Imaging Processor from Sony is formidable, facilitating the recording of high quality images with both high resolution and heightened sensitivity.

The Enhanced Imaging Processor is capable of processing large amounts of pixel data while capturing bright and dark areas of the image for the most realistic effect and colour reproduction yet. Other new benefits of these combined technologies include:

4Mega still Image Recording
Thanks to unique ClearVid CMOS Sensor, now you can record 4Mega still image from 2Mega CMOS Sensor with Unique Pixel interpolation based on signal correlation.

Dual Rec
Now you can capture high resolution 2.3 Megapixel still pictures even while you are shooting movie footage, by saving them temporarily on the camcorder’s internal memory before they can be transferred to a Sony Memory Stick Duo.

Smooth Slow Rec
High speed movie recording for special smooth slow-motion effects is now possible with this new feature from Sony. The Enhanced Imaging Processor ensures that images can be captured at very high speed – the normal mode sees recording rates of 50 fields/second, whereas Smooth Slow Rec can see as many as 200 fields captured in this timescale. Three seconds of footage can be captured at a time for a detailed view of a particular moving image.

HDMI-ready for easy TV viewing and sharing
The new HDR–HC3E from Sony has the added benefit of being HDMI ready, addressing the needs of increasing numbers of HDTV adopters. Now you can easily play back movies and audio through your TV without degradation of the digital image by sending uncompressed high quality HD video and audio signals from the camcorder through a single cable.

Colours come alive
The newest HDV camcorder from Sony features an improved wide Clear Photo LCD plus screen measuring 2.7” and designed to provide higher image clarity and contrast. The screen also features a new Anti-Reflection Coat to enable improved viewing and reviewing, even in strong sunlight.

The HDR–HC3E also features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, with a 10x Optical Zoom capability and a filter diameter of 30mm. The advanced multi-layer T* coating within the Carl Zeiss lenses minimizes reflections, reduces flare and increases contrast. This results in brilliantly vivid images, natural colour saturation and precise renditions of subtle tones. The 10X Optical Zoom lens ensures high quality during zooming and close focusing.

Professional quality coupled with ease of use
With regard to the ease of use, the camera has become even more lightweight and smaller; it weighs 500g, which is 26 percent lighter compared to HC1 (680g), and the cubic volume has been reduced by 26 percent from 660cc(HC1) to 490cc, so it is a compact size model which can be easily carried around.

Sony’s unique Easy Handycam menu gives one-button access to simplified camera operation and recording settings. It locks out the more advanced features of the menu, giving the user a quick and easy selection of basic settings to choose from. These are displayed on the LCD screen in large, easy to read characters.

The Sony HDR-HC3E will be available throughout Europe from April 2006.

Optional accessories

Sony provides a wide variety of accessories to maximise the Handycam shooting experience and address the diverse needs of all customers. All potential requirements are covered, from lenses to microphones, from lights to high-power batteries and from tripods to stylish carry cases. New additions to the camcorder accessory line from Sony in 2006 include:

The exciting ECM-HW1 wireless microphone is designed to add further depth and clarity to your audio recording by being easily attached to your subject by clipping onto the clothes, worn around the arm, around the neck or placed nearby. It is compatible with 5.1ch Center Mic Ready Handycam models to provide advanced 5.1ch surround sound recording for playback as if you were there – the centre mic will play out from the centre speaker on your TV.

The ACC-FP71 value accessory kit contains three indispensable items to accompany your camcorder, offering a saving of around €30 on the price of buying them separately. The kit contains the NP-FP71 carrying case, the LCS-VAC high capacity battery and BLT-HSB neck strap.

Sony also offers a new, LCM-HCF Semi Soft Carrying Case for easy storage and carrying of your Handycam – this is available for all camcorders excluding entry-level DVD and HD DVD models. Alternatively, you could house your camcorder in the SPK-HCB Sports Pack with shoulder strap from Sony. This is compatible with new Handycam models, including the newest HDV model from Sony, and offers waterproofing up to 5metres.

The HVL-10NH is a high power 10w light. Compatible with all new Handycam models, it is supplied with an Accessory Shoe Adaptor.