Incredible images with super-sensitive new Exmor R CMOS sensor

This season’s new Handycam® range is bursting with smart Sony technology for incredible Full HD picture quality plus fun new shooting and playback features. Superbly styled and easy to use, it’s your passport to breathtaking images in any situation – from fun-filled holidays, parties and days out to precious family moments.

Heading up the Spring ’09 Handycam® line-up are seven compact new High Definition models. Boasting best-ever picture quality and intelligent shooting features, hard disk drive (HDD) models are joined by colourful new Memory Stick™ models that offer amazing value.

New Handycam® sets new standards for extra-long record times, letting you capture more of your favourite memories. The flagship HDR-XR520VE can store 101 hours of sparkling HD video on its massive 240GB hard disk drive. That’s an incredible two hours of recording time every weekend for a whole year without hitting ‘delete’.

Range-topping AVCHD HDD models (XR520VE/500VE) now feature a super-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor. This groundbreaking imager increases sensitivity by approximately 2x compared with conventional models. Significantly reducing image noise, the new sensor ensures brilliant picture quality, even when you’re shooting in low light. Also making its debut on top models is Sony’s new high-quality G Lens that’s perfectly tailored to complement the resolving power of the Exmor R sensor.

New ‘Active Mode’ on Optical SteadyShot for top-end ACVHD HDD models dramatically reduces camera shake for more stable images, even when you’re walking along as you shoot. Anti-shake performance is improved by up to ten times at wide-angle settings compared with previous-generation Handycam® models.

With the new Handycam® you’re even less likely to miss those amazing moments when they happen. All models now feature Quick Start-up; flipping open the LCD takes you from standby mode to ready-to-shoot in less than a second – three times faster that previous models and very low power consumption during standby mode.

Ever wished you had a camera handy while you’re shooting video? After making its debut on Cyber-shot™, Smile Shutter now comes to all HD Handycam® models for the first time. Working with Face Detection, Smile Shutter automatically grabs beautifully-exposed, smiling still portraits of friends and family while you’re recording video. It’s a great way to capture happy faces without disturbing your concentration.