For 2013, Sony announced eleven HandyCam camcorders for both the casual shooter and advanced videographer, with upgrades including increased picture quality by Sony’s unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot for smoother movies deployed in more models, higher brightness for built-in projection, Wi-Fi for easier sharing and a range of advanced performance capabilities.
Sony’s Handycam camcorders with built-in video projectors get a boost in brightness. The compact, LED-based projector built into the flip-out LCD panel of these camcorders can project video and images up to 100” diagonal onto any flat surface with upgraded resolution for an even clearer, sharper picture. Select models also now add an external HDMI input that lets users project content from compatible smartphones, tablets or PCs – movies, slideshows, web pages, games, etc. – onto any flat wall or surface. Select models also offer a high sensitivity microphone and an advanced sound processor for rich audio results.
Making its Handycam debut, all new camcorders now offer the option of recording HD video in either top-quality AVCHD or web-friendly MP4 formats. While AVCHD offers the highest-quality picture for viewing on an HDTV or burning to a Blu-ray Disc for archiving, shooting crisply-detailed clips using the popular bandwidth-saving MP4 format is perfect for online sharing and easy uploads to social media web sites.
In another Handycam first, an optional Wi-Fi adaptor simplifies cable-free transfers of video clips and still photos. Consumers can even step away from behind the camcorder and control the video capture device remotely with their compatible smartphone.
The new Handycam camcorder portfolio now integrates more advanced features from entry level to high end, including Sony’s hallmark Exmor R CMOS image sensor for beautifully clear, detailed video and stills, even in tricky low-light conditions. Sony’s unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization will be deployed in more new models for up to 13 times more stable and smooth footage than its predecessors. This powerful image stabilizer makes it much easier to shoot crisp blur-free images in a range of challenging situations using a floating lens unit which controls the entire optical path, including the image sensor.
All models now offer a wide angle lens with less than 30mm minimum focal length to capture everything in the shot, from landscapes to big groups and beyond. Another common feature is TRILUMINOS color technology that reproduces precious memories in rich and natural colors. When still images and videos are played back on any BRAVIA TV with TRILUMINOS display, users will experience an expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic hues.
Handycam camcorder audio is also upgraded this year. Sony’s Advanced Sound System (available on select models) offers several quality enhancements to ensure every sound is captured beautifully – from the loudest concert to the softest whispers. The high-quality external microphone lets users record audio with pinpoint accuracy and Wider Dynamic Range for extreme clarity. In addition, consumers can easily adjust audio record levels to eliminate distortion at high volumes – an area where a smartphone’s camera microphone typically struggles.
A new Multi-Interface Shoe on select models works with a compact Wi-Fi adapter (ADP-WL1M) to bring wireless connectivity to Handycam camcorders for the first time. It allows easy wireless transfer of MP4 movie files and photos directly to a compatible smartphone or tablet, and also backs up both AVCHD and MP4 content to a PC, eliminating the need for cables. Consumers can even use a compatible smartphone as a wireless remote to control Record, Start/Stop, Zoom and other functions on the camcorder.
The HVL-LEIR1 battery-powered video light is also compatible with the Multi-Interface shoe and runs on AA batteries. It doubles as an infrared source for ‘no-lights’ footage with Handycam models that support NightShot or Super NightShot. To further the mobile theater experience, the new Handycam camcorder projector models with the Multi-Interface Shoe can house the RDP-CA2 portable ‘360 degrees’ speaker – a great way to enjoy a clear, rich soundtrack while viewing projected content.
Features Across the Entire Line:
- Full HD Video – 1920 x 1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps, the highest bit-rate offered by the AVCHD format
- Exmor R CMOS sensor – back-illuminated sensor for stunning low light performance
- Dual Record – allows for simultaneous capture of video and still images
- Large LCD – display for easy viewing and touch operation
- iAUTO – automatic selection of optimal camcorder settings in different environments
- Tracking Focus – extension of Face Detection to choose an object by touching LCD and have the focus follow selected object
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode – compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smooth video
- Wide angle lens – offers a broader perspective to capture everything in the shot
- Closer Voice – Utilizing Face Detection, its advanced audio processing to suppress unwanted noise and capture human voices with maximum clarity
- Auto Wind Noise Reduction – iAUTO intelligently detects wind noise based on wind strength while employing an advanced algorithm to broaden the range of noise reduced
- Extended Zoom – improved BIONZ processorfor up to 20 per cent more powerful digital zooming capability compared to previous models
- Built-in USB cable – convenient USB cable built into camcorder strap for easy content transfer and quick charge
- GPS w/ Enhanced NAVTEQ Maps – Built-in GPS for geotagging with embedded NAVTEQ Maps for detailed maps that will display street-level shooting locations
Sony is also announcing an exciting new benefit for Handycam camcorder owners. In collaboration with WeVideo, the leading online video editing company, Sony is making cloud-based, online video editing a reality. Starting in late January, owners of Handycam camcorder models from 2012 through 2013 will be entitled to three free months of access to WeVideo, for access to powerful video editing features including Full HD 1080p export quality; real-time previews, fast rendering; 10GB of cloud storage; and 400 royalty-free audio tracks.
2013 Handycam High Definition Camcorders & Accessories
Entry HD
- HDR-CX220: Full HD 60p, 8.9-megapixels, Exmor R CMOS sensor, SteadyShot image stabilization, 29.8mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar Lens with 32x Extended Digital Zoom, AVCHD/MP4 recording, and 2.7” LCD display – $249 (in black, blue, red and silver)
- HDR-CX230: With 8GB flash memory – $279
- HDR-PJ230: With built-in projector (13lm) – $399
- HDR-CX290: With 50x Extended Digital Zoom and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization – $349
Mid HD
- HDR-CX380V: 16GB flash memory, 55x Extended Zoom, 3.0” wide touch screen Clear Photo LCD display (230K), wide angle 26.8mm Sony G Lens, mic/headphone jack, Closer Voice, Auto Wind Noise Reduction – $449
- HDR-PJ380V: With built-in projector (13lm), HDMI external device input, and Tracking Focus – $599 (in black, red and white)
- HDR-CX430V: Full HD 24p/60p, Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, 32GB flash memory, 5.1 surround sound mic, multi-interface shoe allowing optional Wi-Fi accessory, Cinema Tone presets, and audio REC level adjust – $699
- HDR-PJ430V: With built-in projector, external device input, and advanced sound processor (13lm) – $849
High End HD
- HDR-PJ650V: 20.4-megapixels, manual control (iris/shutter/exposure/white balance), wide angle 26.8mm Sony G Lens with hood, advanced controls with expanded focus, zebra, and peaking, touch screen 3.0” Xtra Fine LCD (921K), color Electronic Viewfinder (0.27” 201K), and built-in projector (20lm) with external device input – $1099
- HDR-PJ790V: With 24.1-megapixels, top-mounted 5.1 ch surround sound mic, 96GB flash memory, multi-interface shoe allowing optional Wi-Fi and XLR box compatibility, wide angle 26mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Sonar Lens with hood, and built-in projector (35lm) with external device input – $1599
Double Full HD 3D
- HDR-TD30V: Two of each key component – double Sony Wide Angle G Lenses, double Exmor R CMOS image sensors, and double BIONZ image processors, 20.4-megapixels, 3D viewing directly on 3.5″ LCD (no need for 3D glasses), with 3D/2D video capture – $999
Accessories
- ADP-WL1M: Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connectivity – $75
- RDP-CA2: portable speaker for 2013 projector camcorders allowing 360-degree “Circle Sound Technology” – $70
- HVL-LEIR1: battery-powered video light that doubles as an infrared sourcefor Multi-Interface shoe camcorders – $150
Availability
Sony’s new high definition camcorders and their accessories will be available in February and March 2013.
Sony HDR-TD30V 3D High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder
Brace yourself for immersive 3D HD video recording in a compact size
Available in February for about $999
- Double Full HD 3D camcorder
- 3D viewing directly on 3.5″ LCD, no need for 3D glasses
- Full HD 2D playback from 3D recordings
- 1920×1080 Full HD 24p/60p w/20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- 3.5” Xtra Fine LCD 3D display (1229K)
- Dual Wide Angle G Lenses to capture everything you want
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode in 3D and 2D
- 10x Optical / 17x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- Face detection with voice enhancement and noise reduction
- Tracking Focus follows selected subjects in/out of the frame
Sony HDR-PJ790V High-Definition Flash Memory Projector Handycam Camcorder
Make your filmmaking debut with ultra-smooth HD, a 5.1 channel mic and built-in projector
Available in February for about $1,599
- 1920×1080 Full HD 24p/60p w/24.1-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Project up to 100″ videos with 35lm built-in projector
- HDMI input terminal projects content from external devices
- Top-mounted 5.1ch surround sound mic for premium sound
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Up to 37hr 50min recording with 96GB embedded Flash Memory
- Multi-interface shoe boasts wi-fi and XLR box compatibility
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via Wi-Fi
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
- Manual Control (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/White Balance)
Sony HDR-PJ650V High-Definition Flash Memory Projector Handycam Camcorder
Take your craft further with a built-in projector and phenomenal 24p/60p HD quality
Available in February for about $1,099
- 1920×1080 Full HD 24p/60p w/20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Project up to 100″ videos with 20lm built-in projector
- HDMI input terminal projects content from external devices
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Up to 11hr40min recording with 32GB embedded Flash Memory
- Manual Control (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/White Balance)
- 5.1ch surround sound mic for premium sound
- Multi-interface shoe for wide accessory compatibility including wi-fi
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via Wi-Fi
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
Sony HDR-PJ430V HD Flash Memory Projector Handycam Camcorder
Capture family milestones in Full HD 60p and enjoy them instantly with the built-in projector
Available in March for about $849
- 1920×1080 Full HD 24p/60p w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Project up to 100″ videos with 13lm built-in projector
- HDMI input terminal projects content from external devices
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Up to 11hr40min recording with 32GB embedded Flash Memory
- 5.1ch surround sound mic for premium sound
- Multi-interface shoe for wide accessory compatibility including wi-fi
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via Wi-Fi
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
- CinemaTone presets and 24p recording for cinematic quality video
Sony HDR-CX430V High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder
Have it all: Remarkable, Full HD 60p quality and 55x extended zoom
Available in March for about $699
- 1920×1080 Full HD 24p/60p w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Up to 11hr40min of recording with 32GB embedded Flash Memory
- 5.1ch surround sound mic for premium sound
- Multi-interface shoe for wide accessory compatibility including Wi-Fi
- Wireless control, transfer, data backup via Wi-Fi
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
- CinemaTone presets and 24p recording for cinematic quality video
- 30x Optical / 55x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 26.8mm wide angle Sony G Lens
Sony HDR-PJ380V High-Definition Flash Memory Projector Handycam Camcorder
Shoot anywhere in Full HD 60p and enjoy it instantly with the built-in projector
Available in February for about $599
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Project up to 100″ videos with 13lm built-in projector
- HDMI input terminal projects content from external devices
- Up to 6hr25min recording with 16GB embedded Flash Memory
- 30x Optical / 55x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization reduces blur
- 3.0” wide Clear Photo LCD display (230K) touch screen
- 26.8mm wide angle Sony G Lens
- Expanded recording/monitoring with mic/headphone jack
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
Sony HDR-CX380 High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder
Cherish family memories forever with gorgeous, Full HD 60p quality and 55x extended zoom
Available in February for about $449
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Up to 6hr25min recording with 16GB embedded Flash Memory
- 30x Optical / 55x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization reduces blur
- 3.0” wide Clear Photo LCD display (230K) touch screen
- 26.8mm wide angle Sony G Lens
- Expanded recording/monitoring with mic/headphone jack
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
- Wind Noise Reduction and Closer voice for cleaner sound
- Event Browse groups video/stills by events automatically
Sony HDR-PJ230V High-Definition Flash Memory Projector Handycam Camcorder
Bring your fondest memories to life with legendary Sony full HD/60p video quality and a built-in projector
Available in February for about $399
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Project up to 100″ videos with 13lm built-in projector
- Up to 3hr10min of recording with 8GB embedded Flash Memory
- SteadyShot Image Stabilization reduces blur
- 27x Optical / 32x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 29.8mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar Lens
- 2.7” wide Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
- Event Browse groups video/stills by events automatically
- Highlight Playback creates movies with transitions for you
Sony HDR-CX290V High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder
Harness the magic of the moment with beautiful, Full HD 60p quality and 8GB of built-in memory
Available in February for about $349
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Up to 6hr25min recording with 16GB embedded Flash Memory
- 27x Optical / 50x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization reduces blur
- 2.7” wide Clear Photo LCD display (230K) touch screen
- AVCHD for highest quality or MP4 for optimized video
- 29.8mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar Lens
- Event Browse groups video/stills by events automatically
- Highlight Playback creates movies with transitions for you
- Direct Copy to external HDD without PC
Sony HDR-CX230V High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder
Relive life’s special occasions with Full HD 60p quality and 8GB of built-in memory
Available in February for about $279
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- Up to 3hr10min of recording with 8GB embedded Flash Memory
- SteadyShot Image Stabilization reduces blur
- 27x Optical / 32x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 29.8mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar Lens
- 2.7” wide Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
- Optimize movies with choice of AVCHD and MP4 formats
- Event Browse groups video/stills by events automatically
- Highlight Playback creates movies with transitions for you
- Direct Copy to external HDD without PC
Sony HDR-CX220V High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder
Record those special occasions with the Full HD 60p quality they deserve
Available in February for about $249
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/8.9-megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- SteadyShot Image Stabilization reduces blur
- 27x Optical / 32x Extended Zoom to get even closer to the action
- 29.8mm wide angle Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar Lens
- 2.7” wide Clear Photo LCD display (230K)
- Optimize movies with choice of AVCHD and MP4 formats
- Event Browse groups video/stills by events automatically
- Highlight Playback creates movies with transitions for you
- Direct Copy to external HDD without PC
- Built-in USB cable for easy file transfer/charge
