Sony Australia has introduced its first hard disk drive camcorder (DCR-SR100) in an effort to combine the ultimate in features with advanced storage, the company announced today.

The SR100 has a 30 GB hard disk drive, which Sony claims has a record time of over seven hours of DVD quality video (9 Mbps VBR), over 21 hours of web-quality ‘long play’ mode (3 Mbps VBR) and ten hours of ‘slow play’ recording (6 Mbps VBR).

The new model has widescreen capability, 5.1 channel surround sound and features Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens. Sony claims the new camcorder is perfect for the PC-centric video camera enthusiast.

“We are confident that the SR100 will appeal to discerning customers who require on-camera and on-the-move methods of storing their precious memories. Sony’s engineers have excelled with this unit, retaining signature Sony styling and innovative technologies, as well as incorporating expanded capabilities for storing video footage,” said Sony Australia’s Di Shepherd.

The camcorder offers up to 530 lines of horizontal (video) resolution with a 3 megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager. It has a ‘Super Nightshot Infrared System’ to record in low-light situations. The SR100 can also take digital still photos and comes with a built in flash.

Sony said ImageMixer for HDD camcorder also comes in the box to allow quick transfers of footage onto PC for editing or to DVD. It also scans through footage and backs up any data that is not already backed up on the PC.

In the event of any rough handling or tumbles, the SR100 protection system is engaged and a shock absorber wraps around the top and bottom of the hard disk. Sony also claims that the hard disk retracts on harsh impact to protect the camcorder from data loss.

RRP: $1799

See: www.sony.com.au