Sony has released its latest range of DVD Handycam camcorders, with five different models to suit the various needs of the novice to the experienced movie maker, the company said.

“The DVD camcorder market has been growing at a tremendous rate, with a 13 percent increase in DVD camcorder uptake in 2005. This number is expected to continue to grow as customers shift away from traditional tape-based camcorders toward the easy-to-use DVD format. In Australia alone, 20 percent of the camcorder market is DVD format, with Sony leading the way,” said Sony’s Di Shepherd.

The range includes the “all-rounder” DVD755 ($1299) which features a 1/5.5 inch 1.1 mega-pixel CCD for high resolution image reproduction, 16:9 widescreen recording and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Sony says this model is “Perfect for the creative user who wants all the features but none of the complications.”

The higher end models include the DVD805 ($1499) and the DVD905 ($1899). The DVD805 features 1/3 inch 2 mega pixel CCD, 16:9 widescreen recording, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and a 2.7 inch wide LCD. It is also capable of taking three mega pixel still images.

The DVD905 features a 3.5 inch wide LCD and ClearVid CMOS Sensor imaging technology which results in a wider range of colours and improved clarity, Sony says. It can also take four megapixel still images as well as three megapixel still images whilst recording in ‘movie’ mode.

The DVD905

For novice users who “Want to capture high quality footage but don’t require the optional features,” Sony recommends the DVD705 ($1099) or the DVD605 ($949). The DVD605 features a 20x optical zoom as well as the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens which is standard on all camcorders in the new range.

Sony’s entire DVD Handycam range is compatible with both + and – R DVD formats. Users can also instantly play back +RW recorded footage in most DVD players without needing to finalise the disc.

The new range is now available, excepting the DVD905, which will be available from May 2006.

See www.sony.com.au