Sony AVCHD HDD Handycams feature up to 100GB HDD, plus faster, smarter scene searches

New AVCHD HDD Handycam models feature up to 100GB HDD, plus faster, smarter scene searches

* AVCHD HDD camcorders with superb HD 1080i recording * 100GB disk capacity (SR8E) for up to 38 hours HD recording * ClearVid CMOS sensor * x.v.Colour * Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 10x optical zoom * Super SteadyShot optical Image stabilisation (SR7E/8E) * Quick browsing with new search functions * Easy backup with One Touch Disc Burn * Up to 6.1 Megapixel still image recording (SR7E/8E)


25th April 2007 - Beautiful styling meets amazing HD recording times with the smallest, lightest AVCHD hard disk Handycam models ever from Sony. Offering up to an incredible 38 hours of recording, the new line-up makes shooting your own High Definition pictures even easier and more rewarding.

Longest-ever record duration… with no tape or discs
The ultra-compact, stylishly-designed new HDR-SR Series is headed up by the flagship SR8E. With an immense 100GB hard disk capacity, it records beautiful HD pictures and digital surround sound for an incredible 38 hours (in LP mode). It's joined by the equally elegant SR5E and SR7E that offer 40GB and 60GB disk capacities for up to 15 hours or 22 hours HD recording time respectively (in LP mode). The amazing shooting capacity of the new line-up is enabled by powerful AVCHD compression technology that allows long recording durations with excellent HD picture quality. As well as offering high compression efficiency, variable Bit Rate recording adjusts bit rates while shooting, balancing optimal picture quality with maximum storage efficiency for higher picture quality.

High Definition recording directly onto the camcorder's hard disk drive means there's no need to carry any tapes or discs when you step out with the latest HDR-SR Series. Not having to change media in the middle of recording means you don't miss any moment while shooting. Phenomenal record times are complemented by HDD Smart Protection technology – so your precious memories are safeguarded, even in the event of unexpected bumps and jolts while you're shooting.

Weighing just 530g (excluding battery), the latest HDR-SR Series models are around 20% smaller and 17% lighter (SR7E/8E) than their predecessor, the SR1E.

Superb HD picture quality
All new HDR-SR Series models use the AVCHD format to capture HD 1080 images for incredible detail and vibrant colours. The ClearVid CMOS sensor with Enhanced Imaging Processor offers excellent dynamic range and reduced smear compared with conventional CCD sensors. Exceptional sensitivity with a minimum illumination of only 2 lux (Auto Slow Shutter "ON") allows successful shooting in twilight or dimly-lit interiors.

High-quality still images up to 6.1 Megapixel can also be captured. In Dual Rec mode, 4.6 Megapixel still images can be shot without interrupting video shooting. (SR7E/8E only)

Based on the new xvYCC international standard, x.v.Colour technology assures supremely life-like colour reproduction. Compared to conventional camcorders, x.v.Colour approximately doubles the range of colours that can be reproduced, very close to what human eye can recognise. This ensures vivid, expressive tonal reproduction with greater detailing and clarity when viewed on the growing range of xvYCC compliant televisions and players including new Sony Blu-ray player BDP-S1.

The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens features a 10x optical zoom range to bring distant images closer with superb clarity. Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation (SR7E/8E) ensures sharp, clear images during still shooting, plus improved picture stability when shooting video in slow shutter mode.

An on-board microphone allows recording of Dolby Digital® 5.1ch surround sound – an essential part of the total HD entertainment experience with a home theatre system.

There's a growing range of exciting possibilities for enjoying your HD pictures at home. The SR series connects directly to any BRAVIA HD-ready television via a mini-HDMI cable (optional) for fantastic results in your living room. Alternatively, AVCHD discs can be burned using a PC for playback on PLAYSTATION®3 or an AVCHD-compatible Blu-ray player.

New technology means faster scene searches
Even with up to 38 hours (HDR-SR8E) of footage on board, the new HDR-SR Series makes it beautifully simple to find exactly the right scene in moments.

'Visual Index' divides all your footage into a series of convenient chapters, corresponding with each press of the Record Start button. Thumbnail images are automatically created for each chapter and displayed on the camcorder's touch screen for handy reference.

It's complemented by smart new indexing features that make it even quicker to track down your favourite memories after a day's shooting.

'Film Roll Index' automatically creates scene index points at user-selectable intervals from 3 seconds to 5 minutes within each recorded chapter. All that's required is a single press of the 'Film Roll' button on the camcorder's body. The right scene can then be tracked down quickly on the camcorder's touch-screen. Film Roll Index searches can also be performed on a PC using supplied Picture Motion Browser software.

For the first time ever on a camcorder, 'Face Index' uses new Face Detection Technology to simplify searches for 'people pictures' within a scene of continuously shot footage – like your child in a school play. The HDR-SR Series automatically identifies scenes from your footage containing faces. Faces appear as thumbnail images, making it fun and easy to browse scenes featuring your child or other people – just make your selection by pressing the touch screen and the clip plays immediately.
NB: Faces may not be detected depending on recording conditions

Bundled Picture Motion Browser software also permits 'Highlight' Searches to track down brightly-lit, colourful scenes with voices. It's ideal for finding those shots from the beach, poolside or concerts and other special events.

For ever greater flexibility, scenes can be searched by shooting date using the 'Date Index' function.

Despite its superb picture quality and advanced new features, the new AVCHD HDD Handycam line-up is also beautifully simple to use. Clear, simple function navigation on the touchscreen is complemented by direct buttons for playback.

Convenient disc burning and back-up
It's easy to keep all your memories archived to enjoy again and again. Once the camcorder's hard disk is filled up, there's a choice of methods for transferring your precious video footage to a PC or onto DVD for safekeeping.

The bundled Handycam Station features 'One Touch Disc Burn' – just press a button to transfer your shots from Handycam to a connected PC for fuss-free creation of AVCHD format DVDs.

Shots can also be stored safely to your computer's hard drive using 'Easy PC Back-up'. This intelligently detects and transfers only new files that have not previously been saved for faster back-ups.

Once footage has been imported to your PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser software, it’s easy to edit your own movies with an increasing choice of AVCHD-compatible editing packages. Sony Vegas software, version 7.0e, is an ideal choice, allowing import and editing of ‘native’ AVCHD files without the need to convert first to another format.

Enjoy simplicity and usability with STAMINA
Shots can be viewed instantly on the superb 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD plus screen. This teams excellent brightness, contrast and faithful colour reproduction with the simplicity and usability of controlling camcorder functions via touch screen. Despite their advanced imaging and playback capabilities, the newest AVCHD HDD Handycam models are brilliantly simple to use thanks to clear, intuitive menus and helpful on-screen explanation of functions. There’s also an ‘Easy Handycam’ mode that adjusts all settings for foolproof everyday use.
Advanced Sony STAMINA power management allows up to 6 hours of uninterrupted shooting time between charges (HDR-SR5E, with optional battery NP-FH100)


The Sony Handycam SR5 E, SR7E and SR8E will be available throughout Europe from June 2007 and will be available to pre-order at http://www.sonystyle-europe.com

HDR-SR8E/SR7E key features

* AVCHD 1080i recording
* Up to 38 hours HD recording on 100GB HDD (SR8E)
* Up to 22 hours HD recording on 60GB HDD (SR7E)
* Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
* ClearVid CMOS Sensor x.v.Colour
* 10x Optical Zoom / 20x Digital Zoom
* Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilisation
* New Search Functions
* 6.1 Megapixel Still Image Recording
* Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Recording
* 2.7-inch Wide, Clear Photo LCD plus screen
* 123k wide colour viewfinder
* STAMINA up to 5 hours (with optional battery)

* AVCHD 1080i recording
* Up to 15 hours HD recording on 40GB
* HDD Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
* ClearVid CMOS Sensor
* x.v.Colour
* 10x Optical Zoom / 80x Digital Zoom
* New Search Functions
* 4.0 Megapixel Still Image Recording
* Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Recording
* 2.7-inch Wide, Clear Photo LCD plus screen
* STAMINA up to 6 hours (with optional battery)

Optional Accessories

From high-grade lenses, microphones and high-power batteries to tripods and stylish carry cases - there's a full range of official accessories to help you get even more from your Handycam®.

To fully enjoy the High Definition experience, two new HDMI connecting cables are also introduced. Both VMC-15MHD and VMC-30MHD feature a new mini HDMI terminal that matches your Handycam perfectly (Type C – Type A). Terminals are gold-finished for perfect connectivity. Cables are 1.5 and 3.0 meters in length respectively.

PC Requirements

Operating system
Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista (64-bit editions and Starter are not supported)

CPU
Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz or faster (Intel Pentium 4 3.6GHz or faster, Intel Pentium D 2.8GHz or faster, Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz or faster, Intel Core 2 Duo 1.66GHz or faster are recommended.)

For the following operations, can work with Pentium III 1GHz or faster:

* Importing the contents to the computer
* One Touch Disc Burn
* Creating AVCHD/DVD discs
* Duplicating discs
* Processing SD (standard definition) image quality contents only

Memory
Windows 2000, XP - 512MB or more (1GB or more is recommended.) For processing SD (standard definition) image quality contents only, 256MB or more is required

Windows Vista - 1GB or more

HDD free space

Approx. 800MB or more (10GB or more may be required when creating DVD discs.)

* This requirement is for processing HD (high definition) video quality contents recorded in SP mode (7Mbps).
* Operations are not guaranteed on all environments.
* Even in a computer environment which satisfies system requirements, you may find dropped frames, sound interruptions, or noises while playing back movies with HD (high definition) image quality. However, imported images and images on discs created subsequently will not be affected.
* Picture Motion Browser does not support 5.1ch surround sound reproduction. The sound is reproduced in 2ch sound.
* If you use a notebook computer, please connect the computer to the AC adaptor as power source when playing back or editing movies with HD (high definition) image quality. Otherwise, it may not operate properly due to the power saving functio n of the computer.
* The supplied software does not support Macintosh computers.