Sony prepares for a High Definition Christmas

You might be planning a Summer getaway but as far as Sony is concerned it's time to contemplate the purchase of a new HD Handycam with which to capture all that Christmas spirit. Has anybody told them it's only July?

Whatever. Anyhow, the company is keen for us all to think ahead and consider its current range of High Definition Handycams as a way of recording all those important festive memories in glorious HD for playback on its own Blu-ray and HDTV products. Five HD camcorders are on offer. Here they are:

Handycam HDR-CX105
The CX105 Handycam is (we're told by Sony) "perfect for recording Full High Definition on the move". A super compact and lightweight option, it uses Memory Stick for easy transfer of footage to a PC or TV so users can share their footage with friends and family. It also has an 8GB internal memory that can store 3 hours of footage.

Handycam HDR-TG7E
Sony tells us that this model is ultra-compact, light and beautifully styled, and claims the Handycam HDR-TG7VE to be the world’s smallest, lightest Full HD camcorder. It comes with features such as GPS and 6 hour Full HD recording on the 16GB internal memory . We're also assured that the head-turning TG7 redefines the concept of ‘HD to go’ (whatever that means). With its stylish looks, smart shooting features and brilliantly simple operation, the TG7 is perfect for trips abroad, according to its maker. The built-in GPS receiver plots locations as you travel so that family members, friends and colleagues can retrace your journey when back home, with "exciting" online maps displayed on a PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser software. We'll assume that it's not Apple Mac compatible, of course!

Handycam DCR-SX30E and DCR-SX30E
Containing a "generous" 16GB internal memory, the SX50E Handycam is aimed at those who like to capture the action wherever they are. With a 60 x optical zoom and "super clear video quality", it’s like packing a telescope with a camcorder. (That's Sony's line, by the way, not ours). Sound quality is said to be as crisp as the picture is clear – the smart microphone zooms in on the action when the picture does, meaning background talking, rustling leaves and off-camera noises are all cancelled out, we're assured (something we'll just have to test). The SX30E is available in red, silver and blue, and features 4GB of internal memory - capacity for up to 2hrs and 55mins of footage. Capacity can be increased as the SX30 features a Memory Stick slot, allowing easy transfer of footage to a PC. Additional impressive features that improve the enjoyment of watching back footage include a 60x optical zoom for clear, high quality image quality and the inclusion of a zoom microphone so that sound, even far away, is clear and precise.

Handycam HDR-XR520VE
The Sony XR520VE (pictured, above right) has a built-in HDD of 240GB, capable of storing up to 101 hours of footage. It also features Sony’s super-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor that illuminates sensitive areas ensuring bright, low noise-images even in low light. It also features Sony’s new G lens, designed by Sony engineers to work in harmony with the Sony CMOS sensor technology to enhance picture performance. The XR520VE is GPS-capable, allowing travellers and film enthusiasts alike the unique capability of tracking the location of their footage. The integrated GPS means videos are plotted on Navteq-supplied maps on the Handycam’s LCD screen.

So, there you have it. Consumer HD continues its onward march - but it's such a pity that the company continues with its commitment to Memory Stick, which many regular SimplyDV users know is completely different to - and incompatible with - the near ubiquitous SD and SDHC card technology as used by other major brands such as Panasonic, Canon, JVC and co.

We'll bring you reviews of new Sony product as and when it's made available to us.