Steve's Digicams - Breaking News - Sony 05/06/03 Press Release

Sony Packs Performance And Style In Petite Mini DV Camcorder Package

SAN DIEGO, May 6, 2003 - Just in time for a summer road trip or a day in the park, Sony Electronics today introduced the DCR-PC105 Mini DV Handycam® camcorder that travels anywhere and achieves top quality video and high resolution still images anytime.

Weighing in at about 16 ounces, the compact camcorder combines a one-megapixel imager with Carl Zeiss® optics to produce video with 520 lines of horizontal resolution that has crisp detail and color clarity. The new camcorder also incorporates an intelligent pop-up flash to ensure that the still images (1152 X 864) are captured in bright and vivid resolution even in tough lighting situations.

In addition to its slimmed down design, the new camcorder features a futuristic two-tone finish of silver and metallic blue.

"This Handycam camcorder exemplifies Sony's strength in miniaturization and style," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of the Digital Imaging Products Division at Sony Electronics.

Simple Touch-Screen Navigation

For convenient access to the camcorder's numerous modes and features, the camcorder offers a touch panel 2.5" SwivelScreen™ hybrid LCD display with access to its entire menu. The hybrid LCD, a new feature for Sony's Mini DV camcorders, allows for increased visibility in challenging outdoor lighting situations such as bright sunlight. The touch panel also compliments a spot focus mode that overrides the auto mode by focusing in on an object with a touch of the LCD screen.

Stay Connected with USB Streaming

With the DCR-PC105, users not only enjoy the benefits of a digital camcorder and digital still camera in one, but can also turn the camcorder into their own video conferencing system. With USB Streaming, users can stream live or recorded video of their day at the beach by connecting the camcorder using a USB connection to a PC with Internet access, and employing video conferencing software such as the Microsoft Windows NetMeeting application.

MPEG Movie EX - MPEG1 Without Limits

The DCR-PC105 also comes equipped with MPEG Movie EX, which allows it to capture mini- movies with audio onto Memory Stick media up to the length of the media's capacity. Video clips can either be captured directly onto Memory Stick media, or recorded on tape and later converted in-camera to MPEG1. These clips can be easily shared with friends as an e-mail attachment or included on Web sites and office presentations.

The new Handycam camcorder also features:

• InfoLithium® Rechargeable Battery With AccuPower ™ Meter System - All Sony Handycam camcorders conveniently indicate the remaining minutes of battery life on the LCD or viewfinder display, allowing users to keep an accurate and constant reading of remaining battery power. In addition, Sony has incorporated a new "Battery Info" button on its camcorders. Even when the camcorder is off, simply press the button and the battery charge level and remaining recording time is quickly displayed.

• i.LINK® DV Interface - The i.LINK (IEEE-1394) DV interface allows for high-speed, bi- directional digital communication between two digital Handycam camcorders or with other devices such as compatible PCs or MAC® computers for digital video editing.

• 10X Optical/120X Precision Digital Zoom - Sony's optical zoom not only brings the action closer but the precision digital zoom uses interpolation technology to make digital zooming cleaner, with less distortion than conventional digital zooms.

• Super NightShot 0 Lux/Color Slow Shutter Recording System - This system captures video in total darkness up to 10 feet away by using an advanced infrared system. Super NightShot recording employs an automatic slow-shutter control to deliver brighter, sharper images with more detail when shooting in the dark. Or use the new color mode for recording full-color video in dim light. Color mode helps capture true-to-life color video of sleeping babies, birthday candles and early evening events.

• Super SteadyShot Picture Stabilization - Using motion sensors to compensate for camera shake, this Worry Free® feature enhances video and eliminates high frequency vibration without compromising picture quality, meaning virtually no blurred images during shaky camera situations.