Sony Gulf further has expanded its Hard Disk High Definition (HD) Handycam camcorder range with three new models – the HDR-SR12, HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR10.

The HDR-SR12 features an industry-largest 120 GB built-in hard disk drive and 10.2 mega-pixel still image capture (also featured in HDR-SR11). A significant breakthrough for the camcorder industry, the three new Hard Disk camcorders further enhances recording quality by incorporating face detection technology for both video and photos, said an official spokesman.

This unique feature can identify up to eight faces in the camcorder’s LCD frame, and automatically adjust exposure, focus and colour control.

Additionally, these Full HD models incorporate advanced imaging innovations from Sony’s professional camcorders and high-end digital SLR cameras. The ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor-derived technology combines with the BIONZ Image Processing Engine and D-Range Optimizer to deliver up to 10.2 mega-pixel photo capture.

It also enables high sensitivity and low noise for both movie and still image shooting.

Full 1920 x 1080 HD Recording and Industry-Largest 120 GB Hard Disk Drive
The HDR-SR12, HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR10 feature Full HD video recording, delivering the highest resolution available without sacrificing recording times.

The HDR-SR12 incorporates an industry-largest built-in 120GB hard disk drive that can continuously record up to 48 hours of HD video or equivalent to 86 DVD discs, while the HDR-SR11 (60GB) and HDRSR10 (40GB) can capture up to 22 hours and 15 hours of HD video respectively. Moreover, still images can be recorded at an industry-high 10.2 megapixels (3680 x 2760 in 4:3 mode).

The face detection technology featured in the HDR-SR12, HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR10 is made possible by the combination of BIONZ image processing engine and ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor.

This feature adjusts the focus automatically to capture clear and sharp subject faces, enable auto colour control to correct skin colours as well as auto exposure to ensure the face is bright and clear even when there is backlighting.

The quality of subject faces is further enhanced by the newly developed Bit Allocation. The camcorder allocates more encoding bits on the detected face area than other parts of the picture so that a high quality and clear face can be recorded.

Thanks to the newly deployed BIONZ Image Processing Engine in the HDR-SR12, HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR10, the D-Range Optimizer enhances shooting even in strongly backlit settings. The dynamic range will be adjusted to counter the effects of high-contrast shooting conditions to ensure desired outcome.
Also for the first time in the camcorder industry, the linked zoom microphone function is featured in the HDR-SR12, HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR10. When the user zooms into a subject, the sound will also be picked up in a focused manner. This built-in zoom microphone records in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound for crystal clear and life-like audio results.

The HDR-SR12, HDR-SR11 and HDR-SR10 feature hybrid movie recording on optional Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards as well as their in-built hard drives. Both movies and photos can then be directly transferred from the camcorder’s hard drive to the media card without the use of a computer.

The new 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo that will be available from April 2008 allows users to store up to 110 minutes of HD video recorded in 1920 mode, almost 6 hours of HD video when shooting in 1440 LP mode, and up to 3800 still pictures in 10-megapixel resolution. – TradeArabia News Service