High-Definition POV Print

Sony’s New HD Point of View

In February Sony will begin shipping a new high-definition compact point-of-view (POV) camera and solid-state recorder combination, called the model HXR-MC1. It features a design that separates the camera head from the control unit/recorder, giving professional users more flexibility.

The new camera records up to six hours of HD content onto a 16 GB solid-state Memory Stick PRO Duo media, using AVCHD compression. In HD recording mode, video is recorded in AVCHD, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression. It also records in SD using MPEG-2 to save space.

The HXR-MC1 camcorder captures images at 1920 x 1080 resolution, and features Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor system enhanced by Exmor technology. This technology is also used in Sony professional camcorders and consumer digital SLR cameras. With a 45-degree rotated pixel layout, this type of imager offers sufficient pixel surface area while maintaining high resolution. The Exmor technology features a unique column-parallel analog-to-digital conversion technique and dual noise canceling, resulting in high-quality digital signals with extremely low noise.

The combination of Exmor and CMOS sensor technologies use very little power; you’ll get about almost seven hours out of one battery charge.

Measuring 1 1/2 x 1 11/16 x 3 1/2 inches (including a 10x optical zoom and a built-in microphone) the compact camera can be attached to various devices such as helmets or cars. Screw holes on the bottom of the unit make mounting easier. It is also splash resistant for use in the rain.

Recording and playback are performed within the HXR-MC1’s control unit, which includes a 2.7-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally) 210,000-pixel 16:9 LCD panel that uses ClearPhoto LCD plus technology. All menu settings can be accessed via a touch-screen LCD panel. Users can shoot, play back video, change settings, and edit pictures by selecting a category from the “HOME MENU.” The control unit is also equipped with a recording button, zoom lever, and manual control dial, so users can control the camera remotely while watching the images.

For more information, visit www.sony.com.