Last News of Technology and Science | Camcorder | Sony HDR-UX20

» Sony HDR-UX20 High Definition DVD Handycam

(January 2008)

If you feel the need to record in HD - and really, with today's emphasis on HD in TV and video, why wouldn't you want to upgrade your personal recordings to the same level of quality - and will have a nice chunk of change lying around this coming March, Sony would like you to consider their newest DVD-based camcorder, the HDR-UX20.

Topping the list of impressive features: 1080p HD recording based on AVCHD technology; a new high-profile encoding system for optimizing the balance between image definition and file size; use of the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video codec for compatibility with many pieces of third-party video editing software; face detection technology that allocates more pixels to the up to eight encoded faces than any other Handycam; a Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens; and support for 8cm dual-layer DVD recording, a media card for images, and 8 GB of internal memory that can hold up to an hour of high-def video. At $1000 MSRP the HDR-UX20 won't be cheap, but for the A/V nut who has to have it all, Sony's newest portable camera might just fit the bill.

Features:

The ultimate in home video flexibility. The HDR-UX20 delivers Hybrid Plus recording technology, giving you the option to record images to DVD media, 8GB internal flash memory, or removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media. The ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor technology) and BIONZ image processor capture Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution for amazingly sharp picture detail, as well as 4 megapixel still photos. For better results, Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps reduce blur while Face Detection helps people look their best in every video and photo. And the built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording lets you capture realistic surround sound even when you're far away from your subject.

1920x1080 Recording
Record stunning, incredibly detailed video footage in the clarity of 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution.
Face Detection for Video Footage and Digital Still Photos

Made possible by the BIONZ™ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image.

2.3 Megapixel ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor (with Exmor™ Technology) and BIONZ™ Image Processor
Sony's newly designed CMOS image sensor with delivers bright, vivid, and spectacularly detailed 2.3 megapixel (effective) video footage, as well as 4 megapixel still images -- all with prolonged battery life. Exmor™ technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity. In addition, the advanced Sony BIONZ™ image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise so the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible.

BIONZ™ Image Processor
The advanced Sony BIONZ™ Image Processor uses hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that improves camera response time, screens out noise before RAW data conversion, handles Dynamic Range Optimization processing, and prolongs battery life.

Exmor™ Imaging Sensor
Exmor™ technology captures video and still photo images with high resolution, high sensitivity, and exceptional detail. Advanced on-sensor A/D conversion yields rich tonal reproduction with high signal-to-noise ratio.

Hybrid Plus Recording to DVD, Internal Flash Memory, or Memory Stick® Media
Hybrid Plus recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to your choice of DVD media, an internal 8GB9 flash memory drive, or removable Memory Stick Duo™ media or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from Memory Stick media or built in flash memory media to DVD -- without using a PC. Images recorded or transferred to DVD media can then be played directly in most DVD Players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc™ players, and even PlayStation® 3 video game consoles to share your memories with friends and family.

Dual Record-2
While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture still images directly to Memory Stick Duo™ media (sold separately).

15X Optical / 180X Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

2.7" Wide1 (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Display (211K Pixels)
The 2.7" Wide1 (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

DVD Format Video Recording
The DVD recording format, in both MPEG2 (SD) and AVCHD™ format2, delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV and High Definition, but on DVD. Playback of these DVDs couldn't be simpler (depending upon the playback device used). After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD Players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc™ players, and even PlayStation® 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) Compatible3
Compatibility with a variety of DVD formats3 allows the ease-of-use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is no need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required); simply remove the finalized disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD or Blu-ray Disc™ Player.

Built-in zoom microphone with 5.1ch recording
Featuring Dolby® Ditigal 5.1 Creator, the built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera's zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.

Dolby® Digital 5.1ch Recording
Record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound with the camcorder's built-in microphone. Recording in 5.1 channel surround sound allows you to experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions, so you can enjoy your personal home movies the way you experienced them while recording.

Quick On-2
Missing an important scene can be frustrating, especially if the reason is because your camcorder is turned off. With the Quick On feature, the touch of a single button places that camcorder in Sleep mode. Another push instantly wakes the camcorder, so you'll always be ready to capture special moments.

Dynamic Range Optimizer-2
Powered by the exclusive Sony's BIONZ™ high-speed processing engine, D-Range Optimization preserves image data in bright highlights, such as suppressing "whiteout" in skies. When shooting in backlit settings, D-Range Optimization reveals more detail in shadows, preventing "blackout." As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene.

Easy Handycam Button
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people. With a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out," letting you focus only the buttons essential for recording.

Switchable HD/SD Format Recording
Record and play back both High Definition (HD)4 and Standard Definition (SD) video.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens
Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lenses use highly advanced optics to deliver vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating further reduces unwanted glare and flare for increased contrast and color.

Active Interface Shoe-2
Sony's proprietary hot shoe makes it easy to use Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, by providing power and on/off capability directly from the camcorder.

HDMI™ Connection with BRAVIA® Sync™ (CEC) Technology
HDMI™ connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video and 5.1 channel audio directly from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single cable. With BRAVIA® Sync™ (CEC) technology, the HDMI connection also delivers the ability to control both the camcorder and HDTV using a single BRAVIA TV remote.

i.LINK® Interface (IEEE1394)5
The USB 2.0 interface6 provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.
USB 2.0 Interface6

The USB 2.0 interface6 provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System
Unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect," so you're free to charge the battery at any time. Additionally, Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Stamina® Battery Power Management System
When using the Sony InfoLITHIUM® Battery, the Stamina® Battery Power Management System helps the camcorder prolong battery life for extra long continuous recording times from a single charge.7

Battery Information
At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. When using the LCD screen or viewfinder, the display will show how much the battery is charged -- in 10% increments -- and the recordable time left.

Built-in Intelligent Flash
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Face Index-2
Face Index makes it easier than ever to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it's time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index.

Fader Effects
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black and White.

Film Roll Index-2
Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes).

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Slot
Capture still images directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately) for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick® devices (sold separately).

Multi-Language Menu
Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese
On Screen Zoom and Record Buttons

For additional control of the camcorder, Zoom and Record buttons are features on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows for more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.

PhotoTV HD Viewing with HDMI™ Output8
With direct HDMI™ output to your BRAVIA® HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. You can choose between standard 4:3 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio -- and with select BRAVIA® HDTV models, your photos are automatically optimized in sharpness, gradation, and color reproduction8.

Progressive Shutter System
A mechanical shutter system that provides progressive scan performance while utilizing an interlaced scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.
Scene Selection Modes

Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset. swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

Super NightShot® Plus Infrared System
The Super NightShot® Plus Infrared System uses a slow shutter mode to let you shoot video with improved color and contrast, even in total darkness (0 lux).
Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization System

The Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization System from Sony reduces blur caused by camera shake and vibration, so your images stay crisp and clear. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without the image degradation that can occur with some digital stabilization systems.

x.v. Color™ Technology
x.v.Color™ technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than possible with the traditional RGB color standard. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.

Link: Sony HDR-UX20 High Definition DVD Handycam

Product Page: Sony Style, Reference: everythingusb

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