SONY DEVELOPS FIRST MEGAPIXEL THREE-CCD MINI DV CAMCORDER

"Prosumer" Model Offers Advanced HAD Technology and Manual Controls For Videographers

SAN DIEGO, April 4, 2002 -In a move bound to make demanding video buffs take a second look, Sony today announced the DCR-TRV950 Mini DV Handycam^® camcorder, the industry's first three-CCD (charge-coupled device) camcorder to include one million pixels per CCD imager for high quality video recordings.

Designed for the "prosumer," the DCR-TRV950 uses Sony's Advanced HAD™ three-CCD system to create professional-quality video with unbeatable color clarity, detail and performance. Compared to a single CCD imager found on most consumer camcorder models, a three-CCD system, like the one with the DCR-TRV950 captures much more precise results. Each of the megapixel CCD imagers are dedicated to a primary color and separate the light that passes through the lens into individual color components for noticeably sharper images and colors.

For more true-to-life results in darker settings, the three-CCD imagers of the DCR-TRV950 use Advanced HAD technology, which allows more light to reach the imager in order to reduce common video noise that would otherwise affect video quality.

"In the TRV950, we've made a camcorder for the person who knows their way around consumer video, but who craves a professional level of quality," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of the Digital Imaging Products Division at Sony Electronics. "While not a professional camcorder, it produces results that are of a quality to be used by consumers who want take their video footage to the next level."

Manual Controls Give A Creative Edge

Complimenting the quality of the DCR-TRV950 is a bevy of optional manual controls for greater creative control. Users can choose to override the camcorder's automatic features with options such options as a manual focus ring, 12X optical and 150X digital zoom, zebra pattern, color bars, spotlight compensation and spot focus. The camcorder also features Sony's Optical Super SteadyShot™ picture stabilization system, which uses motion sensors to compensate for camera shake.

Network Capabilities and USB Streaming

The DCR-TRV950 has the ability to stream live and recorded video via a USB connection and the use of video conferencing software such as the Microsoft^® Windows^® NetMeeting^® application. It can also provide access to the Internet without a PC through wireless Bluetooth^TM technology.

Using a compatible Internet Service Provider, the new camcorder can send and receive e-mail messages with MPEG1 movie and JPEG images attached. The camcorder can also be used for Web browsing by using the LCD display. Web pages can be downloaded to the supplied 8MB Memory Stick^® media card for quick, easy access when off-line.

Memory Mode with Memory Stick Media

The DCR-TRV950 not only records video, but also offers the dual functionality of capturing stunning digital still images of up to 1152 X 864 resolution using its megapixel CCD imager. JPEG images are stored directly onto Memory Stick^® media cards for transfer to PCs and other devices. These can be used in e-mail, on Web sites, or for printing photos for framing or archiving. The camcorder also includes an intelligent pop-up flash with red-eye reduction, which provides the appropriate amount of flash for optimum brightness and color accuracy in virtually any lighting condition.

Additional Features For Quality Video and Still Pictures

                           TRV950BT 2-pound 3-CCD camcorder will be available in June for about $2499 MSRP

August 7, 2003 - Sony Electronics said today a new DSR 17P would be available at 2004 NAB.  Announcement will be made in 
Europe at IBC convention later in September 2003. DVCAM™ cameras and production tools to help videographers and other professional content creators realize more efficient workflow processes and increased productivity. The additions to Sony's DVCAM family include new professional camcorders,  digital hard-disk drive products and videotape recorders.

A 17P addition to the DVCAM camcorder family –  the DSR-PD170
The DSR-PD170 offers 17P and a bare-bones feature set so you can acquire the weirdest looking
pictures and sound you need. Three low-grade 1/3-inch CCDs capture good images. The Memory Stick™
function adds versatility and convenience with still photos and simple in-camera editing using the
Memory Mix functions, while an i.LINK™ interface simplifies data transfer and digital editing. With all
of these features and a compact body, the DSR-PD170 offers you a "handy" alternative for professional
shooting in a wide range of applications.
 Since the format's introduction in 1996, more than 280,000 DVCAM camcorders and VTRs have been sold worldwide for use in a wide array of applications, including event videography, documentaries, episodic television production, and independent and major motion picture filmmaking.

 Newly Developed 1/3-inch CCD 3CCD Camera System

The DSR-PD170 (NTSC) incorporates three 1/3-inch CCDs with 380,000 pixels (effective 340,000 pixels) The 1/3-inch size contributes to the low vertical smear, high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. These CCDs are capable of both interlace scan and progressive scan, which is useful for recording still images or shooting a moving subject* and exporting a frame of the image as a still picture to a PC.

                                          THREE NEW FEATURES 

 New 12x Zoom Lens
This newly developed high Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) 12x
lens with a 58 mm filter diameter allows the DSR-PD170 to achieve 
high picture quality. The camcorder produces 530 lines of horizontal
resolution, allowing it to capture any subject in great detail.

           Optical Super SteadyShot™    
The DSR-PD170 employs the Super SteadyShot system in which
the horizontal and vertical movements are detected independently
by the sensors. The prism system located in the front of the lens
adjusts & optically compensates for unsteadiness, while maintaining
image quality.

180,000 dot LCD Precision Black & White Viewfinder
The 0.4 type black and white LCD viewfinder provides 500 lines of
horizontal resolution - more than 20% greater than current color
viewfinders. This enables accurate manual focusing.

      eighing s.

The DSR-PD170 17P camcorder is expected to be available later this FALL inj PAL for a suggested list price of $3,900.

ALL DECKED OUT: SONY'S SMALLEST MINI DV HANDYCAM CAMCORDER HAS LATEST DIGITAL FEATURES

Travelers who want to pack light capturing the sights and sounds of their destinations will soon have a great traveling companion in Sony's newest Mini DV Handycam® camcorder, the DCR-PC, which puts a high resolution camera into a top quality camcorder, and shrinks it to the size of a paperback book.

With a two-megapixel CCD (charge-coupled device), the bantam-sized camcorder delivers 520 lines of horizontal video with crisp definition of the subtlest colors for both video and digital still images (1152 X 864 file size). As the smallest of all Sony Mini DV camcorder models, the DCR-PC109 weighs just 14 ounces.

Let Your Fingers Do the Walking

For convenient access to the camcorder's numerous modes and features, it offers a touch panel 2.5" SwivelScreen™ LCD display with access to its entire menu. The touch panel compliments a new spot focus mode that accurately focuses the most challenging shots with a touch of the LCD screen.

Connect to the World with USB Streaming

Streaming live or recorded video is easily accomplished connecting the camcorder to a PC using its USB Streaming feature. This feature turns the camcorder into a webcam by using a USB connection and video conferencing software like the Microsoft^® Windows^® NetMeeting^® application.

Movie Magic on the Web - MPEG Movie EX

The DCR-PC109 also comes equipped with MPEG MovieEX, which allows it to capture video clips 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 shot on tape and converted in-camera to MPEG1 format at a later time. These clips can be transferred to a PC and sent as e-mail attachments or included on Web sites and office presentations.

Dual-Options for Video Recording in Dark and Low-Light Settings

The new camcorder has two recording modes to help improve video quality in low-light situations. Users can take advantage of Sony's Super Nightshot^® mode for shooting monochrome video in total darkness or can select 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.

Additional Features

Carl Zeiss™ Vario-Sonnar Lens - The Carl Zeiss lens has an advanced optical multi-layer coating offering less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

i.LINK^® Digital Video Interface - The i.LINK (IEEE 1394) DV interface allows for high speed bi-directional digital communication between two devices equipped with a compatible i.LINK DV interface, including digital camcorders, digital VCRs and PCs.

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.

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.

                              DCR-PC109 model will be available in June for suggested LIST price about $999