Sony DCR-HC20E Digital Camcorder

The MiniDV Format offers more precise image detail and color accuracy than previously possible with analog camcorders. The superior quality of digital video results from:

Higher Resolution -- up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution, on select models for sharper picture detail Component Color Sampling -- preserves three times more color information than analog VHS and S-VHS video, for brighter and truer colors Time Base Correction -- stabilizes the picture, eliminating video jitters Error Correction -- fills in missing video data, providing seamless, professional-looking video

For beginners, an Easy Handycam button on the camcorders now provides a one-step solution to confusing menus. This new and unique Sony function simplifies the choice of menu features, displaying a limited set of commands on the LCD screen in large, easy to read characters. With almost all settings on automatic, the user is presented with only the commands necessary for basic camera operation, making learning to shoot video even easier. Users can return to the normal function Regular Mode by simply pressing a single button, making these cameras perfect for both beginners and more advanced users.

An i.LINK connection allows users to transfer the video footage at high speed to a compatible PC for editing and each model in the range comes bundled with Picture Package - a new and extremely easy way of creating movies on Video CD. Targeted at the beginner, this solution-oriented package does away with the need for complex video editing software on the computer. The simple process starts with the user choosing a music track, then the video from the camera. Confirming the selection starts the software quickly burning a movie to VideoCD using the computer’s CD recorder. The result is a professional looking video that has been automatically edited to match the music and which benefits from the automatic addition of special effects between the scenes. Output directly to VideoCD for widespread distribution, it can be played in most PCs or domestic DVD players. USB Web streaming is also an option as the camcorders can use USB to provide high speed transfer of e-movies and digital pictures to a PC, allowing the camcorder to be used as a Webcam, or to be burnt to a CD. In addition, the models in the range from the DCR-HC20 and above further benefit from the inclusion of a DV-IN function which allows video edited on a PC to be recorded back to tape.

The DCR-HC20 is Sony's entry level MiniDV Handycam camcorder in an all new compact design. It's full of features such as Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens system, 2.5-inch SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Screen, 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom and more, to help preserve your digital memories. Spectacular video and sound in a versatile, portable compact design Get up close with 10x Optical and 120x Digital Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens helps you shoot like a pro Record start/stop button on LCD panel puts recording literally at your fingertips Easily create fun music videos with supplied Picture Package software 2.5-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD puts fun at your fingertips New super compact size means taking your camcorder with you is easy 1/6-inch Advanced HAD CCD Imager, 680K Pixels Gross - 1/6-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity, with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance. MiniDV Recording - Offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution, 3X colour bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly higher S/N ratio, to provide stunning video performance. 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom - The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms. 2