Golf Shot, Active SteadyShot with 3 way shake cancelling, Face Detection and Smile Shutter are just some of the key technologies users can expect from Sony’s new range of Handycam camcorders.

With the introduction of 8 new models the 2010 Handycam range has an impressive array of features designed to suit the needs of every type of user. Users can turn the Handycam on or off almost instantly by simply opening or closing the LCD panel. This technology not only allows users to capture great moments quickly but also means they are less likely to leave the Handycam on accidentally.

The extremely useful Face Detection and Smile Shutter features provide hassle free recording and image making capabilities. Users can prioritise a person that the Handycam will automatically optimise focus, exposure and colour for the best results possible.

Smile Shutter also detects and captures snapshots of smiling faces even when recording video. With these two intelligent features users can rest assured they won’t miss any special moments.

Achieving sharp, clear recordings every time is now easier than ever with new SteadyShot (Active Mode). The feature has a camera shake correction angle that’s 10 times steadier than the conventional SteadyShot and also allows users to capture smooth footage even when moving.

Users can instantly view an edited movie clip, complete with transitional effects and background music of their choice with Highlight Playback. The intelligent camcorder analyses the recorded videos for faces, smiles, as well as simultaneous photo taking, and extracts them as highlights. This makes searching for favourite videos much easier. Users can store up to eight scenes to share with loved ones as and when they like.

For Golf enthusiasts, Golf Shot captures both video and still photos that show successive frames of your swing, allowing you to thoroughly review your posture and swing in detail.

Direct copy means users can simply connect their Handycam to an external hard disk via a USB adapter, furthermore users can still use various playback modes such as Visual Index, Date Index or even Highlight Playback to view the videos stored in the newly created video library.

The new range of Handycam models will be released in New Zealand in April/May 2010 with the following RRPs:

• DCRSR68E - NZ$679.95
• HDRXR150E - NZ$1,099.95
• HDRXR350VE - NZ$1,699.95
• DCRSX44E - NZ$499.95
• DCRSX63E - NZ$549.95
• HDRCX110E - NZ$899.95
• HDRCX350VE - NZ$1599.95
• HDRCX550VE - NZ$2199.95