Sony launches full HD compact point-of-view camera

1080i Video Camera Recorder For Professional Video Applications

Sony is introducing a new full high-definition compact point-of-view (POV) camera, model HXR-MC1P. Its unique design separates the camera head from the control unit, giving professional users more flexibility to capture shots in video applications where increased mobility is required beyond the use of traditional hand-held or shoulder-mount cameras, such as extreme sports, reality TV, documentaries, nature, wildlife and more.

The new camera achieves its balance of compact size, light weight and superb image quality through a design and recording format similar to Sony’s consumer camcorders. The HXR-MC1P records up to six hours of content onto a 16GB Memory Stick PRO™ media using AVCHD compression, which is an MPEG long GOP codec already used in consumer video products.

The HXR-MC1P's SD mode also uses MPEG long GOP compression, enabling customers to enjoy longer recording time per GB, as well as a lower cost of media per minute. This approach is consistent with Sony’s current line-up of MPEG professional camcorders, including the HDV™, XDCAM® HD optical and XDCAM EX™ series.

“Video technology providers have recognized MPEG long GOP as a professional standard,” said Bill Drummond, product manager, Sony Professional. “Long recording duration and low cost per minute recording media is critical to professional users, and this extremely compact camera gives our customers more mobility and flexibility in capturing high-quality images in certain challenging and niche video applications. Video crews often combine professional and consumer technologies to meet their diverse production requirements.”

Also, according to Drummond, the HXR-MC1 camera is intended to fill a niche that Sony’s existing professional camcorder products have not fully addressed due to size and other factors.

The HXR-MC1P camcorder has full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, and features Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ system enhanced by Exmor™ technology, also used in Sony professional camcorders and 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 analogue-to-digital conversion technique and dual noise canceling, resulting in high-quality digital signals with extremely low noise.

Even with a 10x optical zoom and a built-in microphone, the camera measures only 37 x 42.5 x 86.5 millimetres, allowing it to be attached to various devices such as helmets or in-car. A screw hole on the bottom of the unit makes mounting easy. It is also splash-resistant for use in the rain or near water.

Recording and playback are performed within the HXR-MC1P’s control unit, eliminating the need for external recording devices or facilities. The combination of Exmor and CMOS sensor technologies result in low power consumption and maximum battery operation of up to 405 minutes.

The control unit has a 2.7-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally) 210,000-pixel 16:9 LCD panel that uses ClearPhoto LCD plus. 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. External monitors or remote control devices are not needed.

The HXR-MC1P will be available in February.