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January 6, 2010 – Today, Sony announced a slew of new standard definition camcorders with similar processing and optics, but varying media types and capacities. The hard disc drive DCR-SR68 and DCR-SR88 offer 80GB and 120GB capacities, the DCR-SX44 and DCR-SX63 have 4GB and 16GB of internal flash memory, and the DCR-SX43 records solely to removable memory cards. These five models were announced in conjunction with the high-end DCR-SX83, also unveiled today.

Other than media type and recording capacity, little differentiates these five models. All five record standard definition video in the MPEG-2 format and all five identical lens and sensor systems. The 1/8-inch CCD sensor is substantially smaller and lower resolution than the 1/4-inch Exmor R CMOS found elsewhere in the Sony lineup. This will, undoubtedly, prove to be the largest differentiating factor between these five low-end camcorders and the DCR-SX83.

While the higher resolution SX83 is limited to 25x optical zoom, the smaller sensor of these five models allows for an optical zoom ratio of 60x—the same large zoom ratio found on last year's standard definition camcorders from Sony.

Though these standard definition camcorders are intended to appeal to more casual consumers, they did receive some of the upgrades present elsewhere in the 2010 Handycam line. A new Intelligent Auto feature will allow the camcorders to more effectively tailor image controls (like shutter speed, aperture, and exposure) to your shooting conditions. We're particularly intrigued by the 'Baby' option, as we can't imagine what kind of special adjustments the camcorder will make for recording a baby. Intelligent Auto should be of interest to users that shoot primarily in auto mode.

The whole Handycam lineup is also receiving a major upgrade in memory card flexibility, as Sony introduced a new hybrid card slot compatible with both Sony brand Memory Stick PRO Duo cards and standard SD/SDHC cards.

The DCR-SR88 and DCR-SX63 will be silver, while the DCR-SR68, DCR-SX44, and DCR-SX43 will be available in silver, blue, and red. All five are due to be released spring of 2010.