Sony Announces Release of 2006 Camcorders to Canadaby David KenderPublished on Jan 16, 2006 1:00 PM 
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January 16, 2006 - Today Sony of Canada, Ltd. announced the release of their 2006 Handycam line, the same ten models as those premiered at the Consumer Electronic Show on January 4th. They include five new DVD camcorders, four new MiniDV camcorders, and Sony’s first hard disk drive camcorder.
”Nothing preserves memories better than moving images with sound,” stated Samuel Yip, Product Manager for HandyCam Camcorder. “We are offering new enhancements to both audio and video performance in our 2006 product line.”
Differences between the Canadian and American models, if any, have not been stated by Sony.
Sony’s new lineup includes two high-end DVD camcorders, the DCR-DVD405 (Review, Specs, $649) and DVD505 (Review, Specs, $664), which feature 5.1 channel Dolby Digital Surround Sound when using the optional wireless center channel microphone. The DVD505 also features a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, 3.5-inch LCD, and 4.0 megapixel still performance. A First Impressions review on the DVD505 is available here.
The lower-end DVD line has three models, the DVD105 (Review, Specs, $399.95), the DVD205 (Review, Specs, $384.99), and DVD305 (Review, Specs, $498). The latter model offers a removable center channel microphone that mounts to the active accessory shoe. A First Impressions review of the DVD305 is also available here.
Sony’s MiniDV camcorder line offers only four models, with very few updates from last year’s lineup. The DCR-HC26 (Review, Specs, $299.99), HC36 (Review, Specs, $309), HC46 (Review, Specs, $419.99), and HC96 (Review, Specs, $516) feature smaller bodies and top-loading tape mechanisms. The two upper-tier models ship with a HandyCam Station for increased port connection to televisions, computers, and editing suites. A First Impressions review of the DCR-HC96 (Review, Specs, $516) may be seen here.
Sony's biggest move in camcorders this year comes in the shape of the DCR-SR100 (Review, Specs, $999), their first hard disk drive camcorder. It features 30GB of recording space, a 1/3-inch CCD 10x zoom and 3 megapixel stills. CamcorderInfo.com offers a First Impressions of the DCR-SR100 here as well.
The DCR-DVD505 will be available in March at an MSRP of $1299 (Canadian dollars). All other DVD and MiniDV models will be available in February. The DVD405 will retail for $1099, the DVD305 for $849, the DVD205 for $749, and the DVD105 for $649. Of the MiniDV models, the DCR-HC96 will retail for $949, the HC46 for $649, the HC36 for $529, and the HC26 for $449. The DCR-SR100 will become available in May at a price of $1299.