Sony Introduces a New Mid-Range Handycam Series: The HDR-XR350V, HDR-CX350V, and HDR-CX300

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January 6, 2010 – Sony has expanded its Handycam lineup to include three new mid-range models: the HDR-XR350V, HDR-CX350V, and HDR-CX300. All three camcorders are designed to bring consumers high quality video at a more affordable price.

The new models will borrow heavily from the Sony's top-of-the-line camcorders. They feature the new back-illuminated Exmor R sensor technology, but have a smaller version of the sensor; a 1/4-inch CMOS (2,650,000 gross pixel count) replaces the 1/2.88-inch sensor found on the XR550V and CX550V. These camcorders have a 2.9mm, 12x optical zoom version of the six-blade G lens.

Many of the newer Sony features made their way onto the 300-series, including SteadyShot with Active mode, Golf Shot, and a non-native 60p output option. New for 2010, many Sony Handycams will also have Intelligent Auto modes (including the fascinating 'Baby' mode), and a hybrid memory card slot—compatible with both Sony brand Memory Stick PRO Duo cards and the more standard SD/SDHC cards.

Other features from the more expensive 500-series have been cut to make these camcorders more afforable. Most notably, the XR350V, CX350V, and CX300 do not have the excellent cam control dial found on last year's XR520V and the newly announced XR550V. Though these three models will have a proprietary hot accessory shoe, they do not have external microphone or headphone jacks or an electronic viewfinder. A Low Lux mode is present, but not NightShot, and manual shutter speed and white balance shift have both been trimmed from the list of available options. All three include a standard 2.7-inch LCD instead of the massive 3.5-inch screen found on Sony's flagship camcorders.

These three new camcorders are mostly differentiated from each other by recording media. The HDR-XR350V has a 160GB hard disc drive, while the HDR-CX350V has 32GB of internal flash memory. The HDR-CX300—the most basic of the three models—has just 16GB of internal flash memory and does not have GPS capabilities.

Entries in this new 300-series record full 1920 x 1080 high definition video at a maximum bitrate of 24Mbps. Video is natively recorded at 60i in the AVCHD format. The HDR-XR350V and HDR-CX300 will be available in black, while the HDR-CX350V will have a brown option. All three models will be available this spring.