Sony says the new Handycam HDR-CX7 model is the world's smallest and lightest AVCHD high-definition camcorder. And, in the world of technology, smaller is usually better. The new camcorder can record nearly three hours of full HD 1080 video on an 8 GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media card (LP mode). Weighing just 15 ounces with the supplied battery, it provides portability as well as a virtually crash-proof recording system, instant archiving to Memory Stick PRO Duo media (sold separately), and connection to a PC via USB for editing and back-up. The new HDR-SR7 AVCHD high-definition camcorder can record more than 22 hours of full HD 1080 video on its built-in 60GB hard disk drive, while the HDR-SR5 model's 40GB hard drive can hold more than 15 hours of footage (LP modes). In addition to long recording times, these two models offer a small size and Sony's HDD Smart Protection system to safeguard against data loss.

The new camcorders debut enhanced functions for browsing and searching on their high-resolution, 2.7" Clear Photo LCD Plus screens. You can find scenes via the new film roll button to view footage as a film roll index, which displays multiple scenes as thumbnails within a single movie file. Sony also integrated new face index technology so you can access specific scenes by familiar faces.

For more advanced searching on a compatible PC, you can use the camcorders' bundled Picture Motion Browser software to access the highlight index. It incorporates a search engine for voices and colors as well as faces so you can quickly get to the scenes you want to watch.

The new models incorporate Sony's ClearVid CMOS sensor technology for detail and clarity. Combined with the Enhanced Imaging Processor technology, these models deliver the advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity with low noise.

The HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 models use Sony's 3-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and 6-megapixel digital still photos. They are also equipped with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization to produce smooth video results, as well as virtually blur-free photos. The HDR-SR5 model integrates a 2-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and produces a 4-megapixel photo. Additionally, all models benefit from Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* optics for increased contrast and color saturation.

With Sony's x.v.Color technology, based on the new international xvYCC color standard, the new camcorders reproduce a much wider data range of colors than the conventional sRGB standard. The new models support the AVCHD camcorder recording format based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby digital audio. In addition to high-quality video, they provide an exceptional audio experience with built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording.

These new high-definition camcorders allow for quick data transfer from the camcorder to a compatible PC for editing, back-up and playback. Although bundled with software for simple editing, these camcorders are also compatible with the new Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition 7.0e software update, as well as Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition software for more advanced editors that will be available in July.

The models' supplied Handycam Stations include a One Touch Disc Burn button for DVD creation using a PC and the bundled software. These stations now feature HD component output for instant connection to a compatible HDTV set when the camcorders are cradled.

High-definition content recorded on standard DVDs can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc devices, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and standard DVD drives on compatible PCs with the models' bundled software. The next-generation Sony DVDirect recorder will also be compatible with these camcorders for HD video transfer to standard, 5 1/4" DVDs. The HDR-CX7 unit's Memory Stick PRO Duo or Memory Stick PRO HG media cards, featuring high data transfer rates, can also be played back directly on compatible PCs and PS3 by system software update scheduled in summer 2007.

The HDR-SR5, HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 camcorders will ship in June for about $1,100, $1,200 and $1,400, respectively, with an array of optional accessories.