Sony Adds High Definition Flash Camcorders

Sony pulled back the curtain on a pair of high-end flash memory based camcorders: the HDR-CX520V and HDR-CX500V. Both pack a generous serving of internal memory. The CX520V ($1,300) offers 64GB while the CX500V ($1,100) has 32GB worth of internal memory. Both camcorders also accept Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX memory cards for boosting recording capacity.

Additional features include:

*1920 x 1080 video recording

*built-in GPS (like the HDR-XR520V)

*60p output when connected to an HDTV

*optical image stabilization

There are a few new technological tricks in these camcorders. Sony is introducing what it dubs Face Touch. A variant of face detection, Face Touch lets the consumer choose a face in the scene by touching it on the camcorders' LCD display. Once touched, that face becomes the focusing priority.

Also new is the ability to down-convert AVCHD format high definition video to MPEG-2 format standard definition video when either camcorder is connected to Sony's DVDirect Express DVD writer (sold separately). The DVD could then be played back any standard DVD player. This is ostensibly aimed at consumers who don't yet own an HDTV but who would nonetheless shell out a decent chunk of change to buy an HD camcorder (would anyone do that?), but it's probably more useful for burning standard definition videos for friends and family who don't own an HDTV.

Look for the CX520V and CX500V to hit retail shelves in September.

Pictured above, the HDR-CX500. Image courtesy Sony.