From CES, Sony announces 3 consumer AVCHD camcorders that have a built-in video projector! They are HDR-PJ50V, HDR-PJ30V, HDR-PJ10. European versions on sony.co.uk: HDR-PJ30VE, HDR-PJ10E.
Coupled with an enhanced speaker system, the new Handycam HDR-PJ series sounds like it might offer some appealing capabilities for users who want a better way to share their videos without huddling around a smallish LCD. The projector can throw an image up to 60 inches. The built-in projector might be fun to watch the video of your kids playing while being away from home, but it’s only 640 x 360 and these camcorders optical specs are a bit crippled compared to the HDR-CX560V and HDR-CX700V. It’s like Sony just took the less-performing HDR-CX360V and added LED projectors on top of it, with either 16GB / 32GB Flash memory or a hard drive.
All 3 of them with 1/4″ (4.5mm) “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor, small 30mm filter diameter, 29.8mm focal length (35mm equivalent) at widest angle, optical stabilization, recording AVCHD up to 28Mbps (60p) or 24Mbps (24p 60i). 12x optical zoom (HDR-PJ50V / HDR-PJ30V) or 30x (HDR-PJ10).
The HDR-PJ50V ($1,000) and HDR-PJ30V ($950) differ primarily by storage: the PJ50V incorporates a 220GB hard drive, while the PJ30V has 32GB flash memory. They both include a 12x zoom lens, have a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging and a 3-inch LCD.
The lower-end PJ10 ($700) has 16GB memory, lacks the GPS and has a longer 30x zoom lens, but the lens isn’t one of Sony’s better G series models. All three camcorders offer manual controls, headphone and mic jacks, and have a built-in USB cable with onboard software.
While the PJ50V ships in April, the other two will be available in March.
