At CES this week, Sony announced 3D-ready camcorders with glasses-free displays. The 1080p 3D Bloggie pocket camera (with 2.4” glasses-free 3D LCD) will be around $200 (MHS-FS3), and a “Double Full HD” 3D camcorder with dual image sensors and lenses will be around $1500 (HDR-TD10).

Also interesting are Sony’s new line of Cybershot cameras, most of which are “3D capable” by taking two consecutive shots at different focus positions that are combined somehow to produce a 3D effect. I’m not sure how effective 3D without parallax will be, but it’s pretty clear that Sony is taking 3D very seriously!

SONY INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE 3D CAMCORDERS AND CAMERAS.
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 5, 2010 – Sony today unveiled its new Handycam® camcorders, Bloggie® cameras and Cyber-shot® digital still cameras with powerful image sensors, new innovative features and strong core video and still photo capture capabilities that make it even easier to get the best shot-even in 3D.
“With these new camcorders and cameras, Sony continues to transform ideas into reality, imagination into real-world products,” said Brennan Mullin, senior vice president of the digital imaging group.
New digital imaging products and accessories will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES International Convention). In the Handycam category, Sony will showcase the world’s first “Double Full HD” 3D consumer camcorder (HDR-TD10) with a glasses-free 3D LCD touch panel display, camcorders with a built-in projector (HDR-PJ50V, HDR-PJ30V and HDR-PJ10) and a video enthusiast-level consumer camcorder with hallmark Handycam features (HDR-CX700V).
In the MP4 video category, the company will display Bloggie 3D-the world’s first HD 3D pocket camera (MHS-FS3)-an innovative model with two lenses, two image sensors, and stereo microphone that captures easy-to-share 3D or 2D video and photos. You can view 3D images without glasses on the built-in LCD.
In the Cyber-shot category, the company will feature the world’s first digital still cameras with 1080/60p HD video capability (DSC-TX100V) and 3D Still Image mode with a single lens and imager (DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10, and DSC-WX9). These new top models also add a 16.2 megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and one model adds a touch screen with OLED.
Additionally, Sony will highlight the new DVDirect® (VBD-MA1), which offers easy, one-touch transfer of high definition video and images to Blu-ray Disc™ media.
High-Definition Camcorders
Along with significant improvements in the entire Handycam camcorder family, three new additions bring 3D technology, a video projector and enthusiast solutions to Sony’s industry-leading high definition lineup.
Adding to Sony’s breadth of 3D products, the HDR-TD10 is the world’s first “Double Full HD” 3D consumer camcorder. The camcorder employs an integrated dual lens system, which includes two of each key component-double Sony G Lenses, double “Exmor R” CMOS image sensors, and double BIONZ® image processors. The dual recording system allows 3D content to be recorded in 1920x1080 Full HD resolution. The content can be viewed with 3D active glasses on 3D-capable HDTVs or in Full HD 2D on non-3D displays. In addition, the 3D footage can be viewed in 3D without glasses on the camcorder’s 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ 3D touch screen. Providing 64 GB of flash memory, the HDR-TD10 will be available in April for about $1,500.
Handycam camcorders with a built-in video projector offer the ultimate playback experience, even on the go. A compact, LED-based projector is built into the 3-inch flip-out LCD panel, maintaining the camcorder’s compact size and allowing video and images to be projected at up to 60 inches (diagonally; when projected 18 feet away) onto walls, ceilings or other flat surfaces.
Combined with powerful stereo speakers with Clear Phase™ and S-Master™ digital amplifiers, the integrated projector provides a whole new way to enjoy video playback without needing to plug into an HDTV. The HDR-PJ50V with a 220GB Hard Disk Drive will be available in April for about $1000, while the HDR-PJ30V with 32GB of flash memory and HDR-PJ10 with 16GB of flash memory will be available in March for about $950 and $700, respectively.
Sony also introduced the video enthusiast-level HDR-CX700V consumer camcorder with hallmark Handycam features-“Exmor R” CMOS image sensor, Wide Angle Sony G Lens, Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode, Event Browse, Highlight Playback-and a wealth of new technologies borrowed from Sony’s professional products. The camera boasts film-like shooting with 24p native recording, along with CinemaTone presets, as well as advanced features such as Expanded Focus, Zebra and Peaking settings and other manual controls. The newly developed 16:9 “Exmor R” CMOS sensor realizes a wider angle of view and higher megapixels for video and photos. With 96 GB of flash memory, the HDR-CX700V will be available in March for about $1,300.
On the other end of the video spectrum, Sony’s affordable and fun Bloggie HD camera line welcomes three models that each brings distinct value to the category.
The world’s first HD 3D pocket camera,* the MHS-FS3 “Bloggie 3D” model boasts two lenses, two image sensors and two stereo speakers to capture incredible 3D or 2D video and photos.
Recorded content from the MHS-FS3 can be played back in 3D without glasses on the camera’s 2.4-inch LCD screen or on any 3D capable HDTV with glasses.
The wonderfully simple HD camera lineup also offers a dual-screen option dubbed the Bloggie Duo camera (MHS-FS2). The slim camera features two vibrant LCD screens-2.7-inch on the back and 2-inch on the front-for new ways to capture yourself and others in full HD video or 5.1-megapixel photos. The Bloggie Duo camera has a built-in LED light and comes in four fashionable colors including violet, green, pink and white.
An entry model completes the trio of Bloggie camera introductions, offering on-the-go video lovers a smart, pocket device at a low price point. The MHS-FS1 sports an ultra compact, lightweight design with a large 2.7-inch LCD screen and comes in black and white.
The Bloggie (MHS-FS1) and Bloggie Duo (MHS-FS2) cameras, both with 4GB of internal memory, will be available in March for about $150 and $170, respectively. The Bloggie 3D camera (MHS-FS3) with 8GB of internal memory will be available in April for about $250. Cyber-shot Digital Still Cameras
Sony has designed five new innovative 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot cameras (DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9) that are the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. They also have innovative Dual Rec (record) technology for taking still photos during video capture.
The DSC-TX100V camera is the world’s first compact digital still camera to include full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video capability for smooth playback while recording action shots such as sports.
It is also the first Cyber-shot with a 3.5-inch touch screen with OLED that provides deeper blacks and more vibrant color contrast while being thinner than most LCDs. Additionally, the DSC-WX10 camera is one of few digital still cameras to include a high speed linear autofocus feature that provides quick and more precise focusing similar to the speed of a DSLR camera.
The DSC-TX10 camera is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze-proof compliant, offers HD movie and 3D photo capture, plus Intelligent Sweep Panorama, an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor that promises crisp clear photos even in low light and a 3-inch touch screen.
With Sony’s “Exmor R” Back illuminated CMOS sensor technology, these models provide excellent low-light performance, up to 10fps burst shooting and the Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature. These cameras with CMOS sensors will range from $220 to $380 and will be available in March.
Some of Sony’s most affordable full-featured point-and-shoot cameras to-date, Sony today also announced new models with CCD sensors in its W, H, and T-series Cyber-shot lines including models DSC-W510, DSC-W530, DSC-W560, DSC-W570, DSC-T110 and DSC-H70.
The all new W-series models feature Sweep Panorama mode plus a bevy of Sony innovations including SteadyShot® image stabilization that reduces blur, iAuto mode that automatically optimizes camera settings plus Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology, making it easy and affordable to get the best shot. The DSC-W530 and DSC-W570 will be available in February and the DSC-W510 and DSC-W560 will be available in March, ranging in price from about $110 to about $180.
Sony also introduced a fresh, sleek addition to its world-class all-touch-screen T-series cameras (DSC-T110) that combine the must-have ultra slim design factor with all the cutting-edge features the in-crowd demands.
Starting with the entry-level DSC-T110, the T-models feature a 3-inch LCD touch screen, Sweep Panorama mode and 720p HD movie capture. The DSC-T110 camera will be available in March for about $220.
Sony also introduced a new 10x optical zoom Cyber-shot camera (DSC-H70). With a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, it has the innovative Sweep Panorama™ feature, 720p HD movie recording, Optical SteadyShot™ and a 25mm wide lens. The DSC-H70 will be available in March for about $230.
Digital Imaging Accessories
Sony today debuted its next-generation multi-function Blu-ray Disc™/DVD recorder, which can easily transfer high-definition AVCHD™ home videos as well as digital photos to Blu-ray Disc/DVD media. It can also record standard-definition home videos on tape media to DVD via an analog input-all without using a computer.
The new VBD-MA1 model has a 2.7-inch color LCD screen for previewing video or up to six digital photos at a time, and its overall size is almost 20 percent slimmer than the current model (VRD-MC6).
The VBD-MA1 has a wide compatibility with Sony’s Handycam camcorders, Cyber-shot cameras, α cameras, select non-Sony camcorders and almost all video tape devices such as VHS, miniDV and Hi8. Also, the VBD-MA1 model can connect to a PC via USB2.0 and be used as an external BD Writer.
Blu-ray Disc media and DVD discs can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc devices, including players and computer drives, as well as PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment systems. However, Blu-ray Disc media and AVCHD DVD cannot be played on DVD players.
Up to 19 hours and 20 minutes of HD video or up to 6,000 digital pictures can be recorded on a 50GB double layer Blu-ray Disc media. The new VBD-MA1 model maintains Dolby Digital® 5.1 surround sound as well as 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios with compatible camcorders.
The DVDirect® VBD-MA1 recorder will be available for about $300 at Sony Style® stores and other major retailers around the country in March.
AVCHD Movie Software
Sony today introduced a new AVCHD movie application based on the Playstation®3 system called Filmy, which stands for “my film.”
Designed to view your AVCHD files in various ways, Filmy provides quick search and easy playback of all your treasured AVCHD video memories on PS3®. It will be available as a download application to the PS3™ system from the PlayStation Network Store in February 2011.