Sony has developed a compact HD point-of-view (POV) camera and solid-state recorder combo designed to help programme makers that need more mobility than a shoulder-mounted or handheld camcorder allows.

he HXR-MC1 has its camera head separate from its control unit/recorder and measures 1 1/2 x 1 11/16 x 3 1/2 inches, allowing it to be attached to various devices including helmets and cars.

This provides extreme sports, reality TV, documentary and wildlife programme makers with the ability to capture unique shots in places that other cameras cannot reach

“Video technology providers have recognized MPEG long GOP as a professional standard,” said Tatsuro Kurachi, group marketing manager for professional video at Sony Electronics.

“Cost per recording minute of media is critical to professionals, and this extremely compact camera gives professional customers more mobility and flexibility in capturing broadcast-quality images in certain challenging and niche video applications. Video crews often combine professional and consumer technologies to meet their diverse production requirements.”

The MC1 has a 10x optical zoom, built-in microphone and records to Memory Stick PRO Duo media using AVCHD compression.

It can record up to six hours of high-definition content onto a 16GB Memory Stick media.

The HXR-MC1 camcorder has full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and features Sony's ClearVid CMOS Sensor system with Exmor technology, the same technology that is used in Sony professional camcorders and consumer digital SLR cameras.

Recording and playback are performed within the HXR-MC1's control unit.

The HXR-MC1 should be available in February, with a suggested list price to be announced.

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