Sony Handycam DCR-IP55

Sony Handycam DCR-IP55 ... provides a stunning range of powerful shooting and network integration features in one of Sony's most easy to use and elegantly designed models. The new look of the DCR-IP55 has a familiar feel, incorporating many tried and trusted design features found in early Super8 cameras - however dramatically squeezed in size. One example of this is the camcorder's handgrip, providing perfectly ergonomic means of securing the camcorder whilst shooting.

The DCR-IP55 offers sophisticated network connectivity options, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The DCR-IP55 incorporates a touch sensitive panel, which can be used to control many camcorder functions including camera (spot meter & spot focus), memory (playback zoom & MemoryMix) and video (playback zoom & end search). This is all achieved using just one finger. By using a supplied stylus pen, the camcorder's network functions can also be controlled, which brings web surfing and emailing to the speed and convenience of a PDA. An additional illustration of the ingenuity of this new touch panel is spot focus, where the user touches on a point on the built-in LCD monitor screen and the camera automatically focuses on it. In addition to its i.LINK capabilities, the DCR-IP55 possesses a USB connection for the transfer of large amounts of audiovisual material to your PC. USB streaming allows users to connect the camcorder to their PC via the USB terminal, install USB driver software (not needed if running WindowsXP) and specialist third party conferencing software (such as Windows Netmeeting) and the camcorder is transformed into a sophisticated Webcam. This facility enables users to link up with distant friends and transmit live video via the Internet. Another option providing total PC connectivity is Memory Stick: the DCR-IP55 incorporates MPEGMOVIE AD: this advanced e-Movie function lets users store up to 5 minutes of video material on an supplied 8MB Memory Stick before transferring it directly to your PC for editing, archiving or emailing to friends. Switched to the highest quality-mode, you can even record up to 13 minutes in VHS-like quality on a 128MB Memory Stick. Also the transfer of footage from tape to MemoryStick or the other way round is possible.