Camcorders

Sony Unveils Waterproof, High-Definition Pocket Camcorder

Sony has unveiled a new high-definition pocket camcorder for adventure travelers, parents with small children, and anyone else who needs a rugged yet relatively slim waterproof device. The 2.76-inch thick HDR-GW77V can withstand water depths up to16 feet, and Sony says the device's 3-inch LCD remains fully operational when submerged. It is also dust proof and shockproof, withstanding accidental drops of up to 5 feet, Sony says. This is Sony's first waterproof camcorder in the Handycam lineup.

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The HDR-GW77V features 20.4 megapixel still image capture, 1080p video capture at 60 frames per second (progressive), 10x optical zoom, up to 17x digital zoom, built-in flash, 16GB onboard storage (holds up to four hours of HD video), and external storage support for Memory Pro Stick Duo, SD and SDHC card--no word on the maximum external storage you can use. The Handycam also comes with built-in GPS and Navteq maps for geotagging and viewing your location on a map using the camcorder's LCD.

The camera comes with Sony's Optical SteadyShot feature for better image stabilization. It also has an underwater mode that automatically adjusts the white balance to improve image quality when trying to catch a shot in the pool or on your next snorkeling trip.

The HDR-GW77V will ship later in June, but is available for pre-order from Sony and Amazon for $700. It is available in black, blue and silver.

The HDR-GW77V sounds like a great device, but with a $700 price tag we'll have to wait for the reviews to see if this device is able to live up to Sony's claims.

Connect with Ian Paul (@ianpaul) on Twitter and Google+, and with Today@PCWorld on Twitter for the latest tech news and analysis.

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