Sony unveiled three new AVCHD/H.264 high definition camcorders on Wednesday. The HDR-CX7 model (3 megapixels) can record nearly 3 hours of 1080i video on an 8 GB memory stick.

The camera weighs 15 ounces (0.42 kg) with the supplied battery.

Sony HDR-CX7

Two additional models utilize hard disks. The new HDR-SR7 AVCHD high-definition camcorder (3 megapixels) can record more than 22 hours of full HD 1080i video on its built-in 60 GB hard disk drive, while the HDR-SR5 model (2 megapixels) with a 40 GB hard drive can hold more than 15 hours of footage (LP modes).

The cameras feature a "HDD Smart Protection system" to safeguard against data loss, easy connection to PCs via USB, and a 2.7 inch (6.9 cm) LCD display. The cameras also incorporate a "Super SteadyShot" optical stabilization system.

"With Sony's x.v.Color(TM) technology, based on the new international xvYCC color standard, the new camcorders reproduce a much wider data range of colors than the conventional sRGB standard. When connected to a compatible* HDTV via the camcorders' HDMI outputs, home videos sparkle with vivid, natural-looking results," the announcement said.

The HDR-SR5, HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 models are scheduled to ship in June and are priced at an estimated US$1,100, $1,200, and $1,400 respectively.

* TMO Note: That means HDMI 1.3.