Sony Brings Two New Entry Level Handycams to Europe (DCR-SX21E and DCR-SR21E). We Have Specs and Pictures

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 12, 2011 | 8 comments
Sohrab Osati

With tons of options to record a video with these days, ranging from your cell phone, to a pocket-sized device like the Bloggie, to more-higher-end camcorders, the market is pretty well-covered with all sorts of devices to meet your needs. In order to further penetrate the market and not solely target higher-end consumers as Sony traditionally does, the company is releasing two new entry level Handycams for the European market. The DCR-SX21E and the DCR-SR21E are being targeted as those who simply want HD without a lot of bells and whistles. Both camcorders have dropped all SD functionality, instead providing only HD video capture. Other noteworth specs for both Handycams include:

  • 57x Optical Zoom and 67x Extended Zoom
  • Intelligent AUTO Mode with 18 different scene combinations
  • Steady Shot
  • Face Detection
  • 2.7” Clear Photo LCD Monitor
  • Built-in LED Video Light
  • Direct Copy compatibility (allowing you to export your footage to an external hard drive or DVD burner)
It’s also really worth noting that the 57x is indeed optical zoom and not digital zoom, which allows for nearly distort free zooming. The only differentiating feature between these two models is the capability of the SX21E to to record on Memory Stick while the SR21E is capable of recording on both Memory Stick and an internal 80GB hard drive. No price point has been announced yet but expect that to change shortly, seeing how the pair are to be released during summer.
Hit the jump for the official press release and gallery.

 Two great value Standard Definition Handycam® camcorder models from Sony pull distant objects closer than ever with an ultra-powerful 67x Extended Zoom range.

Light, compact and easy to use, new Handycam® DCR-SX21E shoots crisp, clear video and stereo sound onto a Memory Stick™ or SD card (not supplied). Handycam® DCR-SR21E offers extra-generous record times, storing up to 61 hours of Standard Definition video on its 80GB built-in hard disk drive. With no need to carry spare tapes or discs, there’s plenty of space to capture those summer holidays memories.

Whether you choose memory card or HDD, both Handycam® models are packed with smart features for sharing and enjoying your footage.

The high-power 57x Optical Zoom lens by Sony delivers frame-filling close-ups with superb image quality. And if you want to get closer still, Extended Zoom boosts maximum magnification to an incredible 67x with virtually no visible degradation.

SteadyShot image stabilisation keeps things crisp and clear, reducing the effects of camera shake when you’re shooting handheld. If you’re shooting portraits of friends and family, Face Detection automatically fine-tunes exposure for more natural looking faces.

Even if you’re not sure what settings to use under different shooting conditions, Sony makes it easy to achieve great results. New to entry-level Handycam® models, Intelligent AUTO mode recognizes up to 18 different scene combinations – from portraits and landscapes to night views. Focus, exposure, colour and other settings are adjusted automatically for best results, whatever the situation.

The DCR-SX21E and DCR-SR21E are loaded with thoughtful features to help everyone shoot better-looking videos with ease – and then share the results with family and friends. Menus and settings are adjusted via a joystick next to the flip-out 6.7cm (2.7”) Clear Photo LCD. A conveniently-placed button switches on the built-in LED video light to illuminate indoor scenes or night-time shots. For extra convenience there’s also an Auto mode that switches the video light on when natural light levels are low.

Both models make it easy to share your favourite video clips via the web. Built-in PMB Portable software simplifies uploads to popular sites like YouTube™ from almost any Internet-ready PC.

Direct Copy allows simple, PC-free transfers of video footage direct from Handycam® to an external hard disk drive (available separately). A great partner for the DCR-SX21E/SR21E, the new 500GB HD-PG5UB hard disk drive* from Sony easily connects to your Handycam® for quick, reliable data transfers (USB cable adaptor included). Weighing just 166g and slipping easily into a pocket or travel bag, the compact drive makes it easy to back up precious video footage via Direct Copy while you’re travelling.

See press release on the new HD-PG5UB portable hard disk drive from Sony for more details.

In addition, compatibility with the optional VRD-P1 DVDirect Express simplifies PC-free burning of video footage onto blank DVD discs for storing, sharing and archiving.

The compact, easy to use new Handycam® SX21E and SR21E Standard Definition camcorders from Sony are available from early September 2011.