Rumors are swirling that Sony is just about to announce a smaller, lighter and lower-priced HDV camcorder for the consumer market. HDV, as you recall, is the new lower-priced high-definition camcorder format that moves video around in a similar way to its little brother, DV. The Sony HDR-HC3 will reportedly have a single 1/3" 2-megapixel CCD, 10x optical zoom, a 16x9, 2.7-inch, 211,000 pixel LCD viewfinder screen and will be about 5.5 inches long. The camera will also be able to record in DV mode, and has a powered automatic lens cover that opens when the camera is turned on. The 1080i, 25 megabit-per-second unit is expected to be officially announced about two months from now. Among the numerous guesses at the price, it's expected the camcorder will be cheaper than its Sony HC-1 brandmate, and perhaps cost about $1500.

New Sony HDV camcorder HDR-HC3 [HDV Info site]

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