Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada's leading supplier of electronic and computer products for consumers and business, today introduced six new Mini DV Handycam(R) camcorder models.

For people who love to record and enjoy high-quality video, Sony has loaded its new Mini DV Handycam camcorders with powerful features. One of the most interesting is the addition of the Handycam Station, a tabletop cradle that charges the camcorders and connects them conveniently to a television or personal computer.

One of the models has a new imaging technology, while several of the camcorders feature improved optical zoom, along with wide LCD (liquid crystal display) screens to address the growing demand for 16:9 aspect ratio wide-screen video.

"We've studied how people use their camcorders and have incorporated this understanding into a comprehensive line of Mini DV models," said Samuel Yip, Product Manager, Handycam Camcorder, Consumer Audio Visual/Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd.

Highlighting the line, the Handycam DCR-PC1000 model is Sony's first consumer camcorder to feature 3-chip CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor technology with an enhanced imaging processor. CMOS sensors deliver wide dynamic range for outstanding picture quality with better lighting details on video and still images. They also require less power, providing more efficient operation.

A true enthusiast's camcorder, the Handycam DCR-PC1000 model is loaded with upgraded features for making movie masterpieces. Its cinematic mode lends a 24 frame, film-like effect to recordings while the new imaging technology adds clarity and detail. The model also has a 2.7-inch wide hybrid SwivelScreen(TM) touch panel LCD screen, which lets consumers switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios and comes with a Handycam Station for quick, easy
connection to a TV or PC.

Bringing high-style to the new lineup is the Handycam DCR-PC55 model. Slightly larger than a deck of cards, as of the end of last year, is the world's smallest Mini DV camcorder. It sports a large 3-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen(TM) LCD.

Additionally, the Handycam DCR-PC55 camcorder features SlideShow Plus, (TM) which uses the 3-inch LCD and a distinctive Handycam Station that is positioned to display desktop slideshows with the push of a button.

For advanced performance with great value, the Handycam DCR-HC90 camcorder is Sony's first three-megapixel Mini DV camcorder with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,299.99. The camcorder comes with a 2.7-inch Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD display to record and play back in 16:9 wide-screen format. Additionally, it has an intelligent accessory shoe, Super NightShot(R) Plus, a built-in flash and the advanced multi-layer
coating of a Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Sonnar(R) T(*) lens to capture video and pictures that are more vivid and rich, even when taken in low light.

Like a cellular phone or PDA cradle, the accompanying Handycam Station charges the units and connects them to a TV or PC, while keeping the camcorder easily accessible and ready to record any video moment. The Handycam Station comes fully loaded with all the necessary inputs, including S-video and an audio/video terminal for connecting the unit to a TV, as well as a USB port and an i.LINK(R) (IEEE1394) digital interface for connection to a compatible
PC.

Rounding out the new Mini DV camcorders with Handycam Station are the DCR-HC32 and DCR-HC42 models.

- DCR-HC21 model includes 20X Optical/800X Digital Zoom, the Super
SteadyShot(R) Image Stabilization. Available in February at an
MSRP of $649.99;

- DCR-HC32 model includes the above-mentioned features, Handycam
Station and Memory Stick DUO(TM) Media slot. Available next month
at an MSRP of $749.99;

- DCR-HC42 model includes the Handycam Station and Memory Stick
DUO(TM) Media slot as well as enhanced 16:9 Wide Mode and 2.7-inch
SwivelScreen hybrid LCD display. Also available at an MSRP of
$849.99;

- DCR-PC55 model includes a Memory Stick DUO(TM) Media slot,
Handycam Station and a 3-inch SwivelScreen hybrid LCD, Slideshow
Plus capability, as well as an automatic lens cover, and a new
intelligent accessory shoe. Available in February at an MSRP of
$999.99;

- DCR-HC90 model sports a 3 megapixel CCD for outstanding video and
still performance, has a 2.7-inch wide SwivelScreen hybrid LCD,
built-in flash, a Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Sonnar(R) T(*) lens and a
new intelligent accessory shoe. Available in February at an MSRP
of $1,299.99; and

- DCR-PC1000 model includes the new 3-chip CMOS Sensor technology, a
Handycam Station, a Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Sonnar(R) T(*) lens and a
2.7-inch wide Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD. Available in April at an
MSRP of $1,799.99.

Currently available model:

- DCR-HC1000 model, a 3-CCD, one-megapixel Handycam camcorder that
comes with a swivel handgrip, 12X Optical/150X Digital Zoom and a
Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Sonnar(R) T(*) lens. Currently available at an
MSRP of $2,499.99.

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of electronic and computer products for consumer, business, electronics publishing and multimedia applications on a global scale. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and
distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 970 employees support 73 Sony stores and a network of more than 3,000 authorized dealers across Canada.

For further information: please visit us at www.sony.ca, www.thesonystore.ca, www.sonybiz.ca or www.sonystyle.ca, Sony's product information and e-commerce Web site, or contact John B. Challinor II, APR, General Manager, Advertising & Corporate Communications, Sony of Canada Ltd., (416) 495-3740, john_challinor@sony.ca; Kim Roman, Counsellor, Technology
Practice, Silverhammer Public Relations, (416) 324-2024, kim_roman@silver-hammer.com