Sony shows off GPS packing 1080p camcorders

Following an annual tradition, Sony has loosed several new HDR-series camcorders. Stop carrying that silly GPS dongle, as the HDR-XR520V (240GB of storage), HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V (both 120GB) pack one onboard along with NAVTEQ maps to geotag photos and videos alike, automatically detect time zone, highlight current map location and possibly save your life during an extended walk through the woods. The 520 and 500 are Sony's first with back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, providing twice the low light performance of previous models. Smile Shutter, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound recording and 3.2-inch touch panel LCDs are standard across the line, including the low end HDR-XR100 (80GB) model. They start shipping in March for between $1,500 and $750 along with three new SD cams but -- c'mon.

[pars @ Jan 7th 2009 8:50PM]

That thing is a beast, might have to get one. Had a Sony that i bought in 1999 worked great until last year when it fell apart.

[FILA @ Jan 7th 2009 9:32PM]

nice indeed, but not a big sony fan

[Musouka @ Jan 8th 2009 3:13AM]

Seems like Sony has one-upped Canon this time.

[Musouka @ Jan 8th 2009 3:14AM]

I meant Features-wise. I wonder if it does 24mbps, however.

[Prhime @ Jan 8th 2009 8:20AM]

looks good. glad they worked on the low light capture. now looking forward to see what the real world reviews are.