Sony Corp. announced Tuesday it will introduce the world's first consumer digital high-definition camcorder to the Japanese market Oct. 15 and overseas by the end of this year.
The consumer electronics giant expects a growing number of consumers will want the same high-quality pictures for their camcorders as digital high-definition broadcasting, which has begun in some countries, including Japan.
The HDR-FX1 records high-definition movies on digital videotape used in current camcorders, Sony said. The firm declined to disclose a sales target but said it plans monthly production of 5,000 units.
The camcorder is designed for the high-end market, with retail prices expected to be around 400,000 yen. The firm said it hopes to launch a more affordable version in the near future.