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Now that projectors have gotten so small, Sony‘s decided to shoehorn one into a camcorder. At first glance, the Sony HDR-PJ50 Handycam looks like an ordinary camcorder, but the outside of that viewscreen holds a special secret: a tiny projector Sony says can throw a 60-inch image on a wall or ceiling.
Why would you want to do that? If you use a camcorder frequently, you’re probably aware that people like to see the footage you’ve shot right then and there. Instead of huddling around a miniscule viewscreen, you can create your own mini-cinema for all to see.
But what about the audio? Sony says it’s got that covered. The device is adorned with “Clear Phase” stereo speakers with a digital amplifier pumping out “true-to-life sound.”
Sony’s not the first company to offer a camera/projector combo. Nikon was first in 2009 with its Coolpix S1000 PJ, followed by the 3M Shoot ‘n Share and ViewSonic’s DVP5 projector camcorder. All those camcorders looked more like still cameras, though. This Sony shooter sticks with the traditional camcorder form factor.
Can its quality measure up, and most importantly, is its projector watchable? Sony had better be bringing some quality to the game, especially since Sony Asia Pacific is selling this product for a steep $1,350, first in India. That pricing could be dicey, because although micro-projectors have come a long way since they first appeared on the scene a few years ago, even the most powerful models are still best watched in the dark.
Even so, a projecting camcorder could be fun for you and fellow partiers. And you can understand Sony’s strategy of adding value to the mature camcorder market, as it looks for ways to keep video hobbyists from quitting camcorders altogether — abandoning them in favor of smartphones.
A smartphone camcorder has an advantage: It’s usually in your possession, proving that old photographer’s adage that I’ll paraphrase here: “The best camcorder in the world is the one you have with you.”
Sony HDR-PJ50 Handycam
Sony HDR-PJ50 Side View
Sony HDR-PJ50 Handycam Rear View
Sony HDR-PJ50 Handycam Controls
Sony HDR-PJ50 Handycam Front View
More About: camcorders, micro projector, projector, Projector Camcorder, sony, Sony HDR-PJ50 Handycam
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