The Sony DCR-SX44 4GB Handycam Camcorder is a standard definition, flash memory camcorder that's well-suited for the budget-minded. Sony gave the SX44 4GB of internal, or embedded, flash memory that can record nearly 3 hours of footage (SD LP mode). Sony also gives you the option of using Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Media or SD/SDHC memory cards.

Looking past recording media, the SX44 offers up a number of practical and user-friendly functions and features. At the heart of the camera there's a 1/8" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD sensor. This sensor works with the camera to provide quality video and still images with 410K (effective) pixel resolution, and up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution, making for detailed and clear footage.

Another important aspect of the camera is the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with SteadyShot image stabilization. The lens has the reputation of the Carl Zeiss name, and Sony's SteadyShot stabilization cuts down on blur caused by motion, otherwise known as handshake. Other features that aid in video and still image capture include 60x optical zoom, Face Detection, and an LED video light.

Like most camcorders these days the DCR-SX44 also doubles as a digital still camera, capturing JPEG images to any of the storage options, including the flash memory, Memory Stick media, or SD/SDHC memory cards. In addition to capturing still images directly you also have the option to pull still images from video after the fact. This allows you to continue recording without having to miss out on that perfect snapshot.

When it comes to other bells and whistles of the SX44 it's important to mention Sony's Film Roll Index which lets you find the scenes you're looking for by previewing the beginning of scenes, along with scene indexes set at intervals of 3, 6 or 12 seconds, and 1 or 5 minutes. Another useful function, Face Index, uses Face Detection to help you find scenes using a particular face. Other features such as Power ON, Direct connection to an optional DVD burner, and the USB 2.0 interface all come in handy as well.

• 4GB Internal Memory

4GB of embedded memory can record and store up to almost 3 hours of video footage (SD LP mode)

• Hybrid Recording to Internal Memory or Memory Stick Media

Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility of capturing and transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to 4GB embedded flash memory or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media (optional). You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the embedded flash media to the Memory Stick PRO Duo media - without using a PC

• Media Card Slot

For convenient storage and sharing of your images and videos, the camera accepts Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media and SD/SDHC media (optional)

• 1/8" Advanced HAD CCD Sensor

A 1/8" Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD imager with 410K (effective) pixel resolution delivers stunning detail and clarity for exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance

• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with SteadyShot

The DCR-SX44 features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens designed specifically for compact camcorders. Precision ground optics help maintain the sharpness and contrast of larger lenses, and SteadyShot image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake

• 2.7" Clear Photo LCD Display

The 2.7" Clear Photo LCD (230 K) display provides exceptional viewing clarity with 123K pixels resolution. The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering

• Digital Still Image Capture

The DCR-SX44 doubles as a digital camera, storing JPEG still images to the built-in 4GB Internal Memory and to optional Memory Stick Media or SD/SDHC memory cards. In addition, the camera also features photo capture from movies so you can record without interruption and get the shot

• 60x Optical / 2000x Digital Zoom

60x optical zoom helps you capture close-up action while keeping your distance. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming (up to 2000x) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms

• Direct Copy to External HDD without a PC

Store your memories in a whole new way with the ability to copy videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (optional), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your HDTV, allowing you to utilize the camcorder's handy playback features

• Face Detection

Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and automatically adjusts exposure to help capture faces brightly and clearly

• Face Index Function

Face Index makes it easy to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it's time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index

• Film Roll Index

Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes)

• Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software

Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD (optional), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites

• Direction Connection with Optional DVD Burner

The DCR-SX44 supports a direct connection with the VRD-P1 DVD burner (optional), which allows you to burn DVDs directly from your camcorder without the need for a PC. And because the VRD-P1 is powered by your camcorder, you don't need an additional AC power cable

• Creative Control and Workflow Features

• LED video light for capturing video in low-light situations
• Power on your camcorder by simply opening the camera's LCD display
• USB 2.0 provides an easy connection between your camcorder and PC for fast transfer of video and stills
• Dolby Digital stereo recording with built-in zoom mic focuses on subject for clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds

Features

• 4GB Internal Flash Memory
• Memory Stick Media Compatible
• SD/SDHC Compatible
• 1/8" Advanced HAD CCD Image Sensor
• 2.7" Clear Photo Touch Panel LCD
• 60x Optical Zoom
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
• Face Detection
• LED Video Light
• Film Roll and Face Index

Specifications

• OPTICS

  Sensor	1/8" CCD
  Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens close	1.8-108mm f/1.8-6.0
  Zoom	Optical: 60x Digital: 2000x
  Filter Size	None

• RECORDING

  System	NTSC
  Recording Media	Internal Flash Memory 4GB Video/Image SD/SDHC, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo
  Recording Time	Internal Flash Memory Standard Def: HQ: 55 minutes Standard Def: SP: 85 minutes Standard Def: LP: 175 minutes Memory Stick PRO Duo Standard Def: 16GB: HQ: 235 minutes Standard Def: 16GB: SP: 340 minutes Standard Def: 16GB: LP: 715 minutes
  Video Format	Standard Definition MPEG2 720 x 480
  Audio Format	2-ChannelStereo

• DISPLAY

  Display Type	LCD
  Screen Size	2.7"
  Touchscreen	Yes

• FEATURES

  Image Stabilization	Optical
  Lux	3 (Auto Slow Shutter On, 1/30 Shutter Speed)
  Built-in Mic	Yes
  Built-in Speaker	Yes
  Built-in Light/Flash	Light - Yes Flash - No
  Accessory Shoe	None
  Tripod Mount	1/4"

• INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTORS

  Inputs	None
  Outputs	1x USB 2.0 1x A/V
  Microphone Input	No
  Headphone Jack	No

• GENERAL

  System Requirements	Windows XP (SP3), Vista (SP2), 7
  Battery	Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
  Power Adapter	Not Specified By Manufacturer
  Dimensions (WxHxD)	1.97 x 2.17 x 4.41" / 50 x 55 x 112mm
  Weight	8 oz / 226.80g

Includes

• Sony DCR-SX44 4GB Handycam Camcorder (Red)
• AC Adapter
• NP-FV30 Battery Pack
• A/V Connecting Cable
• USB Cable
• Application Software/USB Driver/CD-ROM