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  Sony Handycam DCR-SX63 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Sony |
| Type | Camcorder |
| Released | 1985; 40 years ago (1985) |
| General | |
| Video recording | Various formats; see§ Models |
| Made in | Japan |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Betamovie |
Handycam is a line ofcamcorders made bySony and introduced in 1985.
Handycam was first used as the name of the firstVideo8 camcorder in 1985, replacing Sony's previous line ofBetamax-based models of camcorders. The name was intended to emphasize the "handy" palm size nature of the camera, made possible by the then-new miniaturized tape format. This was in contrast to the larger, shoulder mounted cameras made before the creation of Video8, as well as competing smaller formats such asVHS-C.
Sony has continued to produce Handycams[1] in a variety of guises ever since, developing the Video8 format to produceHi8 (equivalent toS-VHS quality) and laterDigital8, using the same basic format to recorddigital video. The Handycam label continues to be applied as recording formats evolve, such as adopting theMiniDV,MiniDVD, andMicroMV formats, and then later usinghard disk drives andflash memory.
Select flagship Sony Handycam models feature infrared night-vision dubbedNightShot (sometimes referred to as"NightShot Plus" on some models), which utilizes an infrared light-emitting diode and an infrared filter that is mechanically attached and detached to the sensor in order to enable the camcorder to record video footage in complete darkness ("Nightshot 0 lux").[2] This feature has been occasionally used withparanormal investigators on Travel Channel'sGhost Adventures.[citation needed]
MiniDV tape Handycam camcorders record a time code and video recording parameters (such aslight sensitivity (indB),aperture,exposure time, and info) on an additionalmeta data track on the tape.[3]
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