1/8-inch Advanced HAD CCD imager
1/8-inch Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance

40x optical/2000x digital zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lenses are designed specifically for compact camcorders, and utilize precision ground optics to maintain the sharpness and contrast found with larger lenses.

DVD-format video recording
The DVD recording format in MPEG2 (SD) delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of these DVDs couldn't be simpler (depending upon the playback device used). After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc players, and even PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

DVD-R/-RW/+RW and +R DL (Dual Layer) compatible
Compatibility with a variety of DVD formats3 allows the ease-of-use and simplicity found in DVD media. With DVD+RW media there is no need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required); simply remove the finalized disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD or Blu-ray Disc Player.

Hybrid Recording to DVD or Memory Stick media
Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Record to DVD media, or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick Duo media or Memory Stick Pro Duo media.

Memory Stick media to DVD -- without using a PC
Images recorded or transferred to DVD can then be played directly most DVD players (SD), computers, Blu-ray Disc players, and even PlayStation 3 video game consoles to share your memories with friends and family.

Built-in zoom microphone
Featuring Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, the built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects in sync with the camera’s zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.

2.7-inch widescreen touch-panel Clear Photo LCD
The 2.7-inch widescreen (16:9) LCD screen provides exceptional viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.