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Sony's CES camcorder lineup includes a prosumer HD model with 1-inch sensor

Along with seven updated models, Sony's 2014 lineup includes a very nice-sounding top-of-the-line HD camcorder.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories

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Lori Grunin

Jan. 6, 2014 5:00 p.m. PT

The CX900, Sony's latest high-end HD camcorder, uses a 1-inch sensor. Sony Electronics

LAS VEGAS -- Though Sony's new prosumer 4K camcorder is probably going to get all the buzz, the $1,500 Handycam HDR-CX900 looks pretty nice as well. The new top-of-the-line consumer HD camcorder has the same body and features as the AX100, but incorporates a 14-megapixel sensor based on the company's 1-inch BSI sensor technology and Bionz X imaging processing -- a similar setup to the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 still camera -- along with the ability to record 50Mbps XAVC-S HD video.

Sony revs its lineup of projector camcorders with four new units.

Among the swarm of seven other models Sony announced at CES -- four replacement models in its projector camcorder line and two low-end projector-free models -- I'd say the CX240 and the PJ540 are probably the most notable. The CX240 because at $230 it's the cheapest model and that's usually what most people are looking for, while the $700 PJ540 with a projector it seems like it should be the best value.

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$920 at Amazon

Sony has updated the projector specs in the midrange models and rolled out Bionz X to all of the new camcorders and rolled out Wi-Fi and NFC a little further down the line. Audio improvements include a nice-sounding Premium Closer Voice, which deemphasizes out the profanity (and other comments) coming from the camcorder wielder in favor of the sound in front of the camera.

All of the camcorders are slated to ship in February.