Hitachi to release new DV camcorders next month

Electronics maker Hitachi reaffirmed plans today to release new camcorder models next month. The announcement was made by the home electronics division of Hitachi subsidiary Hitachi America Ltd. Two of the new models sport IEEE 1394 connectors making them suitable as digital video cameras for your FireWire-equipped Mac — the VM-D975LA and the VM-D875LA. Both cameras are Digital8 models, capable of recording Digital8 format, as well as playing back 8mm and Hi8 format tapes.

The VM-D875LA sports 500x digital zoom, a 22x optical zoom lens, digital time base correction, advanced stable pix (EIS), and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with an active ambient light sensor. The camera also sports a DC-powered light and the DV terminal link (iLink, as it’s known in Sony VAIO circles, or FireWire, as it’s known on the Mac). The new model will be available from Hitachi resellers beginning in June and will carry a suggested retail price of US$599.

The VM-D975LA is a step-up model which takes the 875 and adds some new features. Features unique to the VM-D975LA include a still photo mode, color viewfinder, AV input and output interface, and an external microphone jack. That camera will also go on sale in June and should carry a retail price of around $699.

“Hitachi’s new 2001 line offers performance-driven products that deliver leading technologies to consumers while upholding Hitachi’s traditional quality and reliability,” said Hitachi America, Ltd. director of marketing Leo Delaney.