Sony Corp. is to launch two models of high-definition camcorders that record images onto DVD discs and hard disk drives (HDDs), the first camcorder maker to offer such products, the company said on Wednesday.

Demand for high-definition camcorders is expected to grow as consumers get used to finer images on digital broadcasting and advanced optical discs based on Blu-ray and HD DVD formats.

Sony will release the model that uses 80-mm DVD discs on September 10 in Japan, and expects it to sell for about 170,000 yen ($1,450). The HDD model, estimated to retail for around 180,000 yen, is set to hit store shelves on October 10.

The random access function of DVDs and HDDs makes it easier for users to watch and edit their footage.

Overseas launches will follow soon after the Japan release.

Sony, the world's largest camcorder maker competing with smaller rivals such as Victor Co. of Japan Ltd. (JVC) and Canon Inc., aims to sell 30,000 of the DVD model and 20,000 of the HDD model in the first month in Japan.

Japan Electronics Sony