The most significant of the new features in the Network Handycam DCR-IP220E is the 2.11megapixel CCD.

This is vast by camcorder standards, and a CCD array makes it possible, for the first time, to take good-quality still images on a digital camcorder.

The touchscreen LCD panel makes navigation easier and is put to good use when defining spot metering and focusing zones.

There's a built-in flash with red-eye reduction mode, manual focus/zoom ring, night and low-light shooting modes and an innovative Hologram autofocus system which uses laser light to enable you to focus virtually in the dark when taking still pictures.

The IP220E uses Sony's proprietary MicroMV format, which records in mpeg-2 format onto tiny 60-minute tapes. The new model is Bluetooth enabled and is packed with networking features, including a built-in browser and email.

A 2.5in LCD panel is rear-mounted and can be rotated through 180 degrees. With the panel facing forwards the image is flipped horizontally so you can use it as a monitor for self-recording.

The power button has three positions: camera (for video recording); network/memory (for recording short video clips and still images to the Memory Stick); and VCR (for playback).

Because the majority of functions are set from the on-screen display, physical buttons are limited to what's needed during shooting: zoom rocker, still image shutter release, record/pause button, back light compensator, fader and night shot mode selector.

Two buttons which get our usability vote are the one next to the still picture button which toggles the flash mode, and another below the viewfinder which turns all the screen indicators off so you can see what you're filming.

A stylus is provided for the touchscreen but your index finger does the job just as well.

In camera mode the three-page menu accommodates everything from setting the clock to digital effects, titling and dubbing between the tape and Memory Stick.

Where the touchscreen really comes into its own is in the spot metering and focus features.

Auto metering systems usually allocate a central part of the screen for spot metering; you point this at the area you want to meter, take the reading, then compose your shot.

With the 220E you compose your shot, touch the spot meter menu button, then touch the screen area you want to take the meter reading from.

Likewise with spot focusing, touch a foreground object and it comes into sharp relief, touch a distant object and that becomes the new focus.

Still image focusing in low light is aided by new laser hologram technology. An emitter at the front of the camera shines a laser light pattern on the subject, and this is used to determine the focusing distance.

The laser conforms to European Union and international safety standards, although looking directly into it is not recommended.

In use, the 220E is a joy. Whether you're a member of the point-and-shoot school or prefer manual control, everything about this camcorder is easy.

While it won't replace a dedicated stills camera, the still image mode produces pictures 1,600 x 1,200 pixels in size in one of three quality and compression settings; good enough to justify leaving your camera at home.

Like most Sony camcorders, the 220E has an analogue video in/out port so you can plug it into a TV for playback and use it as a digital VCR.

There's a two way I-link (FireWire) port for downloading mpeg-2 video from the tape, and a USB connector for Memory Stick image transfer.

The bundled image and video editing applications contain USB and I-link drivers for transferring images and video from the camcorder to your PC.

The Movieshaker video editing application is capable of cut and paste editing, transitions titling and effects, but lacks the features of packages like Adobe Premiere and Ulead Media Studio.

SPECS

DETAILS

Price: £1,600 (£1,361.70 ex VAT)

Contact: Sony 08705 111 999
www.sonystyle.com