SONY EMPLOYEE SHOWS OFF NEW CAMCORDER IN TOKYO, 1999-01-07 (photo)

Sony Corp employee Erika Marcus shows off a new camcorder in Tokyo January 7 as the Japanese electronics giant unveiled two camcorders which allow digital recording on conventional 8mm tapes. Sony developed the new camcorders under its original "Digital 8" format, which also allows playing back images and sounds recorded on analog tapes. Two models will be available in Japan in March with retail prices of 185,000 yen ($1,652) and 148,000 yen, Sony said. The products are also expected to hit markets in North America, Europe and Asia in the spring of 1999. TA/TAN/AA