Sony said the new products were aimed at consumers who already have video collections on analogue tapes but who want to switch to a digital-quality camcorder.

"Although we recognise the strong market trend towards digital camcorders, we hope the new products will stimulate the market for 8mm camcorders," said Tsutomu Niimura, senior general manager of Sony's personal video division.

Sony developed the new camcorders under its original "Digital8" format, which also allows images and sounds recorded on analogue tapes to be played back.

The 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 the rest of Asia in the spring of 1999.

Sony managing director Shizuo Takashino said the newcamcorders had asignificant potential, especially in overseas markets where individuals often had large 8mm video collections.

He said the company was open to licensing out the "Digital8" format, but no agreements had been reached yet.