The handheld cam kind of took a huge hit when Cisco Systems bought and subsequently shut down Flip Video in 2011. Some people thought it was because smart phones are taking over and they all have cameras on them. But only a small fraction of phones sold worldwide are smart phones and even fewer have HD cameras in them. So there is a fairly big hole to fill.

Stepping up to the plate is Sony with their new waterproof HDR-GW77V Handycam. The rugged waterproof camera features a 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor capable of 1080p video at 60fps and can take 20.4 megapixel stills. It also offers a 3-inch swivel screen while also offering 16GB of internal storage and a 10x optical zoom. It also offers a built-in GPS for geotagging your videos.

Sony claims that it can handle up to 16 feet of water and will withstand a 5 ft free fall. Which means it is fairly kid friendly in that regard, it is totally not kid friendly in its price. At a cool $699 this all weather Handycam is on the pricey side!

The new Handycam is set to be released this month and will retail for $699 plus tax!