Sony has updated its portable Handycam-to-DVD recorder series with the introduction of the VRD-MC10. Essentially, a Handycam owner can hook up their device and choose footage from the camera without the aid of a PC and burn it straight to DVD. The VRD-MC10 can accept footage from a variety of sources however, which makes it essentially the mother of all portable DVD recorders. This will probably be one of the last models to lack Blu-Ray as most Sony devices are naturally gravitating away from DVD. The VRD-MC10 supports the entire spectrum of high definition, including 1080p, and features a nice little 2.7 inch color LCD screen built into the unit for menu access and so forth.

A HDMI, component and regular video output allows quick review of high definition footage. There is also support for CompactFlash, Memory Stick (regular), SD/xD, and Memory Stick Duo. On the left side, there is an analog R/L audio in, video in, s-video in, DV in, and a standard USB port. The VRD-MC10 can burn to 12cmDVD, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, and DVD+R DL discs. This is a very slick, well-featured multi-function DVD player and burner that can transcend professional appeal and also be an attractive item for regular consumers. If this was Blu-Ray and had a low price point it’d be godly.

It is labeled as “coming soon” on Sony Style Japan for a list price of 44,800 yen (roughly $412USD). The previous model, VRD-MC5, is already selling for $200USD.

Learn more about the VRD-MC10 at Sony Japan’s website, or the Sony Style Japan listing for the VRD-MC10.