London - Sony has modified five models of its popular Handycam video camera because they can be used with a special filter to "see through" some kinds of clothing.
The modifications were ordered after a popular men's magazine carried an article showing that the Handycam's infra-red technology can be used to see through light-coloured clothing or some bathing suits, said a Sony spokesman. "We never imagined such a use would be possible," he said.
The Takarajima magazine reported that a filter costing only 1,000 yen (less than £4) can enable users of the Handycam to see the underwear of lightly-dressed people or beneath swimsuits when the camera's "night-shot" mode is activated during daytime.