Sony Ericsson announced today the release of another mobile phone, the Sony Ericsson S312, a camera device that is meant to allow users to capture precious moments in their lives in just two simple steps. The handset includes a 2-megapixel photo snapper and illuminated imaging shortcuts on the keypad so that it would be easier to take pictures or change the camera settings. In addition, it also includes a Photo fix function that is meant to offer the best picture quality in one step.

“Capture life’s spontaneous moments the easy way with the S312 and its instant video recording.” said Quentin Cordier, marketing business manager at Sony Ericsson. “The S312 also allows you to get organised and keep track of your hectic lifestyle by ensuring that you never miss another birthday or appointment again – store all your important dates, add reminders – then sit back and relax.”

Not only that the new Sony Ericsson S312 offers the possibility to easily take pictures, but users can also share them with friends much easier than they could do it before. The images can be viewed on the handset's 2-inch screen, sent via the Bluetooth connection or shared on the web through picture blogging.

The phone's 2-megapixel camera includes features such as digital zoom, dedicated video camera key, video recording capabilities, Photo light, Video light, PictBridge printing, and Photo fix. The 2-inch scratch-resistant display included with the Sony Ericsson S312 is able to offer a resolution of up to 176 x 220 pixels and supports 262,144 colors.

The new mobile phone also comes with GSM/GPRS/EDGE/900/1800 connectivity, 15MB of internal memory and Memory Stick Micro (M2) card slot, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, FM radio with RDS, messaging capabilities such as Email, Picture messaging (MMS), Text messaging (SMS) and Sound recorder, Speakerphone and Media player.

The handset measures 100 x 46 x 12.5 mm and weighs 80 grams. Its battery is able to offer users up to 8 hours of talk time, as well as up to 400 hours of standby time. According to the company, the new device is expected to come to select markets in the second quarter of the ongoing year, sporting two color schemes, Dawn Blue and Honey Silver.