Sony Shows the Smallest HD Camcorder Yet

Miniaturizing digital devices is a trend we're all used to already, but things just got a little more amazing as Sony will soon start selling a new consumer high-definition (HD) camcorder, its smallest and lightest: the new Sony HC3E digital high definition video camera. The HC3E features Sony's ClearVid CMOS sensor, which records movies with higher sensitivity resulting in better picture quality. The camera also allows users to take pictures at 4 megapixels.

Also new is an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) output for watching HD content on a suitable television. The previous model supported HD output on analogue and iLink connectors. Like the last model, the HC3 records video in HDV format, which uses conventional MiniDV cassette tapes.

The camera also features a large 2.7inch LCD screen, that gives clear images, and an antireflection coating, weighs only 500 grams since it's meant to be very compact and portable, and has a Carl Zeiss Vario lens, that supports up to 10x Optical Zoom, therefore allowing very clear and vibrant close ups. Also, the camera is capable of recording still images of 2.3 megapixels, as well as recording movies thanks to the Dual Rec function.

Reducing size (it measures 82x78x139 mm) has produced an overall reduction in power, and as for the power consumption, a standard battery will last for around one hour and 40 minutes in HD video mode using the viewfinder but not the camera's 2.7inch widescreen LCD monitor.

The HDR-HC3 will go on sale in Japan on March 3, Sony said, and it will cost around �770; however, no prices have been disclosed for overseas markets.