With the down-sizing of devices in the digital world, camcorders can’t be seen lagging behind. And they won’t, at least not in the world of Sony, which has released a high-definition handycam that sits in the palm of your hand.

The HDR-TG1E, which will be available in May, might have been created pint-sized, but Sony hasn’t cut corners in terms of features that consumers not only need, but also will use, over and over again.

For starters, the device measures 32mm by 119mm by 63mm, small enough to slip into the pocket of your jeans or bag with minimal space taken up.

Weighing in at a mere 300 grams, it’s just right for the traveler, as well as the citizen journalist or the avid photo blogger.

Although it is called a camcorder, the HDR-TG1E is capable of taking still photos as well as videos.

The photographer will appreciate the Carl Zeiss lens taking 4 megapixel shots, 10x optical zoom and Face Detection technology. The recently introduced technology allows the device to automatically identify up to eight faces within the LCD frame at any one point of time.

By allocating more pixels to the detected faces during the encoding process, it optimizes focus, exposure and colour for natural looking skin tones. At the same time, the camera will detect and auto-adjust the contrast so you get evenly-exposed pictures.

When taking videos, there is 10x optical zoom, 120x digital zoom and vivid, crisp movies and photos with high sensitively and low noise thanks to Sony’s original ClearVid™ CMOS sensor and the BIONZ™ image processing engine.

Another plus, the Face Detection technology has also been incorporated for videos along with the same photo technology to balance contrast.

The D-Range Optimizer will detect subjects in very dark or very bright environments to get a balance for more natural, evenly-exposed pictures when shooting high contrast and strong backlit scenes.

There’s also clear audio recordings due to the voice zoom on the built-in zoom microphone. Sure, other devices also have that feature, but Sony offers this function with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

Can’t decide if it’s a video or photo your want? The HDR-TG1E can help in the decision making with my personal favourite feature.

It’s a one-button click that will switch the Sony to taking still images while using its video function, AND without disruption to the video at all. How’s that for being able to multi-task!

Apart from all that, the minute camcorder also comes with simple built-in video editing functions and a whole range of connectivity options.

It is able to sync with any compatible high-definition television sets so you can playback what you shot quickly, easily and in vibrant, true-to-life colour reproduction.

Sony’s known for its sophisticated form and sleek design, and its latest addition to the Handycam family doesn’t disappoint.

If its sleek silver casing does not prompt love at first sight, then its user-friendly, smooth user interface certainly will.

Merging form with function, the camcorder incorporates a lightweight and robust pure titanium chassis with scratch-resistant premium hard coating.

Storage is on a Memory stick which at a standard 4GB (which comes with the camera) is capable of just under 30 minutes of HD video or 2.5 hours of standard definition video and more than a thousand still photos.

The only disappointment would be the price, if you’re on a budget. Be prepared to pay S$1,999, a hefty sum for a wee device.

It isn’t a steal, but then again, it is a seamlessly integrated device that is the world’s most compact and lightweight camcorder.


- CNA/yb