Sony introduces world's smallest HD camcorder
Sony today unveiled its HDR-TG1 Handycam, claiming it's the smallest and lightest high-definition camcorder currently available.
The portable camcorder market is thriving, with Canon, Vivitar and other companies making cameras smaller with more bells and whistles.
The Sony HDR-TG1 is just 1.3-inches wide by 4.7-inches tall and only 2.5-inches deep. It sports a titanium body that weighs just 10 ounces. The camera is able to record video at 1080p HD and take 4-megapixel pictures directly to a Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo or PRO Duo Mark2 media cards.
Sony's proprietary memory cards for its cameras and camcorders have drawn ire from consumers, who often want to use cheaper and just as reliable SD or Compact Flash memory cards.
The HDR-TG1 will ship with a $900 MSRP and features a 2.7-inch touch screen LCD, with the ability to adjust focus, color control and flash control. Furthermore, the camcorder identify up to eight faces on the screen, along with the ability to auto focus on individual faces in the shot. Facial recognition is a common feature in most digital cameras these days.
Camcorders accompany Sony's Cyber-shot digital cameras as the largest profit earners for Sony, with the company expected to continue development of even smaller handycams.
Sony also is offering a $100 optional travel kit for the HDR-TG1 that includes a battery, travel charger and pouch. Additionally, a custom-fit case with "brushed metal accents" will be available to customers for $50.
The HDR-TG1 will go on sale in Japan later this month, and international launches will occur soon after.
