Sony Launches Smallest Full-HD Camcorder

The HDR-TG1 fits in a pocket and weighs just 10 ounces, yet captures full 1920 x 1080 HD footage.

The, Sanyo Xacti HD700 may have held the record for the world’s smallest 720p camcorder, but the high-end 1080p camcorder class just got its own record holder – and it’s about the same size. Sony snatched the title of “World’s Smallest Full-HD Camcorder” on Thursday with the announcement of its HDR-TG1, which captures true 1920 x 1080 HD video and weighs only 10 ounces.

The camera measures just 1.3 inches wide, 4.7 inches tall, and 2.5 inches deep (by contrast, the Xacti is shorter, but slightly fatter and thicker). It captures full-HD video along with 4-megapixel stills directly on Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo and Duo Mark2 media cards, and comes with an included 4GB card to get started shooting immediately.

Besides its record-setting size and resolution, the HDR-TG1 has a number of other features going for it. Video face detection allows the camera to pick up as many as eight faces on the screen, and automatically adjust focus, exposure and color control for them on the fly. It also has a 2.7-inch fold-out LCD display, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 10x optical zoom, and the BIONZ video processing engine for noise reduction.

Sony will release the HDR-TG1 stateside in May with an MSRP of $900, including accessories. A travel kit with an extra battery, travel charger, and pouch will be available for $100, and a custom-fit case with brushed metal accents will rack up another $50. Sony will begin accepting preorders through its Web site on Friday.