Sony Europe has just launched the HDR-HC3E, the world’s smallest HDV camera. The HC3E is the successor of the popular and successful HDR-HC1 and what an ‘upgrade’ it is. The new video camera is more portable, more compact and produces more vivid videos and images.

The Sony HC3E is HDMI compatible, enabling users to take advantage of HDTV technology in video playing and capturing. Sony has also integrated a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens with 10x optical zoom. Further, the device is able to record films with exceptional clarity through its sensor innovation, ClearVid CMOS. The quality of still pictures taken on the HC3E is also superb. With the ability to produce 4MP-grade pictures, coupled with its Enhanced Imaging Processor, there’s definitely no need to invest on a separate device for still images.

Capturing still pictures and recording films simultaneously are now possible through the video camera’s Dual Rec capability. Still picture quality is at 2.3MP at this mode, while its Smooth Slow Rec feature provides reel experience and detail for users who are capturing fast-moving objects.

Display is via a 2.7 inch LCD, making immediate viewing of the recorded films or images convenient. Lighting conditions are also not much of a factor in processing videos and images. The device has an Anti Reflection Coat which enables the video cam to be used even against the light.

The trendy Sony HC3E is set for release in April 2006.