Tokyo (Japan) - Sony Electronics has launched the HDR-TG1, which it claims is the world’s smallest camcorder to record in full high-definition. It is also the slimmest and lightest device to have that technology.

According to the electronics giant, the HDR-TG1 is not much larger than a cell phone. That is certainly a small piece of hardware to pack in the ability to capture 1920x1080 video with 5.1-channel surround sound.

"This new model is a great example of our expertise in miniaturization, as well as advanced imaging technologies with features like face detection," said Sony managing director Osamu Miura.

Sony has had a lasting history in this specific segment of consumer electronics. It was the first to launch a miniature camcorder using 8mm technology in the 1980s.

The HDR-TG1 has a 2.7-inch LCD display, face recognition technology, auto-focus and color control, and a 4.0-megapixel still capture capability.

The camcorder also has an automatic Zoom microphone that focuses sound capture on specific people or objects that the camera is focused on. And everything is captured in 5.1-channel digital surround sound.