Sony wants to grab top spot in the camcorder industry by releasing the first high definition camcorder that comes with both Smile Shutter and face detection technologies. This new camcorder, known as the HDR-CX12, is able to record video in full High Definition (1,920 x 1,080 resolution) while capturing picture perfect 10 megapixel photos as long as there is still space to spare on the Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark2 inside. The HDR-CX12 is also impossibly small, sharing the rough measurements as that of a soda can (2.8″ x 5.3″ x 2.8″), making it a snap to carry around whenever you head off for the next destination.

The inclusion of Sony’s unique Smile Shutter technology allows you to snap both smiling subjects and record video simultaneously, which is pretty new to me. Imagine having everyone playing a game in the garden, and you decide to capture a video for posterity so that you can embarrass your kids in front of the grandchildren next time (what will you show the video on then? Camcorders with projectors?). While rolling the, er, Memory Stick, your adorable little one stops and musters a heart melting smile at you. The moment will automatically be captured in 10 megapixel glory without you having to lift a finger, thanks to the built-in Smile Shutter algorithm. Saves you a whole lot of trouble, but then again you could end up sifting a large amount of photos at the end of the day while shooting a wedding video. Good thing that function can be turned off when it isn’t needed.

Other features of the Sony HDR-CX12 include a 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD Plus display, Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording and a built-in zoom microphone for clear dialogue recording. The assignable dial makes it easy to control focus, brightness and white balance manually for that perfect home video. It will hit retail stores early this August for approximately $900.

Press Release