WEYBRIDGE, UK--(MARKET WIRE)--Apr 3, 2008 --
-- World's smallest, lightest Full HD camcorder*

-- Pure titanium body and scratch-resistant Premium Hard Coating

-- ClearVid CMOS Sensor with Exmor(TM) derived technology and BIONZ image processor for superb HD picture quality

Source: Sony Europe
(click to enlarge) HDR-TG3E ·  Sony HD Handycam site

-- Face Detection automatically adjusts focus, exposure, colour balance and skin tone for beautiful portraits

-- Built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound

-- BRAVIA Sync for control of playback functions using TV remote

Now there's no excuse for leaving your camcorder behind when you could catch the moment in sparkling HD. The sensationally styled Sony Handycam® HDR-TG3E is your perfect partner for nights out or weekends away. What's more, it's tough enough to keep up with today's active lifestyles -- whether you're on the piste or paragliding.

Great for city breaks when you don't want to be weighed down, the TG3E slips effortlessly into a purse, bag or jacket pocket. Little bigger than your mobile phone, it's the smallest, slimmest, lightest camcorder* ever to feature 1920x1080 Full HD recording with crisp 5.1 surround sound.

It's also the world's first camcorder that features a body using pure titanium -- a material that's 40% lighter than steel and twice as strong as aluminium. The tough titanium shell is finished with a Premium Hard Coating. This extra-strong protective layer shrugs off everyday scratches -- from active sports or hectic holidays -- ensuring the HDR-TG3E keeps its high-fashion looks for longer.

The stylish new HD Handycam® has been created around the design concept of 'My HD to Go' -- a pocket-sized Full HD camcorder that's small enough to carry at all times for capturing great movie moments. Its ultra-compact size, chic looks and tough finish makes the Handycam® TG3E ideal for any situation, from family breaks to the smartest party.

The compact camcorder's elegant, pared down lines are complemented by easy, intuitive operation via the LCD touchscreen. Record, Movie/photo mode and zoom can all be accessed via a conveniently placed thumb lever and buttons. With 'Quick On' mode activated, the TG3E is ready for action within a second of flipping open the bright, clear 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus touch panel.

Recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo media (4GB Memory Stick supplied) means there's no need to carry bulky tapes or discs if you're out for the evening or spending a weekend away and want to capture your favourite moments. An optional 16GB Memory Stick records up to 5 hours 55min of full HD movies (LP mode).

Despite its tiny dimensions, the Handycam® TG3E makes no compromises on recording beautiful, detail-packed Full HD images. Sensitivity and low-noise performance are assured by the ClearVid CMOS Sensor that features Exmor(TM) derived from technology found in Sony professional camcorders and digital SLR cameras.

It's complemented by the powerful BIONZ image processing engine that maintains superlative image quality for video and stills shooting alike. Thanks to the speed and responsiveness of the BIONZ processor, high-resolution 4.0 megapixel still picture can be taken with photo mode, and 2.3 megapixel still pictures can even be taken during HD video recording.

Intelligent Face Detection automatically adjusts focus, exposure, colour balance for clear, beautifully realistic videos and still pictures of friends and family. It recognises up to 8 faces in one scene, making it easier to shoot people in different situations. For even better 'people pictures,' advanced compression technology automatically allocates more data to human subjects for more detailed faces with greater detail and lower noise.

Also powered by the responsive BIONZ processor, D-Range Optimiser technology adjusts dynamic range for more natural reproduction of high-contrast and backlit scenes with strong highlights and shadows.

Sound quality is just as important as great pictures. 5.1ch digital surround sound quality is enhanced with an automatic Zoom microphone function that focuses on foreground subjects for crisper dialogue.

After shooting, Visual Index, Film Roll Index and Face Index make it easier to track down your favourite scenes on the large, easy-view touchscreen LCD.

Files stored on Memory Stick can be burned to DVD at the touch of the 'Disc Burn' button using the supplied Handycam Station. Alternatively, files can be backed up to your computer's hard drive. After transferring files to your PC, supplied Picture Motion Browser software makes it easy to organise and browse images by date in an intuitive calendar view. Alternatively, Map view displays where images were recorded when used with an optional GPS unit.

BRAVIA Sync makes it even easier to enjoy movies and still pictures on your HD television. Connect the Handycam® TG3E to any BRAVIA Sync-compatible TV via HDMI cable (optional) and control playback functions with your television's remote.

Supplied accessories include USB and component A/V cables, Handycam Station and wrist strap for easy carrying. There's also a full range of optional accessories by Sony including a specially designed carry case, travel kit with battery and charger, and tripods.

The Handycam® HDR-TG3E is available from May 2008. It is available to pre-order now at www.sonystyle-europe.com.

*among 1920x1080 Full HD camcorders, as of April 2008 (Sony Research)

NOTES TO EDITORS

Environmental Info

Sony is engaged in a constant review of its manufacturing, operational and business practices to ensure that its products are developed in an environmentally responsible way. This approach can broadly be divided into three areas:

 
Product:  The extended user manual is provided electronically on CD-ROM
          to reduce paper use.

          Product packaging is made from recyclable paper to reduce the
          impact on the environment.

Process:  Halogenated materials can pose a risk to the environment if
          disposed of improperly. To minimize this risk, halogen-free flame
          retardants are used for certain printed circuit boards.

          Lead-free solder is used to reduce the use of hazardous
          substances.

          Power consumption is reduced to 3.3W using low-power devices
          including ClearVid CMOS Sensor, BIONZ processor and optimisation
          of coding process.

Planet:   Sony is determined to lead the way as a responsible manufacturer.
          As a company we are focussing on three key areas of investment:

          1. Reducing CO2 gas emissions
          2. Increasing the percentage of renewable energy used in our
             manufacturing facilities
          3. Minimising the resources used by our factories in
             manufacturing

About Sony:

Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be one of the world's leading digital entertainment brands. Sony recorded consolidated global annual sales of EUR 55.83 billion (yen 8,296 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, based on an average market exchange rate for the same period of yen 148.6 to the EUR. It employs approximately 163,000 people worldwide.

In Europe, the Sony Group recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 13.71 billion (yen 2,038 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company's European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of EUR 9.12 billion for the same period.

For more information on Sony Europe, please visit http://www.sony-europe.com and http://www.sony-europe.com/presscenter.

For more information, please contact:

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     Silke Schild
     Corporate Communications
     Sony Europe
     Email Contact
     +44 (0)1932 816 507