Sony ships 'world's smallest' HD camcorder

Soon to arrive in the UK is Sony's new Handycam HDR-CX6EK - the world's smallest and lightest HD camcorder, according to the Japanese electronics giant. Features include 10x optical zoom and AVCHD 1080i recording on a Memory Stick.

Depending on your prefered picture quality mode, Sony claims it's possible to save up to 2 hours 55 minutes of continuous footage - on an (optional) 8GB Memory Stick Pro Duo and in Long Play record mode. The camera can take 6.1-megapixel stills.

Sony also announced the new SR camcorder series: the flagship of the range is the SR8E, which apparently offers up to 38 hours of recording - in Long Play mode - on its 100GB hard drive. It's joined by the SR5E and SR7E which contain 40GB and 60GB disks for up to 15 hours or 22 hours HD recording time, respectively - again, in Long Play mode.

The SR range will be available in June and HDR-CX6EK will arrive in the UK in July. All new models support AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition), feature a widescreen 2.7in LCD touch screen and provide around six hours' battery life. Sadly, Sony was unable to put a price to any of these items.

If you're interested in our choice of camcorders currently available, have a take a look our ten-of-the-best group test.