-Never miss a smiling moment with HDR-CX12 Handycam-

Dubai, UAE, 3rd September 2008: Sony Gulf today launched the world's first high definition camcorder with Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology. This ultra-sleek, palm-sized HDR-CX12 Handycam® camcorder with unique 'Smile Shutter' technology lets you can capture smiling photos and record video at the same time.

The Smile Shutter technology automatically detects smiles and captures photo, without having to switch to photo mode, a perfect tool for recording special moments in your life. It also features child and adult prioritization so you can capture photos when your intended subject group smiles. This camcorder can even detect and capture a smile while in standby mode - just aim and the camcorder will let you capture smiling moments.

The HDR-CX12 Memory Stick® Handycam® camcorder can record full 1920 x 1080 HD video and 10.2-megapixel photos on Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and any Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) media cards.

In addition to face detection technology, the camcorder is packed with powerful features such as ClearVid® CMOS sensor with ExmorTM-derived technology for stunning video detail and clarity, a BIONZTM imaging processor, an advanced Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* 12x optical zoom lens and Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization for smooth video and clear photos.

The model has a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD PlusTM screen, Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording and a built-in zoom microphone to record clear dialogue. It has an assignable dial that can be customized to manually control focus, brightness and white balance.

The ultra-compact model also allows easy transfer of video and stills from media cards to a compatible PC to share via email, uploading to the Internet or burning to disc, the small size and lightweight make it an ideal travel companion, perfect for recording that special moment.

  • World's smallest,  Full HD camcorder with Smile Shutter technology.

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

  • D- Range Optimizer.

  • Zoom linked mic.

  • BRAVIA Sync.

  • Assignable Dial.

-Ends-

About Sony Gulf FZE
Sony Gulf FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, VAIO laptop computers, Computer Peripherals, Data media, Recording Media and Energy (Batteries), Mobile Electronics (Car Audio) and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region.

Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Gulf FZE leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners and representative offices. A network of representative offices in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Kenya along with more than 250 service centres reinforces Sony's presence in key markets in the region.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Neil D'Sylva
Sony Gulf FZE
Tel: (971)-4-8815488
Fax: (971)-4-8817808
Email: Neil.Dsylva@ap.sony.com

Saffana Michael/Rukshana D'Mello
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
T: +971 4 321 00 77
F: +971 4 321 17 11
Email: rukshana.dmello@ws-mena.com

© Press Release 2008