Sony is giving video professionals operational freedom with the HXR-NX30E high-definition camcorder, a palm-size addition to Sony's NXCAM line-up. The new model uses Sony's Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation technology designed for mobile shooting applications. The new camcorder also offers features such as a built-in projector.

Conventional image stabilisation systems typically "float" an individual lens element with a motor drive to compensate for camera shake. Balanced Optical SteadyShot combines the entire lens and image sensor assembly into one floating element that moves as a unit to reduce the shaking effect caused by normal motion during shooting.

The new HXR-NX30E records at full HD1920 x 1080 resolution using a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens (35mm equivalent: 26.0mm x 260mm). The camcorder's 1/2.88-inch image sensor uses Sony's Exmor R CMOS technology, which increases low-light performance, speeds image readout, reduces rolling shutter artefacts and enables a range of frame rates - 1080/50p, 25p, 50i and 720/50p.

Using AVCHD recording, the camera has 96 gigabytes of internal memory (approximately 8.75 hours at the highest HD recording quality - 28 Mbps), with a dual slot that accepts either SD or Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards for additional recording capacity.

A built-in video projector allows users to playback images onto any flat surface, reaching a maximum size of 100 inches at a 5m (16 feet) distance.

The HXR-NX30E also features a detachable XLR unit for professional quality audio, record level control, the option of Linear PCM audio recording, time code, and the ability to set time code on multiple cameras via infrared remote control.

Sony plans to make the HXR-NX30E available in June 2012.