The Sony DCR-SX45E SD Flash Memory PAL Camcorder is an entry-level camera that goes beyond the realm of the pocket cam. Providing you with a plethora of shooting controls and functions, the SX45E gives you customization options and the freedom to let the camera do the heavy-lifting for you. Simply pop in a compatible memory card, and the SX45E's 1/8" CCD image sensor works together with the processor, Carl Zeiss zoom, Active SteadyShot, and the 3.0" touch screen LCD to help you capture the best video possible. Of course, the aforementioned shooting controls do a fair amount of the work as well. Intelligent Auto, for instance, automatically selects the right setting for your shot from seven different scene modes, taking the guesswork out of recording. Other features, like the built-in LED video light, help you take your best shots at night or in low light settings. When you're done shooting and ready to share, there's no need to fret: the SX45E comes with Sony's Picture Motion Browser software for editing with Windows-based computers. PMB helps you to trim, add titles, and otherwise customize your footage. It also helps you to upload movies to your favorite social media sites, such as Facebook and YouTube. 70x Extended Zoom Extended zoom works in conjunction with 60x optical zoom to get even closer to the action while maintaining image quality. Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens The professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens is designed specifically for compact camcorders. Precision ground optics help maintain the sharpness and contrast of larger lenses, and SteadyShot image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake. 3.0" Touch Screen Clear Photo LCD Plus Display (230K) The 3.0" touch-screen Clear Photo LCD Plus display provides exceptional viewing clarity with 230K pixels resolution. The display rotates up to 270 for multiple viewing angles, and provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering. SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode allows for a greater degree of image stabilization over the well known, Sony developed, SteadyShot stabilization that has been used for years, giving you more stable video even when on the move or in low light circumstances. Intelligent Auto - 36 Different Scene Combinations Possible Intelligent Auto mode goes a step beyond traditional auto modes by analyzing your shot and then automatically selecting the appropriate settings from seven distinct scene modes (36 different combinations possible): Landscape, Backlight, Twilight, Spotlight, Macro, Portrait, Tripod. Dolby Digital Stereo Recording with Built-In Zoom Mic The built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects with the camera's zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds. Face Detection Face Detection technology recognizes faces and optimizes camera settings for both video and still images, so faces are captured more clearly and skin tones look more natural. Built-In LED Video Light The DCR-SX45 features an LED light that can assist in low-light situations, giving you more flexibility when capturing your video. Built-In USB Cable for Easy File Transfer/Charge The high-speed, built-in USB 2.0 cable allows for easy connection to your computer without your having to remember separate cables. It also fits conveniently into the hand strap so it's out of the way until you need it. Direct Copy to External HDD without PC Store your memories in a whole new way with the ability to copy videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (sold separately), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your TV, allowing you to utilize the camcorder's handy playback features. Includes Sony Picture Motion Browser Software Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites. Auto Lens Cover The automatic lens cover protects the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens from scratches during transport or while not in use by closing the lens cover automatically when the camera is shut off. Film Roll / Face Index With Film Roll Index, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and creates scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes). Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it's time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index. Dual Media Card Slot For convenient storage and sharing of your images and videos, the DCR-SX45 accepts Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).