SINGAPORE — What fits in the palm of the hand, shoots videos and still pictures, and projects movies on a wall? Sony’s HDR-GWP88 Projector Handycam, that’s what.

The waterproof (up to 10m), shock-proof (up to 5m), freeze-proof (up to -10°C) and dust-proof video camera will help you share your latest adventure in full High Definition (HD). Its professional grade wide angle 29.8mm Sony G Lens coupled with Exmor R CMOS image sensor offers detailed images in vivid colour even under low-light conditions. And unless you are making another Blair Witch Project, the Optical SteadyShot will provide a shake-free video for a pleasant, non-nauseating viewing experience. A 10X Optical Zoom (17X extended and 120X digital) gets you closer to the action without compromising on image stabilisation.

Besides HD videos, its image sensor lets you take sharp still photos at up to 20.4 megapixels.

A built-in LED projector lets you share your home movies immediately, but I found videos are the sharpest when you project them from no more than one metre away. Its 3-inch Clear Photo LCD touch screen display provides a HD preview so you can frame your shots artistically. I especially like the Highlight feature, which plays back still images and videos of an event in the form of a short film.

Unfortunately, the handy device does not come with an editing suite, so you cannot make movies off it while travelling from destination to destination — something I have taken to doing on holidays to save time and to share videos immediately.

Taking selfies is also made easier with a self-recording button just below the lens. A golf mode will help you improve your swing as it records your practice drives at the range. I have found that it works best with a tripod and self-timer.

Before you take the camcorder on your next dive trip, Sony warns that it is not salt-water-proof on its own, even if it has an IP (or Ingress Protection) rating of IPX8 10m. IP ratings are used to define levels of sealing effectiveness against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture. For sea-related activities, a dedicated external casing has to be used.

Starting up is immediate as there is no on/off button on the device; flip up the LCD screen and you are ready to start recording. Living up to its name, the handycam is a tiny 108.5mm X 40mm X 70mm and weighs only 210g.

The Sony HDR-GWP88 provides a handy, high-definition alternative to your phone-cam, especially if you are an aspiring film-maker.

It is available at Sony authorised dealers from S$999.