MP3 format creator Fraunhofer today unveiled the MicroHDTV, what it claims is the world's smallest-ever true HD video camera. The body is only 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide but can still capture footage at a native 1920x1080, 60 frames per second resolution courtesy of low-power parts that avoid bulky heatsinks. This opens the possibility of HD video in places where the equipment would be too ungainly, the institute says, such as racing cars or the helmets of athletes in high-impact sports.

The camera is equally programmable and can be connected to a PC to adjust its settings through a web browser. Fraunhofer will show the camera at next month's CeBIT Expo and should reveal real-world production devices soon. [via Crave]