Sony Cyber-shot

Sony Releases Five New Cyber-shot Compact Cameras, One With 1080/60p Video

Sony's at it again. The company always seems to be "first" at something in the camera world, and recently they've become the first to introduce a digital still camera with 1080/60p Full HD video capabilities, not to mention 3D still image capture with only a single lens and imager. Both of those feats are really impressive, particularly the first. Compact cameras have been stuck at 720p for what feels like a century, and we have been patiently waiting for some camera manufacturer to come along and take things up a notch. DSLRs and camcorders have been shooting at 1080p for awhile, leaving the point and shoots behind. But no more.

Sony has unveiled five new Cyber-shot digital cameras, which promise to bring "DSLR-like quality" to the compact realm. All five cameras use a 16.2MP sensor, and all five have 3D capabilities with a single lens. The DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 are the new models to look for, and all five share a Dual Recording technology that even allows them to snap still pictures while recording video. The TX100V is the one that has a 1080/60p movie mode, and it's also the first Cyber-shot with a 3.5" OLED touch panel. The whole gang has Sony's Exmore R back-illuminated CMOS sensor, which is supposedly quite a bit better than standard sensors at shooting in low light.

All of the cameras will ship in America during the first half of 2011, with prices ranging from the $200s right on up. Specifics on each are listed down below.

SONY INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS WITH 1080/60P FULL HD VIDEO CAPABILITY AND 3D STILL IMAGE CAPTURE WITH ONE LENS AND IMAGER
    
New Top Models Add A 16.2-Megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor And Dual Rec; One Model Adds An OLED With Touch Screen

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 5, 2010 – Sony today unveiled five new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras that make it easy to get DSLR-like quality still images, stunning 3D photos and high-quality full HD videos.

Sony has designed five new innovative 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9) that are the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. They also have innovative Dual Rec (record) technology, for taking still photos during video capture. The DSC-TX100V camera is the world’s first compact digital still camera to include full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video capability. This format provides the least distortion for playback on a high definition television.

The TX100V is also the first Cyber-shot camera with a 3.5-inch OLED with touch screen that provides deeper blacks and more vibrant color contrast on the screen, all while being thinner and having a faster response time than most LCDs. It’s also useful when shooting movies. Additionally, the DSC-WX10 camera is one of the only digital still cameras to include a high-speed linear auto focus feature that provides quick and precise focusing similar to the speed of a DSLR camera.

“Sony is one of the first camera manufacturers in the industry to provide a 16.2MP CMOS sensor, which is a great benefit for consumers,” said Kelly Davis, director of the digital imaging group at Sony Electronics. “They are getting the best image quality as well as all of the benefits of the “Exmor R” CMOS sensor technology in very compact, stylish cameras.”

With Sony’s 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology, these models provide excellent low-light performance, up to 10fps burst shooting and the Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature.

 “The DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 Cyber-shot cameras are technology packed CMOS models providing the consumer with great “Exmor R” features such as low light, 3D Still Image/3D Sweep Panorama mode and AVCHD™ video all in a compact size with a wide, bright lens,” Davis added. “The DSC-HX7V camera builds upon the success of last year’s DSC-HX5Vand continues to improve, while addressing the growth in the compact high-zoom camera segment. With the best of Sony’s technologies, the DSC-TX100V is an ultra slim, sleek camera that can go anywhere and do everything. Its sibling, the DSC-TX10 camera, is a technology-packed, ultra slim, fashionable T-series camera that is also durable.”    

Advanced Video Capture

With full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60p video capability, the DSC-TX100V camera provides stunning, fast motion video smoother playback when shooting action such as sports and capturing better still images when clipping from video. The DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 cameras record crystal clear movies at 60i in 1080 AVCHD format.

Borrowed from the Handycam® camcorder line, these new cameras have Dual Rec mode which can shoot video, while simultaneously capturing 3-megapixel digital still pictures (2-megapixel in 4:3 ratio when recording in MP4). The cameras feature a dedicated still image button and a dedicated movie capture button to make it easy to use for consumers. Dual Rec does not work in 60p mode.

Create Personal 3D Content

Sony makes it easy to create personal 3D content that can be viewed on an HDTV with 3D home theater system. 3D images can be captured using 3D Sweep Panorama™ mode or the new 3D Still Image mode. In this mode, the camera takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths, and then it creates left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions like Sony’s new BRAVIA® KDL-HX820 models (3D-compatible HDMI™ cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately).

The 3D Sweep Panorama™ feature lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas.

These cameras will let you view images in a whole new way.  Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which lets you view your 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle™ lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras’ LCD screen (or OLED with touch screen using the DSC-TX100V) by tilting the camera back and forth. This shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo, creating a 3D-like effect on the display.

Easy Menu Selection Technology

With improved Superior Auto and Intelligent Auto modes, all of the new cameras capture more dynamic pictures. They automatically recognize the correct scene mode, then quickly shoot and combine up to six multi-shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using backlight correction HDR technology and lower image noise using six-shot Multi-shot Layering technology.

Improving simplicity from previous Cyber-shot models which featured nine scene modes, the new DSC-TX100V model offers 36 Still Picture Mode scenes and Movie Mode scenes. The DSC-TX100V and DSC-HX7V cameras automatically detect a combination of scenes and conditions, making it even easier for consumers to get the best shot. Using the DSC-TX100V model’s Intelligent Scene Recognition feature, there are 12 recognized scenes including the new Infant, Spotlight and Low Light. Using the DSC-HX7V camera, there are four recognized conditions including Motion during Movie mode.

Designed to help users learn about the cameras’ features and how to use them on the spot, the “In-Camera Guide” is accessible from the menu button on the camera. Users can search by purpose or keyword and easily access the functions they seek.

These cameras also have Background Defocus mode, which highlights your subject like a DSLR; Soft Skin mode, which reduces visible blemishes and wrinkles and Natural Flash, which corrects color balance for more natural shots. All five cameras also offer fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution.

With a 10x optical zoom Sony® G lens and a compact camera body, the DSC-HX7V model offers built-in GPS and Compass which records the location and direction of where photos were taken. The DSC-WX10 camera features a 7x, bright F2.4 24mm wide angle lens and the high-speed auto focus feature; whereas the DSC-WX9 camera has a 5x 25mm wide angle lens for capturing the perfect group shot or landscape in one shot. You can view your images on the DSC-WX9 camera’s 921,000 Xtra-Fine LCD with the new Control Wheel.

With Backlight Correction HDR (High Dynamic Range) in the Scene Selection Shooting mode, these cameras make it easy to get the best shot in difficult lighting conditions. The DSC-TX100V model has an HDR feature that compiles the highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create one realistic-looking photo. The DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC- WX10 and DSC-WX9 cameras compile two images in Backlight Correction HDR mode, enabling crisp details in difficult lighting.

DSLR Speed

             With the new high-speed auto focus feature, the DSC-WX10 camera provides a smarter way to focus with DSLR-like speed. Instead of having a mechanical gear to drive the AutoFocus, the DSC-WX10 camera has a magnetic coil (like those used in an audio speaker) to move the lens linearly and achieve AutoFocus in a straight back-and-forth motion—not rotationally.

A Little Water, Dust or Ice? Bring It On

Where conversation piece meets workhorse is the 16.2-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 camera. It is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze-proof compliant, offers HD movie and 3D photo capture, plus Intelligent Sweep Panorama, an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor that promises crisp clear photos even in low light and a 3-inch LCD with touch screen.

Waterproof in up to 16 feet of water for an hour and shockproof up to five feet, the DSC-TX10 model lets you take high-quality photos, including panoramic pictures. It also lets you take Full HD 1080i videos of your friends, family or pets underwater. From the tropics to the top of the mountain, the camera is also freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can take pictures on your next snowbound adventure.

Not only is it good to go in chilly weather, but the sleek DSC-TX10 camera is durable enough to withstand an accidental drop from up to approximately five feet. Additionally, it is dust proof thanks to its airtight construction, so you can take it with you wherever the dust might kick up.

Pricing and Availability
The cameras and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide. Presales will begin in January.

·         The DSC-TX100V will be available in silver, black and red for about $380 in March. Features include:
o   3.5-inch OLED with touch screen for easy focus selection and photo viewing
o   1080@60p: preserve moments in stunning HD clarity. (No function of Dual Rec when using the 60p record mode)
o   16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance
o   3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes change the way you view your world
o   GPS and Compass records the shot location and direction.
·         The DSC-TX10 camera will be available in silver, black, green, blue and pink this March for about $330. Features include:
o   Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof
o   3-inch wide LCD with touch screen for easy focus selection and photo viewing
o   1080i Movie records high-quality Full HD movies

o   16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance; 3D still image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes change the way you view your world

·         The DSC-HX7V will be available in black, white, red and blue this March for about $300. Features include:
o   Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills and movies
o   Sony® G lens with 10x optical zoom in a compact camera body
o   Fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution; “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for exceptional low-light performance
o   3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes change the way you view your world
o   GPS and Compass record shot location and direction
·         The DSC-WX10 camera will be available in black this March for about $280. Features include:

o   Fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution; “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for low-light performance, 7x bright F2.4 lens; 24mm wide angle lens and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization

o   Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills and movies
o   Backlight Correction HDR enables crisp details in difficult lighting
o   Manual operation puts the control back in your hands
o   3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes change the way you view your world
·         The DSC-WX9 will be available in black, silver and red for about $220 in March. Features include:
o   “Exmor R” CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance, 5x 25mm wide angle bright lens
o   Fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel
o   Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills and movies
o   3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes change the way you view your world
o   Backlight Correction HDR enables crisp details in difficult lighting; Background Defocus highlights your subject like a DSLR