HD, 3D in one still camera from Sony

Sony Electronics has unveiled five new Cyber-shot digital still cameras that feature a 16.2-megapixel CCD. The Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX7) are designed to be the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode, for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager.
Sony Electronics Asia Pacific unveiled five new Cyber-shot digital still cameras that make it easy to capture DSLR-like quality still images, stunning 3D photos and high-quality full HD videos.

The five new innovative 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX7) are designed to be 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 possess the innovative “Dual Rec” (record) technology, for taking still photos during video capture.

Additionally, the DSC-TX100V camera is the world’s first compact digital still camera to include Full HD (1920 x 1080 60p/50p) video capability. This format provides the least distortion for playback on a high definition television.

The DSC-TX100V is the first Cyber-shot with a 3.5-inch OLED display with touch screen that provides deeper blacks and more colour in the screen, while being thinner and offering faster response time than most camera LCDs when shooting movies. Additionally, the DSC-WX10 camera is one of the only digital still cameras to include a Hi-Speed Auto Focus feature that provides quicker and more precise focusing comparable to the speed of a DSLR camera.

“Sony continues to be at the forefront with innovation of digital camera technologies such as high quality lens, leading image sensor and imaging processor,” said Mr. Yosuke Aoki, General Manager, Digital Imaging Marketing Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific.

“Customers can enjoy the best image quality with these very compact and stylish cameras with 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, together with the benefits of the Sony’s innovative “Exmor R” CMOS sensor technology.”

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

“Featuring the best of Sony’s technologies, the DSC-TX100V is an ultra slim yet powerful camera with 50p/60p progressive Full HD movie and OLED touch screen; while the ultra-sleek and fashionable DSC-TX10 is technology-packed with durability,” Mr. Aoki added. “The DSC-HX7V camera addresses the growth in the compact high-zoom camera segment, through improvements and building upon the success of last year’s DSC-HX5V. The compact DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX7 Cyber-shot cameras feature a wide, bright lens, and also provides consumers with great “Exmor R” features such as Low Light Capability, 3D still image/3D Sweep Panorama and Full HD AVCHD video at a more affordable price range.”

Advanced Video Capture
With Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60p/50p video capabilities, 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-WX7 cameras also record crystal clear movies at 60i/50i in 1080 AVCHD.

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 (2M(4:3) when MP4 recording). The cameras feature a dedicated still image button and a dedicated movie capture button for ease of use for consumers.

Create Personal 3D Content
Sony makes it easy to create personal 3D content that can be viewed on a 3D TV home theater system. 3D images can be captured using 3D Sweep Panorama mode or the new 3D Still Image mode. In 3D Still Image 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). These 3D images can also be enjoyed with the PlayStation 3 through its “PlayMemories” application which can be freely downloaded from the PlayStation Store.

The cameras also include the 3D Sweep Panorama feature, which 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, the cameras feature Sweep Multi Angle which lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras’ LCD screen (or OLED with touch screen) by tilting the camera back and forth. This shooting feature captures an amazing 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 recognise 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 recognised scenes including Baby, Spotlight and Low Light. Through the DSC-HX7V camera, users can also enjoy three recognised conditions, 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 subjects like a DSLR’s Soft Skin mode and Natural Flash. The former reduces visible blemishes and wrinkles while the latter corrects color balance for more natural shots. All five cameras also offer fast capture with 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution.

With a Sony G lens and 10x optical zoom in a compact camera body, the DSC-HX7V camera offers built-in GPS and Compass which records the location and direction of where photos were taken. Equally intelligent, the DSC-WX10 features a 7x, bright F2.4 24mm wide angle lens and the high speed auto focus feature, and the DSC-WX7 camera has a 5x 25mm wide angle  lens for capturing the perfect group shot or landscape in one shot.

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, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC- WX10 and DSC-WX7 cameras are the first Sony Cyber-shot with an improved HDR feature that compiles the highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create one realistic-looking photo. These cameras compile three images in Backlight Correction HDR mode.  Backlight Correction HDR enables 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.

Where conversation piece meets workhorse is the 16.2MP Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10. The camera’s waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, freeze-proof compliant, plus offers HD movie recording, 3D photo capture, 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 5 metres of water for an hour and shockproof up to 1.5 metres, the DSC-TX10 lets users take high-quality photos, including panoramic pictures, and Full HD 1080i videos of  friends, family or pets underwater. From the tropics to the top of the mountain, the camera is also freeze proof down to -10 degrees Celsius, so users can enjoy capturing pictures easily on their next snowbound adventure.

Not only is the camera good to go in chilly weather, but the sleek DSC-TX10 is durable enough to withstand an accidental drop from up to approximately 1.5 metres. Additionally, it is dustproof thanks to its airtight construction, so users can take the camera wherever the dust might kick up.

The new Cyber-shot cameras will be available in South Africa from March 2011.

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