Sony has unveiled its five new compact digital cameras at CES 2011. The new Cyber-shot models include the world’s first still compact digital camera to offer full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video recording – the Cyber-shot TX100V – and feature 3D still imaging and 3D sweep panoramic imaging, 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensors, 10fps burst shooting and dual recording capabilities that allow you to take still shots and video at the same time.
Compact HD Video
Alongside the 1920 x 1080 at 60p video capability of the DSC-TX100V camera, the new DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 cameras record movies at 60i in 1080 AVCHD format. The TX100V is also the first Cyber-shot camera from Sony to offer a 3.5-inch (8.8cm) OLED touch screen which promises fast smooth playback with rich color contrast and deeper blacks.
Compact with 3D Still Imaging and 3D Sweep Panorama
The new Cyber-shot range follow-up on earlier models which included 3D Still Image mode. This technology uses two consecutive shots that are taken in different focus positions to provide depth. Left and right eye images are produced to allow the 3D effect. These images can be displayed on compatible 3D televisions (using 3D glasses and a high speed HDMI cable) and individual images can be viewed in 2D. Another feature is the 3D Sweep Panorama mode which lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. In this mode, the high-speed burst of frames is stitched together to create a 3D panorama.
A second panoramic function of the Cyber-shot is the Sweep Multi Angle mode. 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’ 3-inch (7.5cm) LCD screen (or 3.5 inch OLED with touch screen for 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.
16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
The new Cyber-shot range employs Sony’s 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology, which provide excellent low-light performance and up to 10fps burst shooting. All models feature improved auto modes – the Superior Auto and Intelligent Auto modes - allowing the new range Cyber-shot cameras to 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 on 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-HX7V model offers built-in GPS and compass for geo-tagging. This model also comes with a 10x optical zoom Sony G lens.
The DSC-WX10 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 groups or landscapes. Additionally, the WX10 is one of the only digital still cameras to include a high speed linear focus feature that provides quicker, more precise focusing that’s comparable to the speed of a DSLR camera.
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 in challenging lighting conditions. The DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC- WX10 and DSC-WX9 cameras compile two images in Backlight Correction HDR mode.
The DSC-TX10 go-anywhere model is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze-proof. It is waterproof in up to 16 feet (5m) of water for an hour and shockproof up to five feet (1.5m), and is freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius).
Pricing and Availability
Presales of the new range begin this month at Sonystyle.com with units expected to hit shelves in March.Here's a brief overview of each:
DSC-TX100V
- 3.5-inch (8.8cm) OLED with touch screen for easy focus selection and photo viewing
DSC-TX10
- Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof
- 3-inch (7.5cm) wide LCD with touch screen for easy focus selection and photo viewing
- 1080i Movie records high-quality Full HD movies
- 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
- 3D still image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes
- Available in silver
- Price: around US$330
DSC-HX7V
- Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills and movies
- Sony® G lens with 10x optical zoom in a compact camera body
- Fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution
- 3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes
- GPS and Compass record shot location and direction
- Available in black, white, red and blue
- Price: about US$300
DSC-WX10
- Fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution; “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 7x bright F2.4 lens; 24mm wide angle lens and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills and movies
- Backlight Correction HDR enables crisp details in difficult lighting
- Manual operation puts the control back in your hands
- 3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes
- Available in black
- Price: about US$280
DSC-WX9
- “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 5x 24m wide angle bright lens
- Fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel
- Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills and movies
- 3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes
- Backlight Correction HDR enables crisp details in difficult lighting
- Background Defocus highlights your subject like a DSLR
- Available in black, silver and red
- Price: around US$220
And how fast does the battery recharge, and is it user-swappable? I\'m not buying another gadget of any kind that doesn\'t have a battery that I can change out.
What is making all this in-camera processing possible? What kind of processor do these have?
And is it just me who wonders what\'s up with the current 3D hype? I don\'t need or want 3D, and I\'m not hearing a big outcry for it. Seems to me that 3D is a technology that being forced on us in an attempt to make everyone have to buy new equipment in order to use it -- dvd players, televisions, computer monitors, and so on.