Sony Bows New W-Series Models

By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 2/13/2006

San Diego, Calif. — Sony introduced two new W-series cameras today in advance of a larger camera-rollout at PMA.

The two models are both 6-megapixel, 3x optical zoom cameras and will ship this month. The cameras feature improved light sensitivity as Sony and other camera manufacturers wrestle with the challenges of photographing in low light situations and reducing image blur caused by hand motion.

The Cyber-shot DSC-W30 features an ISO of 1,000, a 400 shot battery (according to CIPA standards), 32MB of internal memory and a 2-inch LCD. It will retail for an estimated $230.

The DSC-W50 builds off of the W50 with a 2.5-inch LCD, five-point AF system and VGA movie recording at 30 frames per second (fps). It features a slightly reduced battery life of 390 shots, thanks to the larger LCD.

The W50 will retail for an estimated $250.