San Diego –
Looking to bring some of the benefits of a d-SLR into the price point and form
factor of a point-and-shoot camera, Sony introduced Wednesday three new Cyber-shot
models.
Sony said its goal
in developing the point-and-shoot digicams was to take some of its key
technologies and continue them throughout the camera line.
Key features in
the new models include the following:
-
AVCHD
high-definition video recording;
-
3D Sweep
Panorama functionality, which was first introduced in Sony new NEX hybrid
camera series. It enables taking 3D still images for playback on new 3D TVs
from Sony’s Bravia lineup as well as other manufacturers;
-
A new Sweep
Multi Angle function allows for a
3D-like image by taking two images from slightly different angles, one after
the other, to create the illusion of depth and motion when the images are played
back rapidly in sequence inside the camera;
- Background Defocus that simulates a shallow
depth-of-field effect by combining two images into one shot;
-
Natural Flash,
which removes the yellow tinted look from the backgrounds of some flash shots;
-
Soft Skin Mode, which
softens the look of skin in portraits shots for a makeup like effect;
-
Tracking Focus,
which tracks a subject as it moves inside out outside the frame, keeping it in
focus as the image is taken.
-
Background color
selection.
Models include: the
DSC-WX5 (available in September at a $299 suggested retail), which carries all
of the features above plus a 12-megapixel image sensor, 2.8-inch LCD, 5x zoom
and a Superior Auto function for a low signal-to-noise capability.
The DSC-TX9
(shipping in September at a $399) includes all of the features above plus a
12-megapixel sensor, 3.5-inch LCD, 4x zoom and HDMI.
The DSC-T99 is billed as a slightly less
featured but more affordable model (available in September at $249). It
includes a 14-megapixel sensor, 720p video recording, optical image
stabilization, a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 4x zoom lens, Soft Skin mode and
background color selection.
