Fans of Sony’s compact Cyber-shot range can rejoice seeing that Sony South Africa has unveiled seven new Cyber-shot digital still cameras, with a number of features that should entice 3D- and HD video enthusiasts.  

 

The new innovative 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-HX9, DSC-HX100, 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. In 3D Still Image mode the camera takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths and then creates left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. 

 

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. Although the images are not viewable in full 3D on camera, it can be viewed on compatible 3D televisions. 

 

The cameras also possess the innovative “Dual Rec” (record) technology, which allows one to record video while simultaneously capturing three megapixel digital still pictures (2M(4:3) when MP4 recording).

 

 

 

We’ve seen 720p video recording on a number of small compacts already, but according to Sony, 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. 

 

This compact camera is also the first Cyber-shot with a 3.5” OLED display with touch-screen, providing deeper blacks and more colour in the screen. It is also thinner and offers a 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, which Sony states is comparable to the speed of a DSLR camera.

 

 

 

Ideal for travelers and photo enthusiasts, the flagship Cyber-shot HX100V features a Vario-Sonnar lens by Carl Zeiss with T coating on optical surfaces that virtually eliminates flare. This premium lens offers an ultra-powerful 30x optical zoom range for crisply-detailed close-ups of distant subjects. Comfortable to hold and carry, the camera’s styling echoes the body shape and control layout of larger DSLR designs.

 

Both the HX100V and its little brother, the HX9V, features Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 50p/60p AVCHD video recording. DSLR-like shooting options are further broadened by Background Defocus mode, which automatically combines two successive frames captured at different focus settings when the shutter is pressed. Both cameras are further enhanced by a GPS/Compass function that captures your location and shooting direction.

 

 

 

With a Sony G lens and 10x optical zoom in a compact camera body, the DSC-HX7V camera also 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 24 mm wide angle lens and the high speed auto focus feature, while the DSC-WX7 camera has a 5x 25 mm 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 devices 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.

 

“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,” he continued.  

 

Here is a list of new Sony models, their colours, recommended retail price and availability.