By
Reuben Lee
29/01/2008
URL:
http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,62037119,00.htm
The Japanese electronics giant has joined in the pre-PMA camera frenzy with the announcement of seven new upgrade models for its T-, W-, H-, and S-series Cyber-shots.
As with other major camera manufacturers, intelligent features play a big part in Sony's latest offerings. The 10.1-megapixel T300, for instance, incorporates an intelligent scene recognition mode (iSCN) that automatically selects the optimal scene settings for shooting in different environments. The advanced iSCN options can even be customized to shoot once in the user-specified setting and another in the best setting. The W150 and W170 comes with iSCN mode, too.
Sony has also updated its new T-series and W-series shooters with a new face detection technology that differentiates between adults and children. Users can choose to prioritize the face detection feature for either adults or children when shooting. This also applies to the Smile Shutter function which can be set to snap only when the intended subjects are smiling.
To help users better manage large number of images on high-capacity memory cards, Sony has introduced an improved photo filtering and viewing system on the T300, W150 and W170. In addition to searching for pictures by date or smile, users can now arrange them in chronological order, in a calendar and even organize them in a "favorites" folder.
Other nifty features such as the D-Range Optimizer (which helps to improve picture details in high-contrast images) and music slideshows can also be found in the W- and H-series cameras. The T300 comes with the improved D-Range Optimizer Plus. The entry-level S750 and S780 now offer face detection features and Lithium-ion batteries instead of AA ones.
All seven models are expected to be available in the US within a March/April time frame, with the exception of the H10 which will be out later in May. Asian availability and prices are expected to be released at a later date.
Correction (January 31):
The previous pricing details below were incorrect and have been updated.
Sony's latest Cyber-shot cameras
| Model name | In a nutshell |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10
Click for more details
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Notable features:
- 8.1-megapixel CCD camera
- Carl Zeiss 10x optical zoom lens
- D-Range Optimizer (DRO)
- 3-inch LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 106 x 68.5 x 48.9mm; 264g
Retail price: US$300
Availability: May 2008 (for US)
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S750
Click for more details
|
Notable features:
- 7.2-megapixel CCD camera
- Sony 3x optical zoom lens
- Face detection
- 2.5-inch LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 90.8 x 56.0 x 25.5mm
Retail price: US$150
Availability: March 2008 (for US)
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S780
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Notable features:
- 8.1-megapixel CCD camera
- Sony 3x optical zoom lens
- Face detection
- 2.5-inch LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 90.8 x 56.0 x 25.5mm
Retail price: US$180
Availability: April 2008 (for US)
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300
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|
Notable features:
- 10.1-megapixel CCD camera
- Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens
- iSCN mode
- Upgraded face detection and Smile Shutter
- D-Range Optimizer Plus
- 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 94.0 x 59.3 x 21.4mm; 149g
Retail price: US$400
Availability: March 2008 (for US)
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120
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|
Notable features:
- 7.2-megapixel CCD camera
- Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
- D-Range Optimizer
- Upgraded face detection and Smile Shutter
- 2.5-inch LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 88.2 x 57.2 x 22.9mm; 123g
Retail price: US$200
Availability: March 2008 (for US)
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W130
Click for more details
|
Notable features:
- 8.1-megapixel CCD camera
- Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
- D-Range Optimizer
- Upgraded face detection and Smile Shutter
- 2.5-inch LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 88.2 x 57.2 x 22.9mm; 123g
Retail price: US$230
Availability: March 2008 (for US)
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150
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|
Notable features:
- 8.1-megapixel CCD camera
- Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens
- D-Range Optimizer
- iSCN mode
- Upgraded face detection and Smile Shutter
- 2.7-inch LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 93.7 x 58.0 x 24.0mm; 142g
Retail price: US$250
Availability: April 2008 (for US)
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170
Click for more details
|
Notable features:
- 10.1-megapixel CCD camera
- Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens
- D-Range Optimizer
- iSCN mode
- Upgraded face detection and Smile Shutter
- 2.7-inch LCD display
- Memory Stick Duo slot
- 93.7 x 58.0 x 24.0mm; 142g
Retail price: US$300
Availability: April 2008 (for US)
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