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SONY UNVEILS FIRST COMPACT DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS WITH HIGH DEFINITION 1080i AVCHD VIDEO CAPABILITY
Models Also Add High Dynamic Range and GPS + Compass Technologies
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2010 – Sony took the wraps off two new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras today (models DSC-HX5V and DSC-TX7) that are the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include full HD (1920 x 1080 60i) Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) video capability. They are also the world’s smallest and thinnest AVCHD capable cameras.
These are the first Cyber-shot cameras with in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) for managing difficult lighting. The HX5V model is also the world’s first still camera to include GPS + Compass and Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode technologies.
With Sony’s “Exmor R” back illuminated CMOS sensor technology, these cameras provide excellent low-light performance, 10fps burst shooting and the new Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature.
“Adding to the outstanding low-light performance and impressive Sweep Panorama feature, we are providing high-quality movies with full HD video, stereo sound recording when capturing movies on the go and an in-camera HDR solution for capturing high-contrast scenery. Sony can provide these solutions because of its expertise with other imaging products including Handycam® camcorders and Alpha® DSLR cameras,” said Mio Ozawa, marketing manager with the digital imaging business at Sony Canada. “Our goal is not only to make it easy for consumers to get the best shot–still or video–but also to have the best post-shooting experience.”
High-Quality Stills and Videos
With the AVCHD format, these new cameras record movies in 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution at 60i in 17Mbps. The AVCHD format captures a high degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to disc, it can be played back on most Blu-ray Disc™ players, Sony® PlayStation®3 systems and compatible PCs and HDTVs.
The camera will also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.
Managing Difficult Lighting
The HX5V and TX7 cameras offer in-camera multi-shot High Dynamic Range (HDR), which combines highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image—even without a tripod.
HDR offers a solution for strong backlight situations which typically result in either dark shadows in the foreground or a washed out background. Sony’s “Exmor R” sensor and Bionz™ processor help to correct these issues.
Impressive Panoramas
The HX5V and TX7 cameras have an Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature that captures wide landscapes or tall buildings in one easy “press and sweep” motion. Due to their “Exmor R” CMOS sensor technology, they can take up to 270 and 258-degree panorama shots, respectively, horizontally or vertically with an image size of 7,152 x 1,080 (horizontal wide panorama mode). In addition, these cameras’ Intelligent Sweep Panorama feature, which is comprised of up to 100 separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and intelligently adjusts the width of each picture while stitching them together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.
Relive the Experience
Ideal for travelers who take hundreds of photos, the in-camera GPS + Compass feature on the HX5V camera makes it easy to store and share the location and direction of where photos were taken.
With social networking sites becoming more popular, people want to share more details of their experiences. The GPS + Compass feature provides a fun new way to share where they were — beyond the location. Using the free online satellite imagery application, Google Earth™, users can view the images from a bird’s eye view or from the direction in which the photo was taken. The GPS function automatically adjusts the camera’s internal clock by selecting the travelling area, without the hassle of setting the time manually.
Designed for Technology Enthusiasts
With the most innovative digital imaging technologies, the HX5V camera is ideal for everyone from travelers to party-goers. The multi-occasion camera features a 10 megapixel “Exmor R” sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) and a 10x optical zoom with wide-angle 25mm-250mm equivalent high-quality G lens allowing easy group shots and close ups when on the move.
In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the HX5V camera has Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode, which lets you capture moving subjects such as kids walking or running. It allows a moveable lens element to shift with greater range of motion–10 times the range of the Optical Steady Shot™ feature at wide end in standard mode –during camera shake. The feature reduces hand shake so users can shoot smoother movie footage on the move. The cameras also have an HDMI output adapter (HDMI cable required) for easily connecting to an HDTV for viewing pictures and movies.
Powerful and Stylish
For those seeking a sleek, compact camera, the 10MP TX7 model is just under an inch thin and is slim enough to slip into a pocket or purse. The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) high resolution (921K) touch LCD screen offers easy image scroll by simply swiping your finger across the display. The camera’s high-performance Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x optical wide angle 25mm-100mm equivalent zoom lens brings distant subjects closer and Close Focus snaps close-ups in just under a half an inch from the subject.
The DSC-TX7 camera is also compatible with the Party-shot (model IPT-DS1) automatic photographer, which pans, tilts, zooms and adjusts composition to capture spontaneous images. Additionally, a new embedded touch sensor located on the front edge illuminates when the TX7 camera is attached. By touching the sensor, the camera goes into the “On-demand shot” mode, which allows users to select the shutter timing without losing the advantage of Party-shot’s built-in intelligence.
To give customers greater choice and enhance their overall experience, the TX7 and HX5V cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick™ (Pro Duo™) and SD/SDHC formats. Sony is also expanding its industry leading line of consumer media with the addition of SD/SDHC and microSD/SDHC memory cards.
Additional features found on HX5V and TX7 include iAuto, which detects eight and nine scenes, respectively, and optimizes camera settings and Easy Mode, which simplifies the camera menu. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization reduces blur without impacting image quality, Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology, which captures faces and smiles naturally.
These models include Picture Motion Browser (“PMB”) software for viewing, editing, organizing and uploading images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites such as YouTube™ and Picassa™ Web Albums.
Pricing and Availability
The HX5V camera will be available in black this March for about $450, and the TX7 camera will be available in silver, dark blue and red this February for about $500. Pre-sales begin in January.
The cameras, memory stick, station, and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.ca, at Sony Style® retail stores, and at authorized dealers nationwide.
Suggested Accessories
A wide range of Sony genuine accessories are compatible with the DSC-TX7, including the NPBN1 spare battery, LCS-THP series leather cases (available in black, red, blue, green, pink, brown, white), and Sony’s unique Party-shot Automatic Photographer (IPT-DS1), a camera dock that rotates and tilts the camera to find faces and automatically take photos. For the DSC-HX5, suggested accessories include the NPFG1 spare battery, LCS-HF black leather case with belt-loop.
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Sony has some seriously great camera here. Can’t wait for the first reviews.
*too bad the TX7 doesn’t have the gps.
… Or the longer range zoom of the HX5V, but with the better quality optics and lesser mass/size I’ll pick the TX7 as my first choice… & soon will!