Eight New Sony Digicams

January 25, 2008: Sony Europe has advised us of the release of eight new models in Sony’s Cyber-shot range, comprising five W-series, two S-series and one T-series models.
New additions to the W-series range are the W170, W150, W130, W120, W110 models, all featuring Sony’s BIONZ image processor, which supports Smile Shutter and improved Face Detection plus a D-Range Optimiser for better results with backlit subjects. They also offer ISO settings up to 3200 and HD output to compatible HD TV displays. Top in the line is the 10.1 megapixel Cyber-shot W170, which sports an extra-large, bright 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD and has a 5x optical zoom lens with a wide 28mm angle of view. In a Cyber-shot first, the W170 now features Intelligent Scene Recognition, which automatically sets the correct shooting parameters for common subjects.

The Cyber-shot W150.
With an effective resolution of 8.1 megapixels, the W150 shares the same 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD plus as the flagship W170. It also features a powerful 5x zoom Carl Zeiss wide angle lens, plus Smile Shutter, Face Detection, Super Steady Shot and Intelligent Scene Recognition. The W130 has the same resolution and many of the same features but sports a 4x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens. The W120 shares similar specifications to the W130 but with a resolution of 7.2 effective megapixels. The entry-level W110 offers 7.2 effective megapixel resolution plus 4x optical zoom, Smile Shutter and Face Detection.

The Cyber-shot S750.
The new Cyber-shot S-Series expands with two new models that are targeted at entry-level photographers. The range-topping Cyber-shot S780 has a high-quality Sony 3x optical zoom lens and effective resolution of 8.1 megapixels, while the S750 model has 7.2-megapixels. In an S-Series first, both cameras now feature Face Detection, which can track up to three faces in a shot. A new multi-point autofocus mode ensures sharp, accurately focused images and a High Sensitivity mode boosts sensitivity to ISO 1250.
The new Cyber-shot T300 is manufactured in silver, black and red and has an effective resolution of 10.1 megapixels plus a Carl Zeiss lens with 5x optical zoom and 3.5-inch Clear Photo LCD. This model has the same BIONZ image processor as the W-series models and includes Smile Shutter and improved Face Detection plus Steady Shot stabilisation and ISO settings up to 3200. The BIONZ processor also powers the D-Range Optimiser, adjusting exposure and contrast for natural-looking results, especially in strongly backlit scenes where there’s a risk of losing high- and low-light detail. A new DRO Plus mode processes each image region separately for better balanced exposures with tricky scenes.

Three views of the T300 showing the three colours the camera is manufactured in.
The T300 also features Intelligent Scene Recognition with an Advanced mode in which the camera takes two shots – one with standard automatic settings and the other with optimised settings – allowing you to pick your favourite. Other features include a new ‘Date View’ playback mode, which displays thumbnails in an on-screen calendar. ‘Filter by Faces’ automatically sorts pictures containing children, babies and smiles, while ‘Favourites’ mode only displays shots that you’ve selected.
No information is available yet on local release dates or pricing. Details of current Sony products can be found at www.sony.com.au.