Sony Announces New Products at CES 2009

January 8, 2009: Sony Europe has chosen the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show to announce a suite of new products, including Cyber-shot digicams, a new Handycam, a digital frame and an ultra-compact Vaio netbook.
Two new models will be added to the W-series of Cyber-shot cameras and one to the S-series. With a resolution of 12.1 effective megapixels, the W220 and W210 feature a top-quality Carl Zeiss lens with 4x optical zoom plus SteadyShot image stabilisation (W220: Optical SteadyShot) coupled with sensitivity up to ISO 3200 to maximise the chance of sharp pictures in all shooting conditions. Both models will be offered in silver, pink, black and blue or green. They also feature Intelligent Scene Recognition, along with Face Detection and Smile Shutter recognition. A large, clear 2.7-inch LCD screen enables high definition slideshows to be viewed with music and both cameras can be connected to Bravia TV sets via an optional HD cable.

The Cyber-shot W220 in pink with its lens extended.
Offered in silver, pink or black finishes, the easy-to-use Cyber-shot S950 has a 10.1-megapixel imager and 4x optical zoom lens plus a 2.7-inch LCD screen. Six easy Scene Selection modes are provided, along with an Easy Shooting mode that simplifies operation while offering helpful on-screen instructions. Face Detection can identify up to eight human faces in a frame and SteadyShot image stabilisation compensates for camera-shake. A newly developed GPS unit kit GPS-CS3KA can put geotag data on pictures taken by Cyber-shot.

The black version of the Cyber-shot S950.
Seven new compact High Definition models will be added to Sony’s Handycam line-up. The range-leading AVCHD HDD models (XR520VE/500VE) now feature a super-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor that boasts twice the sensitivity of conventional models. The flagship HDR-XR520VE can store 101 hours of HD video on its 240GB hard disk drive. Also making its debut on top models is Sony’s new high-quality G Lens plus a new ‘Active Mode’ on Optical SteadyShot that improves stabilisation by up to ten times at wide-angle settings compared with previous-generation Handycams.

Some of the colour options provided in the new Handycam line-up.
Geotagging has also been introduced in the XR520VE, XR 500VE and 2 XR 00VE models, which include a sensitive GPS receiver that tracks the user’s position where satellite coverage is available. Videos and still images are automatically matched with location data. After shooting, Map Index shows where each clip was shot as ‘map pins’ on the LCD screen. Online maps can also be viewed with the supplied Picture Motion Browser software.
All models now feature Quick Start-up and Face Detection and Smile Shutter functions are enabled throughout the range. All new HD models also feature Auto Backlight Correction plus automatic exposure and D-Range Optimiser settings. Highlight Playback automatically picks stand-out shots from a chosen range of dates, favouring ‘Dual REC’ stills captured during video shooting and images with smiling faces.
Complementing the new Handycams is the VRD-P1 DVDirect Express, which connects via USB to the new models and can fill a blank DVD with camcorder footage in as little as 20 minutes. It also remembers the last time you’ve burned onto DVD, creating discs only with new footage that hasn’t previously been archived.

Sony’s new DPF-V1000 digital photo frame.
Sony’s new Super Photo LCD panels range from seven to 10 inches in diameter and offer up to 4,000 image capacity (2GB) along with Auto Touch-up functions to correct common picture problems. Features include a user-friendly interface, picture searching and a wide range of slideshow, calendar, clock and fun viewing modes. The range-leading X-Series models feature a Super Photo LCD panel with improved contrast and reduced glare. All S-Frame models feature an auto-orientation sensor.

The new Vaio P netbook is small enough to slip into a handbag but supports broadband internet connectivity.

Sony’s new VAIO P netbook is slightly larger than an office letter envelope and weighs less than 640g yet sports a full keyboard, a high resolution (1600 x 768) 8-inch X-Black LCD screen with power efficient LED backlight. Mobile broadband is provided via Everywair WWAN and 3G connectivity. Available in red, dark green, black or white with a high gloss piano finish, matching cases and Bluetooth mice the VAIO P also comes with a practical resize button that automatically distributes multiple windows across the screen, an integrated webcam, GPS and 2GB of RAM.
Details of the new products can be viewed at www.sonystyle.eu.