Sony Raises Digicam Resolution Bar

February 25, 2008: Sony Europe has announced two new Cyber-shot digicams, one offering a resolution of 13.6 megapixels.
The new titanium coated Cyber-shot W300 combines a 13.6-megapixel (effective) imager with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.7-inch (230k dot) Clear Photo LCD. There’s also an optical viewfinder that offers extra familiarity for compact camera users switching to digital. Features that make the W300 stand out from competing slimline models include a titanium-coated metal body that resists scratching plus ISO 6400 and Super SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer low-light shots.

The 13.6-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-W300.
The camera’s built-in Bionz processor powers Smile Shutter, improved Face Detection and D-Range Optimiser functions and Intelligent Scene Recognition takes the guesswork out of selecting the right camera settings in a range of common shooting situations. HD Output allows users to display their photos on in super-size on any HD Ready display. HD ‘slide shows’ can be enjoyed with a choice of musical accompaniments and visual effects. (An optional output adaptor cable is required for connecting the W300 to a PhotoTV HD compatible Bravia TV set.)
The new Cyber-shot H50 offers 9.1 megapixel resolution (effective) and sports a powerful Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 15x zoom lens. The large, high-contrast 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen tilts up or down to provide extra flexibility when framing shots. There’s also an electronic viewfinder that provides a convenient alternative to the LCD screen. The H50’s compact body has a tough, scratch resistant finish that enhances the camera’s premium feel.

Rear view of the Cyber-shot H50 showing the tilting LCD monitor.
Sony’s Bionz image processor supports Enhanced Face Detection, which can identify and focus on up to eight faces in a scene, automatically adjusting focus and exposure for clearer portraits. It’s complemented by Smile Shutter that detects a smiling face in the frame before automatically releasing the shutter. A high sensitivity of up to ISO 3200 is teamed with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation for sharper handheld shots.

Angled front view of the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 showing the zoom lens and mode dial.
The D-Range Optimiser (DRO) automatically processes scenes with strong highlights and dark shadow detail to ensure more natural, evenly exposed images. A new DRO Plus mode analyses individual regions of each image for even better results. Users can now control noise reduction with three selectable steps to suit any scene. Three-step exposure, white balance and colour mode bracketing is also supported.
Five in-camera colour filter effects are provided, along with in-camera re-touching functions that include red-eye reduction and special filter effects. Images can be played back on screen as slideshows with a choice of musical accompaniments, and favourite music files can be imported from a linked PC. Super-size images can be viewed on a connected HD television. A remote control is supplied and users can choose from a range of optional accessories including wide-angle and telephoto conversion lenses, filters, batteries, travel chargers, sports packs and cases.
Both models are scheduled for release in Europe at the end of April. Details of local release dates and pricing will be posted when they are available