Sony has released details of a new JPEG-only, 50x ‘super zoom’ Cyber-shot digicam that is due for release early in 2017.
Angled view of the new Cyber-shot HX350. (Source: Sony.)
Featuring ‘DSLR-inspired styling’, a 6.17 x 4.55 mm (1/2.3 ‘type’) Exmor RTM CMOS sensor with 20.4-megapixel resolution and a BIONZ X image processor, the new Cyber-shot HX350 boasts a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a 50x optical zoom range equivalent to 24-1200mm in 35mm format. Clear Image Zoom doubles the maximum magnification and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilisation shifts a group of lens elements to counteract hand shake. An Intelligent Active Mode provides dedicated stabilisation when recording Full HD videos using Sony’s proprietary frame analysis technology.
Top view of the Cyber-shot HX350 showing the mode dial. (Source: Sony.)
The new camera’s mode dial accesses full P/A/S/M controls, 14 Scene pre-sets and an Intelligent Sweep Panorama function that supports 360-degree recording. Seven Creative Styles are available, among them Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Black & White and Sepia options. Lock-on AF and DMF (Direct Manual Focus) ensure quick and accurate focus on moving subjects and shots can be composed with either the 0.5cm 201,600-dot EVF or the tilting ) 3-inch 4:3 Xtra Fine / TFT LCD screen with 921,600 dots.
A built-in manual pop-up flash provides coverage from 0.5m to 8.5m with the Auto ISO setting. Continuous shooting is supported at up to 10 frames/second, with a buffer capacity of up to 10 frames. A new Motion Shot Video can trace a tennis serve or golf swing as a split-second series of superimposed images.
Images and video clips can be recorded to either Memory Stick Duo and SD cards, which fit in the single card slot. The NP-BX1 battery is rated for approximately 300 shots per charge (or 150 minutes of video) when the monitor is used or approximately 380 shots per charge (or 190 minutes of video) with the EVF. The Cyber-shot HX350 measures 129.6 x 93.2 x 103.2 mm and weighs approximately 652 grams with battery and card. The Cyber-shot HX350 will be available in Australia from February 2017; pricing has not been announced as yet. Full details can be found at http://www.sony.com.au/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/dsc-hx350.
