Sony Unveils New Digicams

February 28, 2007: Sony Europe has notified us of the launch of seven new Cyber-shot digicams at the PMA International Trade Show in Las Vegas next month.

Heading the line-up are the DSC-H9 and DSC-H7 ‘super zoom’ 8-megapixel models, which feature an 8.1-megapixel (effective) CCD imager plus compact Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 31-465mm in 35mm format). This lens can focus to 1 cm in macro mode and both models have electronic viewfinders and both support up to 25.5x HD Smart Zoom, 30x digital zoom and 76x Smart Zoom. They also include with Sony’s ‘double anti-blur’ technology, which combines Super SteadyShot stabilisation with ISO 3200 high sensitivity.

The new Sony DSC-H7 (left) and DSC-H9 (right) Cyber-shot cameras are available in silver and black.
Both models include a full range of manual controls and an advanced sports mode that combines high shutter speeds with intelligent continuous autofocus. The H7 models has a 2.5-inch LCD and Stamina battery that supports up to 260 shots per charge. The H9 model has a 3-inch LCD and includes an IR-based NightShot mode for shooting in complete darkness. Its Stamina battery supports up to 250 shots per charge.

Sony’s T-series has been expanded with the addition of the 8.1-megapixel Cyber-shot T20 and T100 models. The T20 has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD, while the T100 has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with more powerful 5x optical zoom and 3-inch LCD. Both models offer a variety of in-camera retouching functions, including trimming and red-eye reduction plus soft focus filter, cross filter, part colour filter and fish-eye filter effects.

Sony’s new DSC-T100 Cyber-shot is being produced in silver, black and red.
New additions to the W series include the 12-megapixel Cybershot DSC-W200, the 8-megapixel DSC-W90 and the 7.2-megapixel DSC-W70. All three models sport Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lenses, optical viewfinders and 2.5-inch LCD screens plus compact metal bodies. The W80 is being produced in silver, black, white and pink, while the W90 is manufactured in silver and black. Both cameras feature full HD quality connectivity, which enables still images to be enjoyed with the highest possible quality on any HD-ready display (adaptors may be required).

Sony’s DSC-W80 Cyber-shot is manufactured in four colours.

The DSC-W90 Cyber-shot comes in silver or black.
The new models all come with Sony’s Bionz image processor, which was first featured on the DSLR-A100 model plus include Face Detection technology capable of tracking up to eight human faces in any scene and automatically optimising focus, exposure and flash. They also feature a built-in slide show function, which allows slideshows to be created in the camera with the users’ choice of background music plus pans, fades and wipe transitions.

Sony will also announce a new GPS kit, the GPS-CS1KA, which allows users to match photo dates and times with satellite-derived position information captured. The GPS-CS1KA can now be used successfully with all digital cameras produced within the last few years, including most non-Sony models. In addition to all current Cyber-shot and Handycam models, the package is compatible with the Sony DSLR-A100 camera when shooting in JPEG or JPEG+RAW mode. The enhanced kit also features a handy soft carry case that clips onto a camera case, shoulder strap or clothing. The protective case has a transparent window showing battery and memory indicators plus easy access to the GPS unit’s power switch.

Sony Australia has not provided any details of when – or even whether – any of the above models will be released locally. Nor do we have details of local pricing. When this information is provided, we will update this announcement so please check back.