 "Sony Unveils 3 Cyber-shot W-Series Digicams")
Sony has announced a new line of digital cameras featuring a high-definition component output. These new Cyber-shot W-series cameras offer direct connection to an HDTV, which is ideal for integrating full 1080 HD photo-viewing into a home theater.
At the top of the line is the DSC-W200 camera, the most compact 12 megapixel camera in the industry. It is followed by the 8 megapixel DSC-W90 unit and the 7.2 megapixel DSC-W80 model. All sport Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lenses; traditional, eye-level viewfinders; and large, 2.5-inch LCD screens wrapped in metal bodies.
“As HDTV becomes more pervasive in American households, it is only natural to want to view all of your content in high definition, including photos,” said Phil Lubell, director for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Our new cameras support a shift in customer behavior—from viewing digital photos on a PC to having a full entertainment experience in the living room.”
Sony is offering three accessory options to enjoy high-definition photo viewing. The new cameras are compatible with the Sony VMC-MHC1 high-definition component cable for simple connection to an HDTV set.
All these digicams incorporate Sony’s new face detection technology, which can identify up to eight faces in the camera’s LCD frame, and automatically adjust white balance and flash as well as focus and exposure.
You can easily knock out blurry photos, especially in challenging low-light conditions. The cameras incorporate Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization to safeguard against blur caused by camera shake. Their high sensitivity (up to ISO3200) settings can help to fight blur associated with fast-moving subjects. Sony’s Clear RAW noise reduction technology will minimize picture noise common to images shot at high ISO levels.
The new W-series models incorporate selectable in-camera editing functions that can save users hours of post-editing time at the computer. Equipped with Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer, the cameras can analyze captured image data and instantly determine the best exposure and tonality of each picture before JPEG compression.
The silver W200 camera will ship in May for about $400. The W90 camera will be available in the US by March 2007 for about $300 in black and silver. The W80 model will be hit stores in March for about $250 in pink, white, black and silver.