Sony introduces twelve Cyber-shot compact cameras

The HX5 is according to Sony the world’s first camera that integrates GPS and Compass functions to enhance enjoyment of travel photography. The location is displayed in real time on the large 7.6cm (3”) Clear Photo LCD screen as user is shooting. A new Compass function shows which direction was pointing when the picture was taken.

Making its Cyber-shot debut, HDR (High Dynamic Range) Backlight Correction produces natural, balanced results with high contrast and strongly backlit scenes – a tough test for any camera. The HX5 automatically shoots two frames of the same scene in quick succession, with exposure values optimised for highlights and lowlights respectively. Powerful algorithms then combine the two frames, producing a single, detail-packed HDR image with bright, evenly-exposed highlights and deep shadow detail.

A brand new Portrait shooting mode takes the guesswork out of grabbing beautifully-framed self portraits when you can’t see the LCD screen. Just hold the camera at arm’s length and press the shutter button. Using Face Detection, Cyber-shot detects when you’re framed correctly and fires the shutter automatically. There’s also a 2-person setting that ensures you and a friend are both in shot before firing the shutter.

The popular Cyber-shot W Series expands with eight slim, colourful cameras packed with smart features to help everyone take better-looking pictures.

Available in black, silver, gold and red colour options, the range-leading Cyber-shot W380 showcases an incredible array of imaging innovation at a compelling price.

Sweep Panorama makes it uniquely fun and easy to capture landscapes, city skylines, group portraits and more. Just press the shutter button and sweep the camera to take in the whole scene. Sweep Panorama automatically stitches together a burst of images in moments, creating a single ultra-wide image with a huge field of view up to 185 degrees.

Even slimmer and more compact than its predecessor, it boasts a bright f/2.4 Sony G lens with 5x optical zoom and 24mm wide angle to take full advantage of the CCD sensor’s 14.1 effective megapixel resolution. With an extra wide aperture, this high-quality lens opens up fresh creative possibilities, from smoothly-defocused portraits to atmospheric low-light shooting without flash. When cutting-edge looks matter as much as fabulous images, the chic lines of the Cyber-shot TX7 stand out from the crowd. Exquisitely finished in a choice of three fashion colours, the slender body conceals a Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens. Unusually for such a thin camera, the 25mm wide angle capability gives you freedom to pack more into each scene – from dramatic landscapes to group scenes and atmospheric portraits.

The generously-sized wide 8.9cm (3.5”) touchscreen LCD and streamlined user interface makes operation beautifully simple. TruBlack screen technology minimises reflections and boosts contrast for a richly detailed view of your shots, even when you’re outdoors in bright daylight.

The Cyber-shot TX7 also features Intelligent Sweep Panorama and 1080i HD video shooting – all accessed in an instant from the intuitive touchscreen.

All new Cyber-shot models feature in-built Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable software. Just connect the camera via USB to any Internet-ready PC: with just a few clicks it’s easy to upload pictures and video clips directly from Cyber-shot to your favourite image and video sharing sites on the web.

A slot for Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) is offered on all new models to suit users’ personal shooting preferences.