Sony unleashes five Cyber-shots with 16.2MP CMOS sensor

The TX100V is also the first Cyber-shot camera with a 3.5-inch OLED with touch screen that provides deeper blacks and more vibrant color contrast on the screen, all while being thinner and having a faster response time than most LCDs. Additionally, the DSC-WX10 camera is one of the only digital still cameras to include a high-speed linear auto focus feature that provides quick and precise focusing similar to the speed of a DSLR camera.

With Sony’s 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology, these models provide excellent low-light performance, up to 10fps burst shooting and the Intelligent Sweep Panorama feature.

With full HD 1920 x 1080 at 60p video capability, the DSC-TX100V camera provides stunning, fast motion video smoother playback when shooting action such as sports and capturing better still images when clipping from video. The DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 cameras record crystal clear movies at 60i in 1080 AVCHD format.

Borrowed from the Handycam camcorder line, these new cameras have Dual Rec mode (does not work in 60p mode) which can shoot video, while simultaneously capturing 3-megapixel digital still pictures (2-megapixel in 4:3 ratio when recording in MP4). The cameras feature a dedicated still image button and a dedicated movie capture button to make it easy to use for consumers.

Sony makes it easy to create personal 3D content that can be viewed on an HDTV with 3D home theater system. 3D images can be captured using 3D Sweep Panorama mode or the new 3D Still Image mode. In this mode, the camera takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths, and then it creates left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions like Sony’s new BRAVIA KDL-HX820 models (3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately).

The 3D Sweep Panorama allows for taking panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas.

Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which allows for viewing 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle lets view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras’ LCD screen (or OLED with touch screen using the DSC-TX100V) by tilting the camera back and forth. This shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo, creating a 3D-like effect on the display.

With improved Superior Auto and Intelligent Auto modes, all of the new cameras capture more dynamic pictures. They automatically recognize the correct scene mode, then quickly shoot and combine up to six multi-shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using backlight correction HDR technology and lower image noise using six-shot Multi-shot Layering technology. 

Improving simplicity from previous Cyber-shot models which featured nine scene modes, the new DSC-TX100V model offers 36 Still Picture Mode scenes and Movie Mode scenes. The DSC-TX100V and DSC-HX7V cameras automatically detect a combination of scenes and conditions, making it even easier for consumers to get the best shot. Using the DSC-TX100V model’s Intelligent Scene Recognition feature, there are 12 recognized scenes including the new Infant, Spotlight and Low Light. Using the DSC-HX7V camera, there are four recognized conditions including Motion during Movie mode.

Designed to help users learn about the cameras’ features and how to use them on the spot, the “In-Camera Guide” is accessible from the menu button on the camera. Users can search by purpose or keyword and easily access the functions they seek.

These cameras also have Background Defocus mode, highlighting the subject like a DSLR; Soft Skin mode, which reduces visible blemishes and wrinkles and Natural Flash, which corrects color balance for more natural shots. All five cameras also offer fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution.

With a 10x optical zoom Sony G lens and a compact camera body, the DSC-HX7V model offers built-in GPS and compass which records the location and direction of where photos were taken. The DSC-WX10 camera features a 7x, bright F2.4 24mm wide angle lens and the high-speed auto focus feature; whereas the DSC-WX9 camera has a 5x 25mm wide angle lens for capturing the perfect group shot or landscape in one shot. Images can be viewed on the DSC-WX9 camera’s 921,000 Xtra-Fine LCD.

With Backlight Correction HDR (High Dynamic Range) in the Scene Selection Shooting mode, these cameras make it easy to get the best shot in difficult lighting conditions. The DSC-TX100V model has an HDR feature that compiles the highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create one realistic-looking photo. The DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC- WX10 and DSC-WX9 cameras compile two images in Backlight Correction HDR mode, enabling crisp details in difficult lighting.

With the new high-speed auto focus feature, the DSC-WX10 camera provides a smarter way to focus with DSLR-like speed. Instead of having a mechanical gear to drive the AutoFocus, the DSC-WX10 camera has a magnetic coil (like those used in an audio speaker) to move the lens linearly and achieve AutoFocus in a straight back-and-forth motion—not rotationally.

Where conversation piece meets workhorse is the 16.2-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 camera. It is waterproof up to 16 feet, shockproof upt to five feet, dustproof and freeze-proof down to 14 degree Fahrenheit compliant, offers HD movie and 3D photo capture, plus Intelligent Sweep Panorama, an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor that promises crisp clear photos even in low light and a 3-inch LCD with touch screen.