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Sony's DSC-W55 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Sony: Four new Cyber-shot digicams
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(Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 13:48 EST)

Four new digital camera models, all featuring seven megapixel CCD image sensors, have today been unveiled by Japan's Sony Corp.

All four cameras also feature 3x optical zoom lenses - in the cases of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S650 and S700 branded as Sony lenses, and for the DSC-W35 and W55 with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar branding. The Sony S650 marks the entry-level point, with a price of $150 and a 2.0" LCD with 115,000 pixels. For an extra $30, the Sony S700 bumps the LCD resolution up to 2.4", although with slightly lower resolution at 112,000 pixels. The larger LCD display makes the S700 a scant 20 grams heavier, and 1.4mm thicker. Both S-series cameras draw power from standard AA batteries.

Also priced at $180, the Sony W35 is just one or two millimeters smaller than the S-series models in each direction, and adds more sophisticated AF, metering, and video options plus power from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery. The W35's 2.0" LCD display is the lowest-resolution of the entire group, with just 85,000 pixels. For an extra $20, the Sony W55 (priced at $200) increases the LCD size to 2.5" with 115,000 pixels.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35, DSC-W55, and DSC-S650 will all ship from February 2007. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 will follow from March.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S650
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S650 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-S650
Dimensions3.6 x 2.4 x 1.0"
91.0 x 61.0 x 26.5mm
Weight178.0 g
6.2 oz
Planned Price$150.00
Planned Availability 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
7.40 megapixels (total)
7.20 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1632 x 1224 (2.0 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Real-image optical zoom
LCD2.0", 115,000 pixels
100% field of view
Playback Zoom5.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeSony
3x optical zoom
Focal Length5.8 - 17.4mm (actual)
35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 - 9.7(W), f/4.8 - 9.7(T)
Focusing System1-point (center) Contrast Detection
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
Shutter Speed1 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off
Range: ISO Auto: W:1.6-11.5ft (0.5-3.5m), T:1.6-6.6ft (0.5-2.0m)
Creative
Scene ModesTwilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Snow, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 14x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG with audio
320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery TypeAlkaline, Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor2 x AA
Product Bundle
SoftwarePicture Motion Browser v2.0
Battery / Charger2 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory24.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-S700
Dimensions3.6 x 2.4 x 1.0"
91.0 x 61.0 x 25.1mm
Weight198.0 g
6.9 oz
Planned Price$180.00
Planned Availability 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
7.40 megapixels (total)
7.20 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1632 x 1224 (2.0 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Real-image optical zoom
LCD2.4", 112,000 pixels
100% field of view
Playback Zoom5.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeSony
3x optical zoom
Focal Length5.8 - 17.4mm (actual)
35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 - 9.7(W), f/4.8 - 9.7(T)
Focusing System1-point (center) Contrast Detection
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
Shutter Speed1 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off
Range: ISO Auto: W:1.6-11.5ft (0.5-3.5m), T:1.6-6.6ft (0.5-2.0m)
Creative
Scene ModesTwilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Snow, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 14x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG with audio
320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-jack
Power
Battery TypeAlkaline, Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor2 x AA
Product Bundle
SoftwarePicture Motion Browser v2.0
Battery / Charger2 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory24.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W35 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-W35
Dimensions3.5 x 2.3 x 0.9"
89.8 x 59.1 x 22.9mm
Weight149.0 g
5.2 oz
Planned Price$180.00
Planned Availability 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
7.40 megapixels (total)
7.20 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1632 x 1224 (2.0 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Real-image optical zoom
LCD2.0", 85,000 pixels
100% field of view
Playback Zoom5.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
3x optical zoom
30mm lens thread, Body threads w/ adapter
Focal Length6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 - 7.1(W), f/5.2 - 13(T)
Focusing System5-area Contrast Detection with AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.8" - infinity (2.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
Shutter Speed1 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off
Range: ISO Auto: W:0.6-12.8 ft (0.2-3.9m) T:1.0-6.6 ft (0.3-2.0m)
Creative
Scene ModesTwilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Snow, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 14x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG with audio
640x480 and 160x112
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherDC Input
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BG1
Product Bundle
SoftwarePicture Motion Browser v2.0
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory58.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
 

< /tr>
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W55 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-W55
Dimensions3.5 x 2.2 x 0.9"
88.9 x 57.1 x 22.9mm
Weight147.0 g
5.1 oz
Planned Price$200.00
Planned Availability 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
7.40 megapixels (total)
7.20 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1632 x 1224 (2.0 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality2 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Real-image optical zoom
LCD2.5", 115,000 pixels
100% field of view
Playback Zoom5.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
3x optical zoom
30mm lens thread, Body threads w/ adapter
Focal Length6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 - 7.1(W), f/5.2 - 13(T)
Focusing System5-area Contrast Detection with AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.8" - infinity (2.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
Shutter Speed1 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off
Range: ISO Auto: W:0.6-12.8 ft (0.2-3.9m) T:1.0-6.6 ft (0.3-2.0m)
Creative
Scene ModesTwilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Snow, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 14x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG with audio
640x480 and 160x112
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-jack
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BG1
Product Bundle
SoftwarePicture Motion Browser v2.0
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory58.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W55 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W55 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W55 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

SONY RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH AN ARRAY OF DIGITAL CAMERAS

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 17, 2007 — Sony is ringing in the New Year with four additions to its Cyber-shot® digital camera line: the DSC-W55, DSC-W35, DSC-S700 and DSC-S650 models.

The slim, compact DSC-W55 and DSC-W35 models will sport 7.2-megapixel imagers and precision Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lenses. They combine traditional, eye-level viewfinders with large LCD screens for easy framing and viewing of photos. The W55 camera will make a splash in Caribbean blue, pale pink, elegant black and sleek silver with a 2.5-inch LCD screen wrapped in a metal body, and the W35 camera will shimmer in silver with a two-inch screen.

The new DSC-S700 and DSC-S650 cameras will also feature 7.2-megapixel imagers, and will shine in classic silver. The former model will house a 2.4-inch LCD wrapped in a metal body and the latter a two-inch screen.

All four new models feature 3x optical zoom capability, blur-reduction technologies (ISO), and substantial internal memory for shooting without a media card. Their storage capacities can be expanded further with optional 8GB Memory Stick Duo ™ or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ flash media cards for the W-series models and 4 GB Duo media cards for the S-series models.

"Now that digital cameras are personal items, it’s common to have more than one camera per household," said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. "Our new models are solid performers that will be easy for novices to digital photography to use and at the same time meet the needs of more advanced users."

Capture the Mood
High sensitivity is featured on all of the cameras to reduce the chances of taking blurry photos, especially in low light situations. With settings up to ISO1000, you can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture the candles on a birthday cake or the city lights without using a flash.

On the W-series cameras, Sony's Clear RAW ™ noise reduction technology helps reduce picture noise common to low-light exposures. Sony’s AF Illuminator also facilitates these models’ ability to shoot well in low light. A special light is thrown on subjects before taking a shot so that the camera’s imager can better detect contrast. The end result is well-focused, clear pictures, even in low light.

Shoot At The Speed of Life
These new models feature quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life – up to 380 shots on a full charge of the W55 and W35 cameras’ Lithium ion battery, and 460 shots on a full charge of the S700 and S650 models’ optional, rechargeable AA batteries. The cameras' sophisticated auto-exposure and auto-focus features work fast so you get the picture right the first time.

No More Guesswork
All models incorporate a function guide and resolution guide. When menu icons are selected, a simple text explanation is displayed on the LCD screen. This function guide is readily-accessible through a convenient mode dial. The resolution guide is helpful when deciding on the best resolution for prints. When you select the resolution in the menu, a pop-up screen provides the ideal print size for that particular setting.

In stores in February, the W55 model will be available for about $200, the W35 for about $180, and the S650 for about $150. The S700 ships in March for about $180. Options will include batteries, travel chargers, lenses, filters, sports packs, and cases. All models can be purchased online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Jan. 23 at www.sonystyle.com/cameras2007.

# # #

Editor’s Note: The available storage capacity of Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo media may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions. Actual battery life may vary based on settings and usage conditions

For additional information about Sony products, your readers can call toll-free at (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sonystyle.com. Press releases and digital images are available for the news media at Sony Electronics’ news and information web site at: www.sony.com/news/cybershot.

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