Sony Party-shot takes "Auto" to its logical limit
By
Mike Tomkins
(Thursday, August 6, 2009 - 00:14 EDT)
Alongside its announcement of the TX1 and WX1 digital cameras, Sony has today announced what has to be one of the most unusual photographic accessories we've seen in quite some time - the Sony Party-shot IPT-DS1.
Billed as being a "personal photographer", the Party-shot DS1 doesn't look a whole lot different to a camera cradle at first glance. Unlike most photographers we've met, it's small, silver, and you can plug either the Sony WX1 or Sony TX1 digital cameras into the top of it. Flip it over and glance at the base, though, and a compartment for two AA batteries plus a tripod mount suggest there's more to this than just another camera cradle. So - what does it do? Once powered on with either camera mounted in its custom-fit tray on top of the Partyshot IPT-DS1, the purpose for the batteries becomes clear. The Sony IPT-DS1 operates autonomously, panning the camera through a full 360 degrees horizontally, and tilting it upwards or downwards through a 24 degree angle. The Sony DS1 literally takes control of your camera, whose Face Detection is used to watch for potential subjects, and whose Smile Shutter function is then used to automatically trigger the shutter. The idea is that at parties and the like, you can simply set your camera and the Sony Party-shot device on a tabletop, tripod or wherever is convenient and then leave the combination to automatically capture images.  |
Sony Cyber-shot TX1 digital camera on the Party-shot IPT-DS1 dock.
Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. | Obviously the idea only works at gatherings where you can trust everyone to leave your expensive camera where you placed it, but in theory the intelligence of the hardware frees the photographer up to go and join in the fun, rather than spending the evening isolated behind the viewfinder (or rather, the LCD display). Instead, you just have to pop by now and then to check you've not run out of flash memory or battery power, and perhaps to move the camera to a new location for a different perspective on your gathering. Gadget-lovers the world over are likely drooling at the very thought. For the rest of us, the practicality remains to be seen - but it's certainly a neat idea.  |
Rear view of the touch-screen TX1 mounted on the Party-shot IPT-DS1 dock.
Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. | We don't currently have detailed specifications or information on precisely how the IPT-DS1 operates. Sony is rating the DS1 as good for eleven hours of operation on its pair of AA batteries, and will separately offer an AC adaptor. It isn't clear whether this will only power the DS1 dock itself, or provide power to the attached camera as well. There is also a video output connection, but precise specifications on its functionality aren't available. Unfortunately, it seems that the DS1 can't double as your regular camera dock, since there is no USB connection with which to transfer data to your computer. The Sony Party-shot IPT-DS1 will be available from September 2009, priced at $150.  |
Both Cyber-shot TX1 and Party-shot DS1 mounted on a small tripod.
Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. |
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Original Source Press Release:
| Sony Unveils Party-shot™: An Automatic Photographer SAN DIEGO, Aug. 5, 2009 – Sony today introduced the Party-shot™ personal photographer (model IPT-DS1)—an innovative camera dock that pans 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detects faces, adjusts composition and takes photos for you. The Party-shot camera accessory uses the camera's BIONZ™ image processor with its Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ features to take photos without the user needing to snap the shutter button. This device makes it easy to capture more natural expressions and fun, candid moments of you, your family and friends without having to hire a photographer. “With the Party-shot personal photographer, you no longer have to worry about taking photos when you are with your family or friends,” said Shigehiko Nakayama, digital imaging accessories product manager at Sony Electronics. “Party-shot captures candid moments that tell natural life stories and also offers a new style of photography that enriches time with your family and friends.” Compatible with the DSC-WX1 and DSC-TX1 Cyber-shot® digital cameras, the Party-shot camera accessory is mountable on nearly any tripod, so you can set it up in a convenient location in your home, especially when you are entertaining. With two AA batteries, the Party-shot camera accessory captures photos for up to 11 hours and is portable, so you can enjoy taking pictures outdoors. You can also use an AC adaptor (sold separately).  |  |
Sony's IPT-DS1 dock is capable of 360-degree rotation (left) and 24-degree vertical tilt (right).
Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. | Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders will begin on August 6, 2009, at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The Party-shot camera accessory will be available for about $150 in September at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide. ### Editor’s Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.  |
Sony's WX1 digital camera and Party-shot dock let you rest your shutter finger.
Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. | |
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