Three new Sony digicams, including 18 megapixel waterproof

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posted Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12:00 AM EDT

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for our Sony DSC-TX200V preview!Just when you thought the megapixel war was over, Sony has kicked things up a notch. The company has today introduced its first eighteen megapixel compact camera, as well as a pair of sixteen megapixel ultracompacts.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V is the real attention-getter of the group, although the step forwards from sixteen to eighteen megapixels is actually fairly modest, equating to an increase in linear resolution of just 6.25%. The Sony TX200V has an ultracompact body with a clean, glass-surfaced design ethic that hides a 5x optical zoom lens. Other features include a 3.3-inch Organic LED screen with capacitive touch panel overlay, and MicroSD card storage. Availability for the Sony DSC-TX200V is set for March 2012, with pricing of US$500 or thereabouts.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50, meanwhile, have sixteen megapixel resolution and 5x zoom lenses. They differ most significantly in their choice of display: a resistive 3.0-inch touch panel LCD for the WX70, and a standard 2.8-inch LCD without any touchscreen capability for the WX50. Pricing is set at US$200 for the Sony WX50, and US$230 for the Sony WX70. Both cameras will ship from March 2012.

All three of today's announcements feature a new "Extra High Sensitivity" shooting mode, which attempts to reduce image noise by not only averaging the results across multiple exposures, but also by averaging sets of four red, green, or blue pixels together. The result is then interpolated back to full resolution using Sony's pattern-recognizing "pixel super resolution" interpolation technology, and is claimed to have one-sixth the noise compared to a standard photo shot in the iAuto mode.

For more details, read our previews of the Sony TX200V, Sony WX50, and Sony WX70.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: TX200V
Dimensions 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.6 in.
(96 x 58 x 16 mm)
Weight 4.6 oz (129 g)
Planned Price $500
Planned Availability March 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
18.90 megapixels (total)
18.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4896 x 3672 (18.0 megapixels)
4896 x 2752 (13.5 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
10480 x 4096 (42.9 megapixels)
7152 x 1080 (7.7 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.3 in. diagonal
1,229,760 dots (409,920 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar; 12 elements in 10 groups, 6 aspheric elements
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.7 - 23.5mm (actual)
26 - 130mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/4.8 (tele) - ??
Focusing System Contrast Detection: Multi Point, Center Weighted, Spot, Flexible Spot, Tracking, Face Tracking, Flexible Spot Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing Range Normal: 3" - infinity (8 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.2" - 4,082" (3 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed 2 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater, One Push
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx.0.8m to 3.1m (3-1/4 in to 10 ft 2-1/8 in) W / Approx. 0.6m to 2.3 m (1 ft 11-5/8 in to 7 ft 6-5/8in) T
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Picture Effect (HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Watercolor, Illustration), 3D, Background Defocus, High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Hispeed Shutter, Underwater, Gourmet, Pet Mode, iAuto, Superior Auto, Panorama (Intelligent, Underwater, 3D)
Digital Zoom 2x Precision, up to 76x Smart Zoom
Self Timer Yes, 2, 10, Portrait1, Portrait2 seconds
Movie Format AVCHD/MPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Micro M2, microSD, microSDHC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG, MPO
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Mini HDMI
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BN/NP-BN1
Product Bundle
Software Windows Picture Motion Browser, PMP Portable
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary NP-BN Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 105.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant No
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
Notes Reinforced glass design, Waterproof (5m/16ft), Dustproof, Freezeproof (14F), 3.3-inch 1.23M-dot OLED Touchscreen, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, Full HD 1080p60 movies, 9 Picture Effects, Extra High Sensitivity, Dual-Record captures 13MP stills during video recording, 10x virtual zoom via "Clear Image Zoom" technology. Available in silver, red or violet.
More Photos
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: WX70
Dimensions 3.6 x 2.0 x 0.8 in.
(92 x 52 x 19 mm)
Weight 4.0 oz (114 g)
Planned Price $230
Planned Availability March 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.80 megapixels (total)
16.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
10480 x 4096 (42.9 megapixels)
7152 x 1080 (7.7 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal
921,600 dots (307,200 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar; 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 aspheric elements
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.5 - 22.5mm (actual)
25 - 125mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.6 (wide) / f/6.3 (tele) - ??
Focusing System Contrast Detection: Multi Point, Center Weighted, Spot, Tracking, Face Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing Range Normal: 2" - infinity (5 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, One Push
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx.0.2m to 5.3m (7-7/8 in to 17 ft 4-3/4 in) W / Approx. 1.0m to 2.2 m (3 ft 3-3/8 in to 7 ft 2-5/8in) T
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Picture Effect (HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Watercolor, Illustration), 3D, Background Defocus, High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Gourmet, Pet Mode, iAuto, Superior Auto, Panorama (Intelligent, 3D)
Digital Zoom 2x Precision, up to 72x Smart Zoom
Self Timer Yes, 2, 10, Portrait1, Portrait2 seconds
Movie Format AVCHD/MPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG, MPO
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Mini HDMI
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BN/NP-BN1
Product Bundle
Software Windows Picture Motion Browser, PMP Portable
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary NP-BN Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 19.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant No
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
Notes Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, Full HD 1080i60 movies, 3-inch 921k-dot Touchscreen LCD, 9 Picture Effects, Extra High Sensitivity, Dual-Record captures 12MP stills during video recording, 10x virtual zoom via "Clear Image Zoom" technology. Available in silver, black, pink, violet or white.
More Photos
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: WX50
Dimensions 3.6 x 2.0 x 0.8 in.
(92 x 52 x 19 mm)
Weight 4.1 oz (117 g)
Planned Price $200
Planned Availability March 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.80 megapixels (total)
16.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
10480 x 4096 (42.9 megapixels)
7152 x 1080 (7.7 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.7 in. diagonal
460,800 dots (153,600 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar; 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 aspheric elements
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.5 - 22.5mm (actual)
25 - 125mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.6 (wide) / f/6.3 (tele) - ??
Focusing System Contrast Detection: Multi Point, Center Weighted, Spot, Tracking, Face Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing Range Normal: 2" - infinity (5 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater, One Push
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx.0.2m to 5.3m (7-7/8 in to 17 ft 4-3/4 in) W / Approx. 1.0m to 2.2 m (3 ft 3-3/8 in to 7 ft 2-5/8in) T
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Picture Effect (HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Watercolor, Illustration), 3D, Background Defocus, High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Underwater, Gourmet, Pet Mode, iAuto, Superior Auto, Panorama (Intelligent, Underwater, 3D)
Digital Zoom 2x Precision, up to 72x Smart Zoom
Self Timer Yes, 2, 10, Portrait1, Portrait2 seconds
Movie Format AVCHD/MPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG, MPO
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Mini HDMI
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BN/NP-BN1
Product Bundle
Software Windows Picture Motion Browser, PMP Portable
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary NP-BN Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 19.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant No
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
Notes Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, Full HD 1080i60 movies, 9 Picture Effects, Extra High Sensitivity, Dual-Record captures 12MP stills during video recording, 10x virtual zoom via "Clear Image Zoom" technology. Available in silver and black.
More Photos
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 digital camera. Image provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Press Release

Sony Introduces New Assortment Of Compact, High-Powered Cyber-shot® Cameras

New Lineup Features High-Resolution Sensors, Enhanced Low-light Performance and Fast Auto-Focus

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 29, 2012 – Sony's newest Cyber-shot® digital still cameras make it easy to capture beautiful memories anytime and anywhere.

Three new models include the DSC-TX200V model from the ultra-thin Cyber-shot T series and the DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50 models from the stylish, traditionally designed W series, each featuring a high-resolution "Exmor R" CMOS sensor and an improved BIONZ™ image processor that together boost low light performance and enhance auto-focus speeds, among other benefits.

"We continue to innovate in the compact camera space, finding new ways to help consumers produce high-quality photos and videos as easily as possible, regardless of lighting conditions" said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics. "With new technologies designed to improve the overall imaging experience - including extended creativity, control and more - this new lineup of Cyber-shot cameras delivers impressive results with stylish, pocket-sized bodies."

High-Resolution, High-Speed, High-Quality
The new TX200V camera features a newly developed 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor, the highest-resolution currently offered in the "point and shoot" market, and a new BIONZ™ processor, which work together to create images and video files with extremely low noise. The advanced model also offers lightning-fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daytime and 0.25 seconds in low-light situations (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions), helping to ensure you never miss the moment.

Additionally, the TX200V Cyber-shot showcases a new beautiful, reinforced glass design with a large, 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ TruBlack OLED wide touch-screen. It is also water-proof (up to 5m or approx.16 feet), dust-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14oF), and features a "Photo Creativity" interface that lets users easily adjust creative settings to produce unique, custom-styled photos.

The new WX70 and WX50 models each are equipped with a high-resolution 16.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor, with the WX70 featuring a 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch-screen and the WX50 featuring a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD screen.

All-Around Performance
Each of the new Cyber-shot cameras features a new "Extra High Sensitivity" technology, which minimizes unwanted noise in low-light shooting conditions. For consumers who want to get closer to their subjects without losing quality, these new models have "Clear Image Zoom" technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capability (i.e. 5x optical zoom to 10x virtual zoom) at full camera resolution.

The TX200V, WX70 and WX50 cameras also offer image stabilization during video and still shooting. Using technology borrowed from the Sony Handycam® lineup, the "Optical Steady Shot Active Mode" drastically reduces blurring caused by camera shake while on the move. All models can shoot video in Full HD resolution.

Additional notable features of the new lineup include nine "Picture Effect" options for expanded creativity, "Dual Record" capabilities, 3D shooting modes (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama and Sweep Multi Angle), fast shooting speeds (10 fps burst mode) and more.

Product Specs, Pricing and Availability
The new assortment of cameras and an expanded range of stylish accessories, including the new LCS-WM and LCS-THT soft carrying cases, will be available this March at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. Detailed specs are below:

  • The DSC-TX200V camera will be available in silver, red, and violet for approximately $500. Features include:

    • 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor

    • 26mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via "Clear Image Zoom" technology

    • "Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities

    • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.25 seconds in low-light (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)

    • Beautiful, slim reinforced glass design with 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ Tru-Black OLED wide touch-screen

    • Waterproof (up to 5m,16 feet), dustproof and freeze-proof (up to 14oF)

    • Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"

    • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode

    • Photo Creativity interface and 9 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

  • The DSC-WX70 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, violet and white for approximately $230. Features include:

    • 16.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch screen

    • 25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via "Clear Image Zoom" technology

    • "Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities

    • Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"

    • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode

    • 9 total "Picture Effects" options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

  • The DSC-WX50 camera will be available in silver and black for approximately $200. Features include:

    • 16.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen

    • 25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via "Clear Image Zoom" technology

    • "Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities

    • Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"

    • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode

    • 9 total "Picture Effects" options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

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