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Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Sony launches Cyber-shot HX5V and TX7 (UPDATED)
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - 19:30 EST)

With CES around the corner, Sony has taken the wraps off its Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V and Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital cameras.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX5V and Cyber-shot TX7 are said to be the world's first digital still cameras capable of recording full 1080i (1920 x 1080 pixel, with 60 interlaced fields per second), using the AVC HD codec and with Dolby Digital stereo audio. The Sony TX7 and HX5V are also the first Cyber-shot models to include in-camera HDR capability, a feature previously seen in certain of the company's Alpha digital SLRs. The Cyber-shot HX5V and TX7 also include TransferJet technology for wireless sharing of images, and an Intelligent Sweep Panorama function.

Both the Sony DSC-HX5V and DSC-TX7 are based around backside illuminated Sony Exmor R CMOS image sensors. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V features a ten megapixel, 1/2.4" imager coupled to a Sony G-branded 10x optical zoom lens with Sony's new Optical Steadyshot with Active Mode stabilization. The Sony HX5V features a 3.0" LCD display with 230,400 dot resolution, and stores images in 45MB of built-in memory, or on Memory Stick Duo / PRO Duo and Secure Digital / SDHC media. The DSC-HX5V draws power from an NP-BG1 InfoLithium battery, and offers HDMI high-def and composite standard-def video output, as well as USB 2.0 High Speed data connectivity.

The Sony HX5V is priced at about $350, and will ship from March 2010. For more details, read our Sony HX5V preview.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 also features a ten megapixel, 1/2.4" imager, but couples it to a prism-folded Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x optical zoom lens that includes Optical Steadyshot image stabilization. The Sony DSC-TX7 has a larger 3.5" LCD display with 921,600 dot resolution, and stores images in 45MB of built-in memory, or on Memory Stick Duo / PRO Duo and Secure Digital / SDHC media. The Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 draws power from an NP-BN1 Infolithium battery, and offers HDMI high-def and composite standard-def video output, as well as USB 2.0 High Speed data connectivity.

The Sony Cyber-shot TX7 is priced at about $400, and will ship from January 2010. For more details, read our Sony TX7 preview.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-HX5V
Dimensions4.1 x 2.3 x 1.1 in.
(103 x 58 x 29 mm)
Weight7.1 oz
(200 g)
Planned Price$349
Planned AvailabilityMarch 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeSony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.4" (approx. 0.42 in. diagonal)
10.60 megapixels (total)
10.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
7152 x 1080 (7.7 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
230,400 dots (76,800 pixels)
Lens
Lens TypeSony Lens G; 10 elements in 7 groups, including 4 aspheric
10x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length4.3 - 42.5mm (actual)
25 - 250mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 or f/8.0 (wide) / f/5.5 or ?? (tele)
Focusing System9-point / center / spot
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 2" - infinity (5 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed30 - 1/1600 second
Exposure ModesPr ogram, Manual
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, Custom
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off
Range: ISO Auto: 0.05 - 3.8m (W), 1.0 - 2.6m (T)
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Advanced Sports Shooting, Gourmet, Pet, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Intelligent Sweep Panorama, Backlight Correction HDR; Smile Shutter
Digital Zoom2x Precision, Up to 57x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatAVCHD/MPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif v2.21)
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI, Component)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-connector (AV[SD/HD Component)/HDMI/USB/DCIN)
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BG1
Product Bundle
SoftwareSony CDROM (Picture Motion Browser (PC), Picture Motion Browser Portable (PC/MAC), Music Transfer (PC/MAC))
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory45.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesExmor-R CMOS sensor, Optical Image Stabilization, HD Movies (AVCHD or MPEG-4), Dolby-Digital Stereo Audio, Intelligent Sweep Panorama, HDR, HDMI output. Available in Black only.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-TX7
Dimensions3.9 x 2.3 x 0.7 in.
(98 x 60 x 18 mm)
Weight5.3 oz
(149 g)
Planned Price$399
Planned AvailabilityJanuary 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeSony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.4" (approx. 0.42 in. diagonal)
10.60 megapixels (total)
10.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
7152 x 1080 (7.7 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.5 in. diagonal
921,600 dots (307,200 pixels)
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss Vario-Tessar; 12 elements in 10 groups, 6 aspheric, 1 prism
4x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length4.4 - 17.7mm (actual)
25 - 100mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 - f/6.3 (wide) / f/4.6 - ?? (tele)
Focusing System9-point / center / spot / flexible (touch) spot AF
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 3" - infinity (8 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 4,082" (1 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed2 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Mo desProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, Custom, Underwater1/2
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off
Range: ISO Auto: 0.08 - 3.8m (W), 0.5 - 3.1m (T)
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Hi-Speed Shutter, Underwater, Gourmet, Pet, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Intelligent Sweep Panorama, Backlight Correction HDR, Underwater; Smile Shutter
Digital Zoom2x Precision, Up to 22x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatAVCHD/MPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif v2.21)
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-connector (AV[SD/HD Component)/HDMI/USB/DCIN)
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BN1
Product Bundle
SoftwareSony CDROM (Picture Motion Browser (PC), Picture Motion Browser Portable (PC/MAC), Music Transfer (PC/MAC))
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BN1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory45.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesExmor-R CMOS sensor, Optical Image Stabilization, 3.5" Widescreen Touch LCD, HD Movies (AVCHD or MPEG-4), Dolby-Digital Stereo Audio, Intelligent Sweep Panorama, HDR, HDMI output. Available in Silver, Red and Dark Blue.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony. Click for a bigger picture!

UPDATED 2010-01-06 22:47ET: Previews of both cameras in this article are now online.


Original Source Press Release:

Sony Unveils First Compact Digital Still Cameras With High Definition 1080i AVCHD Video Capability

Models Also Add High Dynamic Range, TransferJet and GPS + Compass Technologies

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2010 – Sony took the wraps off two new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras today that create a new standard of mobility with technologies that answer consumers’ on-the-go needs.

Sony has designed two new innovative Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-HX5V and DSC-TX7) that are the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include full HD (1920 x 1080 60i) Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) video capability. They are also the world’s smallest and thinnest AVCHD capable cameras.

These are the first Cyber-shot cameras with in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) for managing difficult lighting situations and TransferJet™ wireless technology for sharing, storing and viewing images. The HX5V model is also the world’s first still camera to include GPS + Compass and Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode technologies.

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

In addition to its cameras, Sony introduced three other devices with TransferJet technology at CES, including a Sony Memory Stick™ memory card (model MS-JX8G) with wireless a transmitter/receiver, a Sony TransferJet Station (model TJS-1) and a VAIO® F Series notebook.

“Adding to the outstanding low-light performance and impressive Sweep Panorama feature, we are providing high-quality movies with full HD video, stereo sound recording when capturing movies on the go and an in-camera HDR solution for capturing high-contrast scenery. Sony can provide these solutions because of its expertise with other imaging products including Handycam® camcorders and Alpha® DSLR cameras,” said Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “Our goal is not only to make it easy for consumers to get the best shot—still or video—but also to have the best sharing experience.”

High-Quality Stills and Videos
With the AVCHD format, these new cameras record movies in 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution at 60i in 17Mbps. The AVCHD format captures a high degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to disc, it can be played back on most Blu-ray Disc™ players, Sony® PlayStation®3 systems and compatible PCs and HDTVs. In addition to the supplied PMB software for Windows users, it is also possible to edit recorded AVCHD file using iMovie for Macintosh users.

The camera will also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.

Managing Difficult Lighting
The HX5V and TX7 cameras offer in-camera multi-shot High Dynamic Range (HDR), which combines highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image—even without a tripod.

HDR offers a solution for strong backlight situations which typically result in either dark shadows in the foreground or a washed out background. Sony’s “Exmor R” sensor and Bionz™ processor help to correct these issues.

Impressive Panoramas
The HX5V and TX7 cameras have an Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature that captures wide landscapes or tall buildings in one easy “press and sweep” motion. Due to their “Exmor R” CMOS sensor technology, they can take up to 270 and 258-degree panorama shots, respectively, horizontally or vertically with an image size of 7,152 x 1,080 (horizontal wide panorama mode). In addition, these cameras’ Intelligent Sweep Panorama feature, which is comprised of up to 100 separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and intelligently adjusts the width of each picture while stitching them together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.

Relive the Experience
Ideal for travelers who take hundreds of photos, the in-camera GPS + Compass feature on the HX5V camera makes it easy to store and share the location and direction of where photos were taken.

With social networking sites becoming more popular, people want to share more details of their experiences. The GPS + Compass feature provides a fun new way to share where they were -- beyond the location. Using the free online satellite imagery application, Google Earth™, users can view the images from a bird’s eye view or from the direction in which the photo was taken. The GPS function automatically adjusts the camera’s internal clock by selecting the travelling area, without the hassle of setting the time manually.

A Wireless Way of Sharing, Storing and Viewing
TransferJet technology, which was developed by Sony and is supported by a consortium of other companies, allows you to transfer files between two TransferJet-enabled devices just by bringing the TransferJet marks on each product within one inch of each other without the hassle of hunting for cables or the complication of pairing. To transfer photos, TransferJet-enabled still cameras must each utilize the TransferJet Memory Stick media.

TransferJet is perfect for sharing on the go. You can select up to 10 pictures and transfer them from camera to camera. For storing images, you can place the HX5V or TX7 cameras on the lower left-hand corner of the VAIO F Series notebook and import photos. For sharing at home on devices which do not have the technology, you can connect the TransferJet Station to any device with a type-A USB port, including your TV, digital photo frame or PlayStation3®.

Designed for Technology Enthusiasts
With the most innovative digital imaging technologies, the HX5V camera is ideal for everyone from travelers to party-goers. The multi-occasion camera features a 10 megapixel “Exmor R” sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) and a 10x optical zoom with wide-angle 25mm-250mm equivalent high-quality G lens allowing easy group shots and close ups when on the move.

In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the HX5V camera has Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode, which lets you capture moving subjects such as kids walking or running. It allows a moveable lens element to shift with greater range of motion—10 times the range of the Optical Steady Shot™ feature at wide end in standard mode—during camera shake. The feature reduces hand shake so users can shoot smoother movie footage on the move. The cameras also have an HDMI output adapter (HDMI cable required) for easily connecting to an HDTV for viewing pictures and movies.

Powerful and Stylish
For those seeking a sleek, compact camera, the 10MP TX7 model is just under an inch thin and is slim enough to slip into a pocket or purse. The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) high resolution (921K) touch LCD screen offers easy image scroll by simply swiping your finger across the display. The camera’s high-performance Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x optical wide angle 25mm-100mm equivalent zoom lens brings distant subjects closer and Close Focus snaps close-ups in just under a half an inch from the subject.

The DSC-TX7 camera is also compatible with the Party-shot (model IPT-DS1) automatic photographer, which pans, tilts, zooms and adjusts composition to capture spontaneous images. Additionally, an embedded touch sensor located on the front edge illuminates when the TX7 camera is attached. By touching the sensor, the camera goes into the "On-demand shot" mode, which allows users to select the shutter timing without losing the advantage of Party-shot's built-in intelligence.

To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the TX7 and HX5V cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick™ (Pro Duo™) and SD/SDHC formats. Sony is also expanding its industry leading line of consumer media with the addition of SD/SDHC and microSD/SDHC memory cards.

Additional features found on HX5V and TX7 include iAuto, which detects eight and nine scenes, respectively, and optimizes camera settings and Easy Mode, which simplifies the camera menu. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization reduces blur without impacting image quality, Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology, which captures faces and smiles naturally.

A New Way to Share Photos and Videos Online
These models include Picture Motion Browser (“PMB”) software for viewing, editing, organizing and uploading images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites.

This spring, Sony will launch a new service and a new integration with Facebook® allowing users to easily and quickly share their photos and videos privately with friends and family. The service and the integration will be available as a downloadable update to the “PMB” and “PMB portable” software applications that are embedded with bloggie™ and Cyber-shot cameras and bundled with Handycam®, bloggie, Cyber-Shot and α (alpha) products. The Facebook integration complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube™ and Picasa™ Web Albums.

Pricing and Availability
The HX5V camera will be available in black this March for about $350, and the TX7 camera will be available in silver, blue and red this February for about $400. The TransferJet-enabled memory stick will be available in January for about $100, and the station will be available in February for about $150. Pre-sales begin in January.

The cameras, memory stick, station, and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

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For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, call 1-800-222-Sony.

Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
YouTube and Picasa are trademarks of Google Inc.

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