2008 Photokina Tradeshow
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Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Sony: Two new Cyber-shot ultracompacts
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 00:00 EDT)

Sony has today announced two new ultracompact digital camera models, the Cyber-shot DSC-T77 and DSC-T700.

The cameras are both closely related, sporting ten megapixel 1/2.3" imagers and mechanically stabilized, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar branded, prism-folded 4x optical zoom lenses. The main difference between the Sony DSC-T700 and Sony DSC-T77 is in the internal storage and LCD display types. Where the lower-priced Sony T77 has a 3.0" LCD with 230,400 dots and just 15MB of internal memory, the Sony T700 has a much more attractive 3.5" display with a whopping 921,600 dot resolution, and almost four gigabytes of built-in memory - making it an ideal choice for the photographer who also likes to use their camera as digital photo album of sorts.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 will be priced at $300 or thereabouts when it ships this September. The higher-spec Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 meanwhile will retail at a premium of some $100, with a pricetag of around $400 and the same prediction of September availability.

For more details, browse the specifications, product photos, and press release below - then read our Sony T77 preview and Sony T700 preview.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number DSC-T77
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.6"
93.6 x 57.2 x 15.0mm
Weight 151.0 g
5.3 oz
Planned Price $300.00
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.3" Sony Super HAD CCD
10.30 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0", 230,400 pixels
Playback Zoom 8.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
4x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 6.2 - 24.7mm (actual)
35 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/4.6 (tele) - f/10
Focusing System 9-point / center / spot / touch AF with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (4) steps
Focusing Range Normal: 3" - infinity (8 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 8" (1 cm - 20 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed 1 - 1/1000 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, White Fluorescent, Natural White Fluorescent, Day White Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater Auto / 1 / 2 / Flash
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, On, Slow-Sync, Off, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-Sync w/ Red-Eye Reduction
Range: Wide: 0.08 - 3.0m; Tele: 0.5 - 2.4m
Creative
Scene Modes High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Hi-Speed Shutter, Underwater, Gourmet
Digital Zoom 2x
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format MPEG-1 with audio
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG (Exif v2.21)
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type NP-BD1 InfoLithium rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger 1 x NP-BD1 InfoLithium rechargeable battery
Flash Memory 15.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T77 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number DSC-T700
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.6"
95.0 x 58.4 x 16.4mm
Weight 160.0 g
5.6 oz
Planned Price $400.00
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.3" Sony Super HAD CCD
10.30 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.5", 921,600 pixels
100% field of view
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
4x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 6.2 - 24.7mm (actual)
35 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/4.6 (tele) - f/10
Focusing System 9-point / center / spot / touch AF with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (4) steps
Focusing Range Normal: 3" - infinity (8 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 8" (1 cm - 20 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed 1 - 1/1000 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, White Fluorescent, Natural White Fluorescent, Day White Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater Auto / 1 / 2 / Flash
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, On, Slow-Sync, Off, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-Sync w/ Red-Eye Reduction
Range: Wide: 0.08 - 4.3m; Tele: 0.5 - 3.4m
Creative
Scene Modes High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Hi-Speed Shutter, Underwater, Gourmet
Digital Zoom 2x
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format MPEG-1 with audio
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG (Exif v2.21)
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type NP-BD1 InfoLithium rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger 1 x NP-BD1 InfoLithium rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 4000.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, wih modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

SONY CYBER-SHOT CAMERAS GET SMARTER

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 7, 2008 - Sony is making the grade with the introduction of the stylish Cyber-shot® DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 digital cameras with “intelligent” shooting functions.

The 10-megapixel T77 camera is Sony’s thinnest model at less than 5/8 of an inch with a 3-inch, 16 x 9 touch panel LCD screen. It features updated intelligent scene recognition technology, Smile Shutter™ and face detection technologies with child and adult priority, as well as high sensitivity shooting (up to ISO 3200), eleven scene modes, and in-camera image management.

The T700 model earns extra points as a “photo album in your pocket.” It has all the features of the T77 unit plus 4GB of internal memory that can store nearly 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos; a 3.5-inch, wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ screen for photo-like viewing (210 pixel-per-inch resolution) with high contrast and wide-angle viewing; and a thin profile (slightly more than 5/8 of an inch) so it can easily slip into a pocket or purse.

“Sony is taking the lead in developing “intelligent” cameras so that taking great pictures is an automatic function and not a complicated process,” said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. “This is part of our effort to enhance the camera experience for customers by offering new functionality.”

Substance and Style
While rich in technologies, style was a key factor in the development of both cameras, said Lubell. They feature a newly-developed Carl Zeiss® lens that integrates a 4x optical zoom and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, yet achieves a slim form factor. They will also be available in a wider selection of color options than previous T-series cameras.

Both cameras feature updated intelligent scene recognition technology that can now select up to eight different scene modes, including macro, portrait and landscape modes.

This technology also includes a new anti-blink function in portrait mode that will virtually make closed-eyed photos an “old school” memory. The cameras will automatically take two shots and then determine whether the subject(s) have closed eyes using their advanced face detection technology. They will only record images with open-eyed subjects. If both pictures have subject(s) with closed eyes, the cameras will record one and display a warning so you can try again.

Sony’s Smile Shutter technology has also been improved. It is easily accessible as a “smiley face” icon, which is now a permanent fixture on the camera’s LCD screen in record mode, and can be toggled off and on at the touch of a finger. And during smile capture, auto focus and zoom functions are available, as well as the ability to take a limitless number of shots.

Not One, But Two Photo Libraries in Your Pocket
The T700 camera is ideal for anyone who wants to have what Lubell calls “bragging” photos of their kids, pets, vacation or sports highlights with them at all times.
Owing to the model’s internal database, thousands of photos can be searched in-camera by event, date, smile or face, including children and infants; displayed in calendar or chronological views; organized in folders; and shared as slide shows or fun scrapbooks.

Unlike previous models, this one allows you to store and manage images on both its 4GB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick® media card. You can maximize the number of pictures stored on the camera with the bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software application and its new PC Synch feature.

This new feature lets you downsize images from full-resolution to VGA and export them back to the camera’s internal photo album. The application operates intelligently with the camera so you can shoot more photos. It will only detect, downsize and export the new shots. This allows you to store literally thousands of your favorite photos in the camera

It is also possible to export photos shot by other cameras or archived on other media into the camera.

The PMB Portable software inside the camera lets you easily upload photos or videos to popular social networking sites like YouTube™ (a trademark of Google Inc.) using an internet connection with any compatible PC via the supplied USB cable. It even has pre-programmed sites in the camera.

The camera also has a scrapbook function that automatically creates simulated scrapbook pages. Now you can share, print or save your scrapbooks unlike previous models.

Pricing and Availability
The DSC-T77 camera replaces the former T70 model and will be available in brown, green, pink, black and silver in late September for about $300. The new DSC-T700 cameras ships at the same time in red, champagne gold, pink, dark gray and silver for about $400.

All cameras and a range of accessories can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges, and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 29 at www.sonystyle.com.

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Editor’s Note: A portion of camera memory is used for data management functions. The viewable area of LCD displays is measured diagonally. For additional information about Sony products, your readers can call toll-free (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.

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