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Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Sony TX9, WX5, T99: A trio of compacts, two 3D-capable
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(Thursday, July 8, 2010 - 00:01 EDT)

Sony Electronics Inc. has today announced the addition of three new Cyber-shot compact digital cameras to its lineup -- the Sony TX9, Sony WX5 and Sony T99.

The Sony DSC-T99 marks the entry-point to the group, and replaces last year's TX1 model. The DSC-T99 features fourteen megapixel resolution from a CCD image sensor, and couples this with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar-branded 4x optical zoom lens. The T99 brings one new feature of particular note -- a Soft Skin scene mode which is coupled to the camera's face detection system, and hence can recognize and smooth facial skin tones. Other features of the Cyber-shot T99 include a 3.0-inch LCD display, standard-def NTSC video output, and USB 2.0 connectivity, and power from an NP-BN1 lithium ion battery. The Cyber-shot DSC-T99 includes 32MB of built-in memory, as well as compatibility with Sony's Memory Stick Duo cards, and Secure Digital cards -- including the newer SDHC and SDXC types. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99 goes on sale from September 2010, priced at around US$250.

Next up the line is the Sony DSC-W5, which replaces last year's WX1 model. The DSC-W5 features twelve megapixel resolution from a backside-illuminated CMOS image sensor, and couples this with a Sony G-branded 5x optical zoom lens. The W5 includes the Soft Skin scene mode from the T99, and also adds several other new functions described in more detail in our DSC-W5 preview -- Superior Auto mode, Background Defocus, Natural Flash, Tracking Focus, and 3D Sweep Panorama. Other features of the Cyber-shot W5 include a 2.8-inch LCD display, high-def HDMI and standard-def NTSC video output, and USB 2.0 connectivity, plus power from an NP-BN1 lithium ion battery. The Cyber-shot DSC-W5 includes 32MB of built-in memory, as well as compatibility with Sony's Memory Stick Duo cards, and Secure Digital cards -- including the newer SDHC and SDXC types. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W5 goes on sale from September 2010, priced at around US$330.

Finally, the highest-spec of the group is the new Sony DSC-TX9, which replaces this spring's TX7 model. The DSC-TX9 features twelve megapixel resolution from a backside-illuminated CMOS image sensor, and couples this with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar-branded 4x optical zoom lens. The TX9 includes all of Sony's latest wizardry -- the Soft Skin, Superior Auto, Background Defocus, Natural Flash, Tracking Focus, and 3D Sweep Panorama modes, all described in our DSC-TX9 preview. Other features of the Cyber-shot TX9 include a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD display, high-def HDMI and standard-def NTSC video output, and USB 2.0 connectivity, plus power from an NP-BN1 lithium ion battery. The Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 includes 32MB of built-in memory, as well as compatibility with Sony's Memory Stick Duo cards, and Secure Digital cards -- including the newer SDHC and SDXC types. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 goes on sale from September 2010, priced at around US$400.

For more details, read our Sony TX9 preview, Sony WX5 preview, or Sony T99 preview, as your tastes and budget dictate.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberNorth America: DSC-TX9
Dimensions3.9 x 2.3 x 0.7 in.
(98 x 60 x 18 mm)
Weight5.3 oz (149 g)
Planned Price$399
Planned AvailabilityAugust 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeSony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
12.80 megapixels (total)
12.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
4000 x 2248 (9.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
0.3 megapixels
Capture SpeedContinuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
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-points / center / spot / flexible spot (touch)
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 0" - infinity (1 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (125-3200), Program Auto (125-800), 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed2 - 1/1600 second
Exposure ModesProgram
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, Underwater 1/2, One Push, One Push Set
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off
Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 0.08 - 3.8m(W) / Approx. 0.5 - 3.1m(T), ISO3200: up to Approx. 8.0m(W) / Approx. 6.3m(T)
Creative
Scene ModesIntelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Easy Shooting, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Gourmet, Pet, Soft Skin, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Background Defocus, Intelligent/3D/UW Sweep Panorama, Sweep Multi-Angle
Digital ZoomUp to 2x
Self TimerYes, 2,10, Portrait1/2 seconds
Movie FormatAVCHD/MPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, 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),USB. DCIN), HDMI (Type C)
Power
Battery TypeInfoLithium rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BN1
Product Bundle
SoftwarePicture Motion Browser Vers 5.3 , PMP Portable 5.2/1.2, Music Transfer
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BN1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory32.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesOptical SteadyShot, Touchscreen LCD, iAuto, sAuto, iSweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Background Defocus, 3D Sweep Panorama, Sweep Multi Angle. Available in Dark Grey and Red.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

32.0MB Internal
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberNorth America: DSC-WX5
Dimensions3.6 x 2.0 x 0.8 in.
(92 x 52 x 22 mm)
Weight5.1 oz (146 g)
Planned Price$329
Planned AvailabilityAugust 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeSony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
12.80 megapixels (total)
12.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
4000 x 2248 (9.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
0.3 megapixels
Capture SpeedContinuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.8 in. diagonal
460,800 dots (153,600 pixels)
Lens
Lens TypeSony G-lens; 6 elements in 5 groups, 5 aspheric
5x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length4.3 - 21.3mm (actual)
24 - 120mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.4 or f/7.1 (wide) / f/5.9 or ?? (tele); 2-step with ND filter
Focusing System9-points / center / spot
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 2" - infinity (5 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (125-3200), Program Auto (125-800), 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed2 - 1/1600 second
Exposure ModesProgram
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, One Push, One Push Set
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off
Range: ISO Auto: Approx.0.2 - 5.1m(W) / Approx.0.9 - 2.1m(T), ISO3200: up to Approx.10.0m(W) / Approx.4.1m(T)
Creative
Scene ModesIntelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Easy Shooting, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Gourmet, Pet, Soft Skin, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Background Defocus, Intelligent/3D Sweep Panorama, Sweep Multi-Angle
Digital ZoomUp to 2x
Self TimerYes, 2,10, Portrait1/2 seconds
Movie FormatAVCHD/MPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, 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),USB. DCIN), HDMI (Type C)
Power
Battery TypeInfoLithium rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BN1
Product Bundle
SoftwarePicture Motion Browser Vers 5.3 , PMP Portable 5.2/1.2, Music Transfer
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BN1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesOptical SteadyShot, iAuto, sAuto, iSweepPanorama, Handheld Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Background Defocus, 3D Sweep Panorama, Sweep Multi Angle. Available in Silver and Black.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberNorth America: DSC-T99
Dimensions3.7 x 2.2 x 0.7 in.
(93 x 56 x 17 mm)
Weight4.3 oz (121 g)
Planned Price$249
Planned AvailabilityAugust 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeSony SuperCCD
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
14.50 megapixels (total)
14.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4320 x 3240 (14.0 megapixels)
4320 x 2432 (10.5 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)
0.3 megapixels
Capture SpeedContinuous: 0.7 frames per second for 2 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
230,400 dots (76,800 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-points / center / spot / flexible spot (touch)
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 0" - infinity (1 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (80-3200), Program Auto (80-800), 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed2 - 1/1600 s cond
Exposure ModesProgram
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, Underwater 1/2, One Push, One Push Set
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off
Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 0.08-.2.8m(W) / Approx. 0.5-2.3m(T), ISO3200: up to Approx. 5.6m(W) / Approx. 4.6m(T)
Creative
Scene ModesIntelligent Auto, Easy Shooting, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Soft Snap, Landscape, Beach, Snow, Fireworks,Hi-speed Shutter, Gourmet, Pet, Soft Skin, Sweep Panorama, Underwater Sweep Panorama
Digital ZoomUp to 2x
Self TimerYes, 2,10, Portrait1/2 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG-4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif v2.21)
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (Component)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-connector (AV(SD/HD Component),USB. DCIN)
Power
Battery TypeInfoLithium rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BN1
Product Bundle
SoftwarePicture Motion Browser Vers 5.3 , PMP Portable 5.2/1.2, Music Transfer
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BN1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory32.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesOptical SteadyShot, Touchscreen LCD, iAuto, Sweep Panorama. Available in Silver, Black, Purple, Green and Violet.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Smile And Say 3D: Sony Introduces World's Smallest 3D Digital Still Cameras

Models Offer Superior Auto Mode, Background Defocus, Low-Light Performance and AVCHD Video

SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2010 – Sony today unveiled two new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras (models DSC-TX9 and DSC-WX5) that are the world’s smallest 3D cameras, capturing 3D images with a single lens system using a sweeping motion.

“Sony is focused on being the leader in 3D technology, leveraging its expertise to create the best 3D products, content and unique entertainment experiences,” said Kelly Davis, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics. “Sony is making it easy to create personal 3D content that can be enjoyed with friends or family on compatible 3D television systems.”

Create Your Own 3D Panoramas
Both models offer a 3D Sweep Panorama™ feature, which lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions (3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately.)

The DSC-TX9, which has a 3.5-inch 921k resolution LCD touchscreen, and the DSC-WX5, which has a 2.8-inch LCD screen, also let you view images in a whole new way. Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which lets you view your 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle™ lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras’ LCD screen by tilting the camera back and forth. This new shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo, creating a 3D-like effect on the display.

In addition to Sweep Multi Angle, the 12.2 megapixel TX9 and WX5 models offer new features including Background Defocus, which simulates depth of field control and Superior Auto mode, which provides low image-noise levels previously only available from DSLR cameras.

Superior Quality, DSLR-Like Artistic Photos
Superior Auto mode also makes it easier to get cleaner, sharper more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. An extension of Intelligent Auto mode, the Superior Auto feature takes multiple shots to reduce image noise and extend dynamic range. The cameras automatically recognize the correct scene, then quickly shoot and when needed, combine up to six shots to produce images of greater quality than possible with a single shot.

Superior Auto is the world's first auto mode that utilizes multiple shots. While there are other cameras with multi-shot technology, only Sony cameras know when to take multiple shots automatically. Only Superior Auto can evaluate the scene and automatically engage multi-shot technology to get the best shot.

The Background Defocus mode, featured in the TX9 and WX5 models, provides artistic photos like those taken with a DSLR by making it easy to blur the image’s background, putting the emphasis on your subject and creating a bokeh effect. The camera takes two shots, identifies the background and applies a defocus effect keeping your subject crisp and clear in the foreground.

The Natural Flash feature also improves image quality and captures colors the way the eye sees them. This feature takes a reference shot without flash and then uses that as a color reference correction, resulting in more lifelike images.

These cameras also help you focus on moving subjects. By selecting your subject on the LCD screen, the camera will keep focus even as the subject moves closer or farther away. Another new feature, Soft Skin mode, recognizes skin tones and reduces the appearance of imperfections without affecting the rest of the shot. With Sony’s “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology, the new cameras provide excellent low-light performance and 10fps burst shooting.

Full HD Video
With the AVCHD format, used in Sony’s high-definition Handycam® camcorders, the models can record movies in 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolutions in 60i at up to 17Mbps for smooth movement during playback. They can also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.

In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the TX9 and WX5 cameras have Optical SteadyShot® image stabilization, helping overcome camera shake.

With a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x zoom lens, the compact TX9 camera lets you focus as little as 0.4 inches from your subject for extraordinary close-up shots. The 4x (25-100mm) wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing a wider view of your subject at closer distances.

The WX5 camera is an ideal choice for DSLR owners who also want to carry a compact, high-performance point-and-shoot camera. With a Sony G lens (5x 24-120mm), the WX5 camera can capture an unusually wide range for its compact size and features a wide aperture (F2.4), enhancing low-light performance.

Sony also introduced today the 14.1 megapixel DSC-T99 camera—an affordable T-series Cyber-shot model that will be available for about $250. With a CCD image sensor, the camera offers Sweep Panorama® mode, a 3-inch touch screen and a 25mm-wide Carl Zeiss® lens.

To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the TX9, T99 and WX5 cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ and class 4 and above SD/SDHC formats.

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

  • The TX9 will be available for about $400 in (dark gray and red)

  • The T99 will be available for about $250 in (silver, black, pink, green and violet)

  • The WX5 will be available for about $300 in (silver and black)

###

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

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