Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99 Touchscreen Camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99 Touchscreen Camera

Sony is gearing up to drop a new point-and-shoot camera ‘Cyber-shot DSC-T99′ for the Japanese market. Powered by a powerful BIONZ image processor, this compact camera packs a 14.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD sensor, Carl Zeiss lens, a 4x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch touchscreen display, a 32MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC card slot, ISO up to 3200 and has the ability to record 720p HD video at 30fps. Available in black, silver, pink, green and violet color options, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99 will go on sale in Japan from mid-September for around $250. [Sony]

Sony Introduces 3D-capable Cyber-shot Cameras

Sony Introduces 3D-capable Cyber-shot Cameras

Looks like the 3D craze is coming to Sony's digital cameras too, as the company has unveiled three new Cyber-shot cameras, the TX9, WX5, and the T99. The TX9 and WX5 have a rather interesting 3D Sweep Panorama feature, which allows them to create a 3D image that is viewable (in 3D) on a supporting computer or TV. Another neat feature is Sweep Multi Angle that uses 15 different angles to create a 3D image that can simulate 3D even on the camera's 2D display. Other features include a 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, 10FPS burst mode, and Full 1080p HD video recording. The TX9 opts for a touchscreen control, while the WX5 uses the more traditional manual controls. Both the TX9 and the WX5 will be available in September for $400 and $300 respectively. The T99 was also announced, which is a more basic digital camera, boasting a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, supports Sweep Panorama mode, 3-inch touchscreen, and will be priced at $250.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Sony DCR-SR68 Camcorder Review

Sony DCR-SR68 Camcorder Review

Image-acquire has reviewed the Sony DCR-SR68 camcorder that provides a 80GB hard disk drive, so you can capture and store up to 61 hours (LP mode) of video footage. The DCR-SR68 also delivers sharp, high-resolution images thanks to a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, while the 60X optical zoom lets you capture tight shots from a distance. This affordable video recorder also has a 2.7-inch Clear Photo color LCD monitor, the SteadyShot image stabilization, a variety of scene recognition modes and fader effects and a digital still photo mode. Here is the conclusion:

Despite the fact that you’re probably going to need a pretty high-tension computer to get the most out of this camcorder, don’t worry. This is still a terrific camcorder regardless of its all-consuming hunger for accessories. The range is delightfully long and the controls seem to work pretty smoothly, so there’s no trouble there. There’s sufficient storage for twenty DVDs’ worth of material, and all of it at a pretty reasonable price, too.

You can buy the Sony DCR-SR68 camcorder for $349.99 at SonyStyle. [Image-acquire]

Sony Alpha NEX-3 Available For Pre-Order

Sony Alpha NEX-3 Available For Pre-Order

The newly announced Sony Alpha NEX-3 interchangeable lens camera is finally available for pre-order in the US via Amazon for $549.99. In case you didn’t know, the Alpha NEX-3 sports a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a powerful BIONZ processor, a 3-inch swiveling LCD screen, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, up to 7 fps continuous shooting, ISO up to 12800, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI output and 720p HD video recording. Pre-order yours now! [Product Page]

Sony a290 shows up in Vietnam

Sony a290 shows up in Vietnam

I just got back from the space shuttle launch in Cape Canaveral and have to catch up on the latest rumors. If you lived under a rock today, I will be happy to present you the new Sony a290 that showed up in Vietnam (rumored few days ago):

Specs:

• APS-C 14 MP CCD sensor


• BIONZ image processor


• Maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200


• 2.7 inch LCD screen


• Sensitivity optimized DRO range


• Speed 2.5 fps continuous shooting


• Interface with visual images


• Uses a MemoryStick Pro Duo memory card or SD / SDHC.


• Same price as the Sony a230

Tinhte via Slashgear

Sony CyberShot DSC-W380 Digital Camera

Sony CyberShot DSC-W380 Digital Camera

Sony has once again expanded its CyberShot digital camera series by launching the DSC-W380. Powered by BIONZ processor, this compact camera boasts a 14.1-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 24mm wide angle lens, 5x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. Not to mention, it also comes with a 45MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot, a USB 2.0 interface and the ability to record 1280 x 720 HD video at 30 fps. The DSC-W380 retails for 29,800 Yen (about $325). [Sony]

Sony Outs A New Pocket HD Camcorder

Sony Outs A New Pocket HD Camcorder

Sony is back by bringing you their latest pocket HD camcorder known as the Bloggie. This eye-catching video camera is equipped with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 6-inch LCD screen, a built-in image stabilization, a microSD card slot, a USB port and has the ability to capture both 1280 x 720p/60fps or 1920 x 1080p/30fps video as well as 5-megapixel digital still images. The Sony Bloggie will become available from February 2010 in three different models. Prices will range from $180 to $200.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Sony's W370 and W350 Cameras Are First CCD Cameras With Sweep Panorama

Sony's W370 and W350 Cameras Are First CCD Cameras With Sweep Panorama

Sony's announced a glut of new cameras today at CES, but instead of going through all 20-odd of them, I'm only going to show you the best. You deserve the best. Here's two of them, the DSC-W370 and DSC-W350.

The 14-megapixel Cybershot DSC-W370 and DSC-W350 have CCD image sensors with Sweep Panorama for capturing places like the Grand Canyon in one big movement. The W370 takes 243 degree shots and the W350 takes 268-degree shots, with the images coming in 7152 x 1080 size. Both models have 7x zoom lenses, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and can record video in 720p (with a HDMI output for connecting to a TV.)

The W350, which takes slighter better Panorama pics, is also Sony's smallest camera for the year. It has a 2.7-inch LCD screen, 26mm lens and 4x optical zoom. The W350 is on sale this month for $200, and the W370 will be on sale a few months later, in March, for $230.

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Sony Prepares Alpha 450 DSLR Camera

Sony Prepares Alpha 450 DSLR Camera

Sony is preparing to launch another DSLR camera for the mass market in the form of the Alpha 450. Powered by BIONZ image processor, the A450 features a 14.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen, interchangeable lenses, ISO up to 12800, up to 7 fps continuous shooting, AF 9 points, a microSD card slot and an HDMI port. The Sony A450 will become available starting in February 2010 for unannounced price yet. [dpreview]

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Sony Alpha 550 Unboxing Video

Sony Alpha 550 Unboxing Video

Here’s an unboxing video of the recently released Sony Alpha 550 DSLR camera that we found over at YouTube. Just a quick reminder, the A550 is equipped with a 14.2MP CMOS Exmor sensor, a 3-inch LCD display and uses Sony’s BIONZ image processor. The camera also boasts a number of advanced features like Manual Focus Check Live View mode, HDR mode that combines multiple exposures, 5-level manually selectable Dynamic Range Optimization, ISO up to 12800 and many more. Watch the video after the jump.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

The Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Every Purpose

The Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Every Purpose

Mark Goldstein is the Editor of Photography Blog. And he's been so kind as provide us with his favorite point and shoot picks in every key category.

Best for lowlight

Canon PowerShot S90 ($400)



The camera of the moment, the popular PowerShot S90 is a small but perfectly formed compact for the keen photographer. Concentrating on image quality rather than simply joining in the megapixel race (just like Sony's TX1 / WX1 models), the S90 offers DSLR-like results in a pocketable device, making it the perfect second camera for any self-respecting DSLR owner. A sensible resolution of 10 megapixels and fast zoom lens make the S90 an excellent choice when the lighting drops. This is one camera that you carry everywhere and still achieve breath-taking photos that will look great on your wall. [Review]

Best bang for your buck

Samsung HZ15W ($250)



Samsung can always be relied upon to deliver more for less, and the HZ15W is certainly no different. The HZ15W can't quite match every feature that its main rivals offer, but it does cost a lot less than them. With an amazingly versatile 10x zoom lens, high-definition video and a wealth of beginner-friendly modes, this well-designed camera is simple to use yet offers enough features and quality to satisfy more experienced photographers. The HZ15W could well be the only camera that you ever need. [Review]

Best video/still crossover

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 ($400)



The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 is not only one of the best video compacts on the market, it's also one of the best cameras full stop. Support for the AVCHD Lite format almost doubles the recording time, albeit at the expense of editing ease. The dedicated Record button, stereo microphone, wind cut function and audio sampling at 48kHz combine to make the TZ7 a star performer for moving images. It's also a fantastic stills camera too, with an incredibly versatile 12x zoom and top-notch image quality - a great do-it-all, carry-everywhere device. [Review]

Best super slim model

Sony TX1 ($300)



Sony has long ruled the roost in the 'it's so slim you can barely see it' category, and the desirable TX1 continues that tradition. Combining a sturdy yet stylish metal body, clever sliding front plate and impressive folded lens optics in a frame that's just 14.1mm thick, the TX1 still manages to pack in a 4x zoom lens and 3-inch touch-sensitive rear screen. You also get the added bonus of Sony's impressive 'Exmor R' back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which greatly improves low-light performance. Available in a variety of attractive colors to match your personality, the TX1 is guaranteed to look as good as you. [Review]

Best wet and rugged

Pentax Optio W80 ($210)



Ed note: Brian Lam reviewed most every rugged camera under the sun last summer, and his favorite all around performer went to the Pentax W80, a Jack-of-all-trades rugged cam featuring a 5x internal zoom lens. Its picture quality doesn't compete with the best point and shoots, and the W80 can only be dropped from around 3 feet, but it can go underwater up to 16 feet and function in temperatures down to 14 degrees. [Review]

There are obviously a lot of other great cameras this year for every budget and level of experience. See all of Photography Blog's camera reviews here (http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/).

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Sony's CyberShot DSC-HX1 camera gets official, coming March for $500

Sony's CyberShot DSC-HX1 camera gets official, coming March for $500

Sony has finally shown its cards for PMA this year, and that Ten of Clubs up its sleeve looks to be the CyberShot DSC-HX1 we heard about last week. According to the presser, it's the company's first digital camera with sweep panorama technology for up to 224-degree horizontal and 154-degree vertical panorama shots with the push of a button. It's also sporting a 20x optical zoom, 1/2.4-inch Exmor CMOS sensor for 10 frames per second at 9.1 megapixel resolution, a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie recording. Look for it this March for around five Benjamins.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Snowflake Sony DSC-TX1 For Holiday Season

Snowflake Sony DSC-TX1 For Holiday Season

Folks in Japan will soon be able to purchase the Snowflake Sony DSC-TX1 for their Christmas gift. The camera comes with a unique snowflake engraving pattern and features a 10.2-megapixel sensor, a 4X optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD touch display and a Carl Zeiss lens. The special edition Sony DSC-TX1 will only be available for Silver, Black and Pink.

[SonyInsider]

New Sony NXCAM is more camcorder than you ever need, but still you covet

New Sony NXCAM is more camcorder than you ever need, but still you covet

Sony's latest professional-grade camcorder probably meets your needs and then some by quite a stretch, recording AVCHD up to 24Mbps and SD quality in MPEG-2 / 9Mbps. We're also looking at a 20x zoom lens, 3 x 1/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensor, and storage options including Memory Stick Pro Duo and an optional 128GB flash memory drive. Don't lie, you want this beast, even if it clearly falls in the 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it' category. Look for more temptation sometime closer to its expected early 2010 launch.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 scores mixed reception

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 scores mixed reception

By now you should be thoroughly familiar with Sony's Party-shot-loving and almost unreasonably svelte TX1 compact shooter. Its headline features -- 720p movie mode and better low light performance courtesy of the Exmor R sensor -- have now been put to the test and we're here with the scorecard ready to spill the results. Reassuringly, all reviewers found image quality to be excellent for the camera's size class, and the TX1 even outperformed its peers by keeping noise comfortably in check all the way up to ISO 800. A 1cm (or 0.4-inches for you heretics) Macro mode was another highlight, though criticisms did rain down on issues of lens distortion, a fiddly touchscreen menu that was too prone to accidental activation, and an uncompetitive price point. Of course, your biggest draw here might still be the optional (and spendy) party dock, but the thorough reviews below at least give you the chance to pretend like you're buying this camera for the image quality alone.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Sony’s Latest Shoulder-mount Camcorder

Sony’s Latest Shoulder-mount Camcorder

Sony has unveiled the pricing and availability of their new XDCAM EX Shoulder-mount camcorder, the PMW-350K. The Sony XDCAM EX PMW-350K provides three 2/3 inch-type Exmor Full HD CMOS sensors, an HDMI out, and a 3.5-inch LCD screen. The PMW-350K is able to record video in MPEG-2 Long GOP HQ, MPEG-2 MP@HL SP, MPEG-2 MP@H14 SD mode on a 32GB SxS memory card. Measuring 124mm x 269mm x 332mm and weighing 3.2-kg, the Sony PMW-350K will be available on January 10th, 2009.

[Akihabara]

Sony Cybershot TX1 Out-of-the-Box

Sony Cybershot TX1 Out-of-the-Box

Sony sent in a Cybershot TX1 to review. As the camera features a 3.0″ touch-screen, the only physical controls (zoom, preview, and the on-off buttons) are situated on the top of the device. Here’s what comes with the TX1:

• Instruction manuals in 4 different languages (region-dependent)


• Warranty card


• Software CD


• Catalog of Cybershot TX1 accessories


• USB / TV-out cable


• NP-BD1 battery in a plastic case


• Changing dock and power cord


• Wrist strap (already attached to camera


• Paint pen (attaches to wrist strap, used to operate touch-screen

At first glance, that seems like a lot. Yet Sony could’ve done a little better with the bundle, including a Memory Stick and a basic camera case at the very least. I totally understand Sony wants customers to spend more on accessories (the included catalog makes this marketing push very obvious). But what’s wrong with whetting the new owner’s appetite right away? A 1GB memory stick provides enough capacity for decent use, while a cheap camera case would provide basic protection for the TX1’s stylish (and fingerprint-vulnerable) exterior?

In any case, watch out for updates as we put this camera through its paces. If you’re eager to own a Sony Cybershot TX1, B & H is selling this baby for $380. Available range from feminine pink to the understated gray.

(Via The Gadget Blog.)

Sony Showcases Cyber-Shot TX1 Digital Camera

Sony Showcases Cyber-Shot TX1 Digital Camera

Sony has recently showcased its latest Cyber-shot digital camera ‘TX1′ during IFA 2009. Measuring only 14.1mm-thick, the TX1 is Sony’s first digital camera to employ the new Exmor R back illuminated CMOS sensor technology to improve shooting in low-light scenarios, enhancing picture clarity and drastically reducing grain. Apart from that, the camera also offers a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, 4x optical zoom, a 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus touchscreen, Sony’s powerful BIONZ processor and the ability to record video in 720p HD quality at 30fps. The Sony TX1 will go on sale starting this month for about $380.

[AVING]

Sony Alpha 500 DSLR gets a hands-on

Sony Alpha 500 DSLR gets a hands-on

Sony's announcement of the three Alpha line cameras just came today -- but we're already seeing plenty of them. Pocket Lint's got a fairly extensive hands-on with the Alpha 500, which boasts an Exmor CMOS 12.3-megapixel sensor, an ISO range of up to 12,800, with a four frames per second continuous shooting. It also packs an HDR shooting mode, and an HDMI output. The Alpha 500 will be out in October, and it will run you $750. There's one more shot after the break -- hit the read link for the full set.

(Via Engadget.)

Sony Alpha 380 gets lukewarm reviews, must be someone's perfect bowl of porridge

Sony Alpha 380 gets lukewarm reviews, must be someone's perfect bowl of porridge

The leading model of Sony's 'upper entry level' trifecta of Alpha-branded shooters, the 14.2 megapixel DSLR-A380, has been hitting test benches lately and we've rounded up the results for your perusal. The consensus appears to be that Sony has focused on bringing fans of compact cams up to the big time, with its uniquely responsive Live View and straightforward usability. Alas, ease of use is not the only thing brought up from the little leagues, with comparatively poor output at ISO 400 and above, lack of any video recording (which can be found on the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000, its nearest competitors) and unsatisfying viewfinder ergonomics. Conclusion? If you were looking for a point-and-shoot on steroids, your search is at an end, young hobbit -- but photography enthusiasts should probably look elsewhere.

(Via Engadget.)