Sony Unveils Cyber-shot HX Series Digital Cameras
Sony today unveiled two new 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot digital still cameras that offer Full HD video shooting capability at the touch of a dedicated movie button.
Recording video at 60 progressive frames per second (1920x1080 60p), both cameras can capture fast-moving action.
The DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V Cyber-shot cameras are the company's first compact digital still cameras to include a 27mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens with 30x optical zoom and a 24mm Sony G lens with 16x optical zoom (respectively) combined with full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video capability.
Another Cyber-shot camera first, the 16.2-megapixel "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor inside both cameras supports a new Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR (High Resolution) mode. Just press the shutter button and sweep the camera, and it captures up to 42.9 megapixel panoramic images with crisp 10480x4096 resolution. Images can be viewed on the cameras' 3-inch 921,000-dot Xtra Fine LCD display with wide viewing angle.
The flagship DSC-HX100V packs a powerful Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens with 30x optical zoom range . The DSC-HX9V offers a high-performance G Lens with powerful 16x optical zoom range with 24mm wide angle .
Borrowed from the Handycam camcorder line, the new cameras feature Dual Record mode which can shoot video, while simultaneously capturing 3-megapixel digital still pictures (2-megapixel in 4:3 ratio when recording in MP4). The cameras also offer a dedicated still image button and a dedicated movie capture button to make it easy to use for users (Dual Record feature is not compatible with 60p mode).
Featured on both cameras, Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode image stabilization is a powerful image stabilization system with '3-way shake cancellation' as found on premium Handycam camcorders by Sony.
Sony makes it easy to create personal 3D content that can be viewed on an HDTV with 3D home theater system. 3D images are captured using 3D Sweep Panorama mode or the 3D Still Image mode. In this mode, the camera takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths, and then it creates left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or 3D on compatible 3D televisions (3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately).
The 3D Sweep Panorama feature lets users take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using processing techniques to automatically create 3D panoramas.
These 3D images can also be saved and viewed on a PlayStation3, using the "Play Memories" application software downloadable from the PlayStation Network.
Sweep Multi Angle technology lets users view images in simulated 3D on the cameras' LCD screen. This shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo. By tilting the camera back and forth, it creates a 3D-like effect on the display.
With the high-speed auto focus feature, these cameras provide a smarter way to focus with DSLR-like speed. High-speed autofocus locks onto subjects in as little as 0.1 seconds.
The enhanced GPS/Compass function captures a user's location and shooting direction and allows him/her to enjoy the results after shooting as online maps with any Internet-connected PC.
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V camera also features a manual control ring that can be assigned as desired to adjust focus or zoom.
The AUTO mode recognizes a wide range of shooting conditions, automatically adjusting settings and shooting a high-speed burst of multiple frames as required in low-light conditions. These are automatically combined within the camera to create low-noise results with virtually any subject—even in challenging low light conditions without flash.
While most cameras compile two images in Backlight Correction HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode enabling details in difficult lighting, these models utilize an HDR feature that compiles the highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create one realistic-looking photo.
The cameras also have Background Defocus mode, which highlights a subject like a DSLR; Soft Skin mode, which reduces visible blemishes and wrinkles, and Natural Flash, which corrects color balance for more natural shots. They also offer fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution.
Images and videos can be viewed on the cameras' 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display with TruBlack technology.
The cameras will be available in April online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers. Presales will begin in February. The DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V cameras will be available in black and will cost about $450 and $350, respectively.
The DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V Cyber-shot cameras are the company's first compact digital still cameras to include a 27mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens with 30x optical zoom and a 24mm Sony G lens with 16x optical zoom (respectively) combined with full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video capability.
Another Cyber-shot camera first, the 16.2-megapixel "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor inside both cameras supports a new Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR (High Resolution) mode. Just press the shutter button and sweep the camera, and it captures up to 42.9 megapixel panoramic images with crisp 10480x4096 resolution. Images can be viewed on the cameras' 3-inch 921,000-dot Xtra Fine LCD display with wide viewing angle.
The flagship DSC-HX100V packs a powerful Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens with 30x optical zoom range . The DSC-HX9V offers a high-performance G Lens with powerful 16x optical zoom range with 24mm wide angle .
Borrowed from the Handycam camcorder line, the new cameras feature Dual Record mode which can shoot video, while simultaneously capturing 3-megapixel digital still pictures (2-megapixel in 4:3 ratio when recording in MP4). The cameras also offer a dedicated still image button and a dedicated movie capture button to make it easy to use for users (Dual Record feature is not compatible with 60p mode).
Featured on both cameras, Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode image stabilization is a powerful image stabilization system with '3-way shake cancellation' as found on premium Handycam camcorders by Sony.
Sony makes it easy to create personal 3D content that can be viewed on an HDTV with 3D home theater system. 3D images are captured using 3D Sweep Panorama mode or the 3D Still Image mode. In this mode, the camera takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths, and then it creates left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or 3D on compatible 3D televisions (3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately).
The 3D Sweep Panorama feature lets users take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using processing techniques to automatically create 3D panoramas.
These 3D images can also be saved and viewed on a PlayStation3, using the "Play Memories" application software downloadable from the PlayStation Network.
Sweep Multi Angle technology lets users view images in simulated 3D on the cameras' LCD screen. This shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo. By tilting the camera back and forth, it creates a 3D-like effect on the display.
With the high-speed auto focus feature, these cameras provide a smarter way to focus with DSLR-like speed. High-speed autofocus locks onto subjects in as little as 0.1 seconds.
The enhanced GPS/Compass function captures a user's location and shooting direction and allows him/her to enjoy the results after shooting as online maps with any Internet-connected PC.
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V camera also features a manual control ring that can be assigned as desired to adjust focus or zoom.
The AUTO mode recognizes a wide range of shooting conditions, automatically adjusting settings and shooting a high-speed burst of multiple frames as required in low-light conditions. These are automatically combined within the camera to create low-noise results with virtually any subject—even in challenging low light conditions without flash.
While most cameras compile two images in Backlight Correction HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode enabling details in difficult lighting, these models utilize an HDR feature that compiles the highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create one realistic-looking photo.
The cameras also have Background Defocus mode, which highlights a subject like a DSLR; Soft Skin mode, which reduces visible blemishes and wrinkles, and Natural Flash, which corrects color balance for more natural shots. They also offer fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution.
Images and videos can be viewed on the cameras' 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display with TruBlack technology.
The cameras will be available in April online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers. Presales will begin in February. The DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V cameras will be available in black and will cost about $450 and $350, respectively.
