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Sony announces quartet of Cyber-shot cams, boasts of slim profiles and tough skin

The Cyber-shot family just keeps growing and growing, with its latest litter focused on keeping slim and staying active. The quartet's most rugged machine, the $330 16.2 megapixel DSC-TX20, promises to be tough as nails by tolerating water up to 16 feet under, bouncing back from five foot falls and braving freezing tundras as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The $350 DSC-TX66, on the other hand, forgoes the armor in favor of a 18.2 megapixel sensor, a 3.3-inch "Xtra Fine" OLED touch screen and 1920 x 1080 video recording. The outfits 18.2 MP DSC-WX150 and 16.1 MP DSC-W690 claim the titles of "world's thinnest 10x optical zoom cameras," (excluding the lens) according to Sony, and are priced at $250 and $180, respectively. Read on for Sony's official press release and all of the rough, tough and svelte details, as well as Sony's own hands-on look at the new Cyber-shot lineup.





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Sony Introduces Versatile New Lineup of Cyber-shot Cameras

New Cameras Feature Ultra-thin Body and Lens Designs, Rugged Capabilities

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the ability to deliver impressive, high-resolution images while underwater, outside or inside, during both day and night, Sony's slim new line of Cyber-shots represent the ultimate in versatility for the compact camera space. Four new models announced today include the DSC-WX150, DSC-W690, DSC-TX66 and DSC-TX20 models.

The DSC-WX150 and DSC-W690 models are the world's thinnest 10x optical zoom cameras – slimmer than any other 10x compact cameras currently offered in market (measured at slimmest part excluding lens). This exceptionally thin design is largely attributed to the new "Advanced Aspherical" lens element, which allows the lens unit to be drastically smaller than those in previous 10x zoom Cyber-shots while still producing very highly detailed, accurate images.

The new TX66 camera features an ultra-slim, front-sliding design and measures about 12.2 mm (excluding lens cover), which is about the thickness of a standard AA size battery. The similarly thin TX20 camera is Sony's most "rugged" compact camera offering -- waterproof (up to 5m or 16ft), dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.5m or 5 ft) and freezeproof (up to 14 degrees F).

Each of the new WX150 ,TX66 and TX20 cameras features a high-resolution "Exmor R" CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ® image processor, enhancing low-light performance, Auto Focus speeds, image stabilization and opening up various multi-shot capabilities including 10 fps burst mode, "Background Defocus" mode, 3D still image shooting and more. These models also have "Dual Record" functionality for capturing high-resolution still images while shooting video, and "Clear Image Zoom" digital zoom technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capability (i.e. 5x optical zoom to 10x virtual zoom) at full camera resolution.

Each of the new models can shoot full HD video (at various resolutions) and offer "Picture Effect" options for creative photography.

Product Specs, Pricing and Availability
The four new Cyber-shot cameras will be available at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network. Availability and detailed specs are below:

The DSC-WX150 camera will be available in silver, black, red and blue this May for approximately $250. Features include:
Effective 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.20 seconds in low-light (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
3.0-inch 460k dot LCD screen
10x wide-angle optical zoom lens (25-250mm in 35mm format) with 20x digital "Clear Image Zoom" at full resolution; includes newly developed "AA" lens element
"Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"
Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i)
Enhanced Optical SteadyShot reduces hand shake during still and video shooting
9 total "Picture Effect" options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

The DSC-W690 camera will be available in silver, black, red and blue this May for approximately $180. Features include:
Effective 16.1 MP CCD sensor
3.0-inch 230k dot LCD touch screen
10x wide-angle optical zoom lens (25-250mm in 35mm format) including newly developed "AA" lens element
720p HD Movie Shooting capability
Enhanced Optical SteadyShot reduces hand shake during video shooting
4 total "Picture Effect" options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

The DSC-TX66 camera will be available in silver, gold, red, white, purple and pink this March for about $350
Effective 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
Ultra-thin design measuring at 12.2 mm thick (excluding lens cover)
Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.25 seconds in low-light (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
5x wide-angle optical zoom lens (26-130mm in 35mm format) with 10x digital "Clear Image Zoom" at full resolution
"Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
3.3-inch Xtra Fine™ OLED touch-screen
Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"
Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i)
Enhanced Optical SteadyShot reduces hand shake during still and video shooting
"Photo Creativity" interface plus 9 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

The DSC-TX20 camera will be available in orange, green, black, blue and pink this May for about $330. Features include:
16.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (25-100mm in 35mm format) with 8x digital "Clear Image" Zoom at full resolution
Waterproof (up to 5m,16 feet), dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.5m or 5ft) and freeze-proof (up to 14 degrees F)
"3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen with 921k dot resolution
Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual Record"
Optical SteadyShot Active Mode reduces hand shake during video shooting
7 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styles photos and video