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Sony Cyber-shot TX300V inductive charging camera and dock hands-on (video)
You may have thought that Sony's Cyber-shot TX200V was the company's most powerful point-and-shoot to date, but that's not exactly true. The company has a Japan-only version of the TX200V called the TX300V, and it's quite a compelling upgrade. The camera's most appealing addition comes in the form of a wireless charging and transfer dock -- it refuels your pocket snapper through inductive charging while also wirelessly transferring images to your computer using TransferJet. It can also draw power from your computer's USB port (no AC adapter required). Oh, and it ships in the camera box.Sadly, there aren't any plans to sell this iteration outside of Japan, and Sony's mum on pricing and availability. The camera transferred images and charged without issue during our demo (the Charge indicator lit up, at least -- we didn't stick around to watch it charge the camera). We went hands-on with the TX300V and its charging dock at CP+ in Yokohama, and you can check the camera kit out in all its glossy black glory just past the break.
Sony grows Cyber-shot family by three with DSC-WX50 and WX70, ultra-thin TX200V
Far more svelte than its lengthy product name, the Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V is Sony's new point-and-shoot flagship, packing an 18.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, 26mm 5x optical zoom lens, 1080/60p video capture and a 3.3-inch Xtra Fine TruBlack OLED touchscreen. Sony claims that the cam's BIONZ processor can help it capture stills and video with extremely low noise, and an improved focusing system can deliver speeds of about 0.13 seconds in daylight and 0.25 seconds in lower-light conditions. Its reflective durable housing enables waterproof shooting down to 16 feet, and can protect the camera from dust and freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit.If price is more important to you than an ultra-thin design and top-of-the-line spec list, then the DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50 might be of interest. Both cameras include 16.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensors, 25mm 5x optical zoom lenses, 12 megapixel stills during video capture, and 1080/60i HD shooting. There are nine "Picture Effects" options, adopted from the NEX series and also found on the TX200V. Both the WX50 and WX70 have a nearly identical list of features, though the first model includes a 2.7-inch display, compared to a 3-inch touchscreen on the WX70. All three cameras are expected to ship in March in a variety of colors. The TX200V will be available in silver, red and violet finishes with a retail price of $500, while the WX70 and WX50 will run you $230 and $200, respectively. Hit up the press release just past the break for the full list of colors and specs.
Sony keeps on rocking the Cyber-shot with three new models
Sony's beefing up its Cyber-shot line with three new point-and-shoots, the similarly named DSC-W610, -W620 and -W650. The low-end W610 rocks 14.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom and a 2.7 inch LCD for $110. For $10 more, you can be the proud owner of the W620, which adds in 720p video capture and built-in effects. The $150 W650, meanwhile, brings 16.1 megapixels and a three-inch LCD. All three models feature Steadyshot image stabilization, intelligent auto mode and the 360 degree Sweep Panorama mode, which gives you stitched together panoramic shots with the push of a button. Press release and remotely related Beastie Boys music video after the break, because they got more hits than Rod Carew.
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2011: digital cameras
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! We're well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties surrounding the seasonal shopping experience, so we're here to help you sort out this year's tech treasures. Below is today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. With cameras popping up on tablets, smartphones and even Bluetooth headsets, there's a fairly good chance that there's already a device in your pocket capable of shooting high-res stills and HD video. But even with popular apps like Instagram on-board, mobile devices still can't match the versatility and image quality of a dedicated snapper. If you're looking to hide a new point-and-shoot under the tree this year, there are plenty of great options to consider, for any budget. So clear off the memory card and get ready to jump past the break for our top picks that will deliver -- and capture -- plenty of holiday cheer.
Sony Cyber-shot TX55 packs 16.2-megapixel sensor, promises 'extremely low' noise in dim light
With point and shoot cameras apparently now up against a megapixel wall, manufacturers are focusing on adding quirky new features to keep you hooked on the upgrade cycle. Sony's new Cyber-shot TX55 includes several such additions, such as 'amazing' 3D image capture, 'extremely low' noise, and a new digital zoom technology called By Pixel Super Resolution, which promises to double the camera's 5x optical zoom range while still capturing 16.2-megapixel images at full quality. We're a bit skeptical about that last one, but if the $350 camera really can deliver on its promise, then we may just have a winner. Sony says there's also high-speed autofocus that can lock onto subjects in 0.1 seconds, optical image stabilization, a 3.3-inch OLED touch-screen, and 1080i AVCHD video. It also includes some features found on the higher-end NEX-C3, such as Picture Effects, and a 42.9-megapixel Sweep Panorama mode. Sony has yet to completely nix the Memory Stick slot, including one with the TX55, though there's also MicroSD support for those who prefer to take advantage of that more affordable memory card standard. We're not yet convinced that all of the point-and-shoot cam's new features perform as well as Sony suggests, but if they do, the TX55 may even be worth its $350 price tag when it hits stores in September.%Gallery-128983%
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V gets reviewed, deemed one of the best super-zooms around
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V been available for a little while now, but it's flown somewhat under the radar when it comes to in-depth reviews. Photography Blog's now chimed in with its take on the camera, however, which is not only thorough but effusive in its praise. According to the site, the HX100V is simply one of the best super-zoom cameras they've tested (30X, in this case), with it delivering some excellent still images and best-in-class 1080p video, along with some welcome added touches including an intuitive focus / zoom ring and built-in GPS (although the latter will lead to a 25 percent hit in battery life if you leave it on all the time). Some of the few drawbacks are a lack of a RAW shooting mode, and an LCD that folds out but doesn't rotate, but the site says those are pretty easy to forgive considering everything else you get for the $400 or so asking price. Hit the source link below for the full review.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V reviewed, scores top rating on Photography Blog
With PSN issues abound, April and May were certainly not banner months for Sony. Things are looking up for the electronics maker in June, however, with well-received PlayStation Vita and NEX-C3 camera announcements last week, and now a top rating for its highly-capable Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V point-and-shoot over at Photography Blog. The 16.2 megapixel camera includes a 16x wide-angle zoom lens and a 921K-dot 3-inch LCD, and the reviews site highlighted the cam's excellent image quality and 1080p video capture, going so far as to say that the "Sony CyberShot DSC-HX9V is the best travel-zoom camera that we've reviewed to date." Hot damn! We expect a lot of camera for $350, and it looks like this superzoom delivers for advanced shooters as well, with a 10 fps full-res burst mode, full manual control, and an f/3.3 wide-angle aperture. We're sold. If you don't want to step up to the slightly larger and pricier NEX series, this über-versatile digicam seems to be the next best thing.
Sony Ericsson ST18i and CK15i blurrily leak their way onto message boards
The last time we saw Sony Ericsson's Azusa, it was just a lonely blue line on a bar graph. Now it seems as if our little mystery handset might've actually become a real smartphone. There weren't a ton of specs to go off from that original leak, though the ST18i's 854 x 480 resolution does match up. Also on-board, according to this new info: Gingerbread, an 8MP camera, and an ARM Cortex-A8 1GHz Processor. The Esato message board also seems to have gotten its hands an ad featuring the CK15i, a keyboard-equipped slider phone with a 240 x 400 3.3-inch display. Add the recently leaked Cyber-Shot phone, and it's shaping up to be a nice, blurry year for Sony Ericsson. Image of the CK15i after the break. Update: Oops, so it turns out the Azusa is actually the already-announced Acro. As for the device pictured, Pocketnow says it's actually the Urushi, aka ST18a instead of ST18i.
Mr. Blurrycam outs Sony Ericsson's future Android-powered Cyber-shot?
Yes, the blurrycam snapshot you're now squinting at is purported to be Sony Ericsson's resurrection of its Cyber-shot phone -- yet unlike prior endeavors, this shooter is rumored to be fueled by Android. Beyond the touchscreen interface, however, there's scant few details to go on -- other than prior rumblings that Sony is developing a camera with 3G connectivity. Frankly, we love a great lens, but when apps, messaging and voice get added to the equation, it becomes utterly delightful. Needless to say, this leak arrives in a lovely twist of irony as one of the blurriest outings we've seen in recent memory. We're just hoping Mr. Blurrycam wasn't fumbling with a Google-powered Carl Zeiss when going sans-tripod in front of this one. [Thanks, Uncle Lala]
Sony working on a Cyber-shot camera with 3G cellular connectivity?
If the warm, soothing waves of IEEE 802.11 are beaming down on your location, there are certainly several ways to send pictures directly from your camera to the cloud, but Sony's reportedly prototyping a camera that won't need a single bar of WiFi to get your upload on. Our friends at gdgt cite anonymous sources that say Sony's got a camera with a built-in 3G modem in the works, and we're not talking about a cameraphone. While Sony's cellphone CMOS sensors may have improved, gdgt says the prototype unit will probably be a dedicated point-and-shoot, though the publication says their moles aren't sure it's actually coming to market. If it does, though, here's hoping it comes with some Whispernet so we don't have to foot a monthly or (perish the thought) per-picture bill!
Sony's DSC-HX100V and HX9V superzooms get official, headed to shelves this April
After being leaked just a few days ago, Sony's high-end 16.2-megapixel HX100V and HX9V cameras are now official. According to the press release, the DSC-HX100V is the first of the Cyber-shot line to include a 27mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens with 30x optical zoom, while its smaller compact brother, the DSC-HX9V, is also the first to sport a 24mm Sony G lens with a 16x optical zoom. That's certainly great news for lurkers or folks who like shooting from a far, especially when considering both cameras are capable of recording 1920 x 1080 60p HD video. Their new "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor also is the first to support a so-called Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR mode, which lets users capture up to 42.9 megapixel scenes with a whopping 10480 x 4096 resolution. Speaking of panoramas, the new camera's have also picked up the same 3D Sweep Panorama Mode, GPS, and Dual Recording functions found on other cyber shots announced back at CES. If you're dying to get your hands on that crazy zoom action, their official release is set for April with pre-sales starting in February. Price wise, the DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V cameras will cost about $450 and $350, respectively. For more details hit up the PR after the break or browse through the gallery below. %Gallery-115441%
Sony Cyber-shot HX100V and HX9V models leaked, superzoomers in large and small sizes
Two new additions to the Cyber-shot line have apparently leaked, and while they're perhaps not as titillating as some other consumer electronics the company has managed to let slip ahead of their announcement, we'll bring them to you just the same. First is the HX100V, a 30x zoom (27 - 810mm) compact that borrows some features and styling from the Alpha line. It has a 16.2 megapixel backside-illuminated sensor with BIONZ processing capable of recording 1080p video and, supposedly, has GPS in there somewhere too. Next up is the HX9V, pictured below, a rather more compact compact offering what looks to be the same 16 megapixel sensor but tucked behind a smaller, 16x optical zoom lens. It too is said to do 1080p video but, alas, we don't have any clue about price or availability for either.
Sony reveals 3D capturing Cyber-shot cameras, includes world's first compact capable of 1080/60p video
Sony has announced the DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot cameras here in Las Vegas, which are the world's first compacts to include a 3D still capture feature using just one lens and imager. This is made possible via a special shooting mode that takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions that are then combined to produce a 3D effect. All also feature so-called Dual Rec technology borrowed from the Handycam line that enables users to capture three megapixel stills while recording video. Outside of what they have in common, several of the models have a few noteworthy details. The DSC-WX10 is the only digital compact to support full 1920 x 1080/60p video capture. Speaking of firsts, the DSC-TX100V is the first Cyber-shot to to feature a 3.5-inch OLED touch screen. Less revolutionary (but still drool-worthy) is the DSC-HX7V's ability to record the location and direction of a particular photos thanks to a built-in GPS and compass, while the DSC-TX10 is ruggedized to be waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof. All of these models will be available this March, and cost between $220 and $380. For more details be sure to check out the full PR after the jump. %Gallery-112852%
Sony announces six new W, H and T-series Cyber-shot point-and-shoots
Sony's in full-on product dump mode at the moment, and that naturally includes a whole new range of point-and-shoot Cyber-shot cameras. The DSC-W510 kicks things off on the low-end with a 4x optical zoom and 12 megapixel sensors for $100, while the DSC-W530, DSC-W560, and DSC-W570 each offer some modest upgrades in megapixels and / or zooms and other specs, and top out at a $180 list price. Joining those are the touchscreen-equipped DSC-T110 that will do 720p video for $230, and the DSC-H70 (also $230) that packs a 25mm wide angle lens with a 10x optical zoom. Hit up the gallery below for some more shots, and head on past the break for the full press release with specs for the lot of them %Gallery-112814%
KDDI au outs Winter 2010 and Spring 2011 collections at the same time
A few of these handsets were already public knowledge, but by and large, KDDI's mind-numbing torrent of phones announced as members of its new Winter 2010 and Spring 2011 collections will leave you once again asking why you haven't sold your four-bedroom suburban home and relocated your entire family to a 125 square foot flat in the heart of Tokyo. We've already talked about the X-Ray, a member of KDDI's fashion-forward iida line, and the 16.4 megapixel Sony Ericsson S006 -- but other highlights include the IS04, IS05, and IS06, Android smartphones from Toshiba, Sharp, and Pantech, respectively (which doesn't even include Sharp's IS03 announced at CEATEC a few days ago). Of the three, none matches the IS03's 960 x 640 display nor its low-power secondary LCD, but the Toshiba Regza IS04 notably features a 12.1 megapixel cam. As the iida line goes, the X-Ray will be joined by the G11, a follow-on to 2009's G9 model -- and from what we can discern, it'll be a GSM / CDMA dual mode slider for international roaming with a touch-sensitive area below the 854 x 480 display in place of the G9's physical keys. Highlights among the other models include an upgraded Sharp Aquos Shot SH010 combining a 14.1 megapixel sensor with a waterproof shell, a Bravia-branded Sony Ericsson S005 with a 1GHz processor, and "simple" phones from Kyocera and Pantech -- the K008 and PT002, respectively -- that are designed for the occasional shopper that actually doesn't want ridiculous specs designed to make every phone outside Japan look like a DynaTAC. There's also a new e-reader, the E Ink-equipped Biblio Leaf SP02, featuring integrated solar recharging -- a smart feature for a device designed to sip power in the first place -- and a new mobile WiFi hotspot from Pantech, the WiFi Walker Data05. If you need to know more, follow the source link, but we've got to warn you: it might be hours before you're done.
Sony Ericsson brings 16 megapixel Cyber-shot S006 cellphone to KDDI
KDDI may have done its best to bury it amongst the few dozen other phones it announced today (including that eye-catching X-RAY clamshell), but we're not about to let the first phone using Sony's new 16.4 megapixel CMOS sensor slip by. That honor naturally goes to Sony Ericsson itself, which has stuffed the sensor into the otherwise ordinary looking Cyber-shot S006 cellphone. In addition to all those megapxiels, you'll also get ISO settings up to ISO 12800, and the rest of the camera's specs aren't too shabby either, including a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 3.3-inch screen (said to be VGA, though we're assuming it's actually HVGA or WVGA), and built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Unfortunately, all of that is paired with Sony's own proprietary non-smartphone OS and it's, of course, exclusive to KDDI in Japan for the time being (and only being released next spring).
Sony circles August 24 for all-new Alpha DSLR launch event
News has been a bit barren on the DSLR front lately (not counting Pentax's color explosion earlier on), but that's not going to last for much longer. Sony is starting up the fall refresh cycle with "never-before-seen" Alpha models, which will be shown off at an event on August 24 alongside the NEX-VG10 and some 3D-capable Cyber-shots. We've no way of knowing what's in store, but if you're in a speculative kind of mood, Sony Alpha Rumors suggests the new shooters will include a semi-transparent mirror (most intriguing!) and a pleasingly fast 10fps burst shooting mode. That's enough to whet our appetite, now bring on the full dish of details already. [Thanks, Dario]
Sony skips over Alpha line, uses Canon DSLR for Cyber-shot press photos
Yeah, it'd be far more egregious if Nikon lowered itself to using Canon gear for press photos, but even still, Sony should know better. And by "know better," we mean "remove telling EXIF data before hosting press shots up for the world to see." Sure enough, the outfit used Canon's (admittedly stellar) 5D Mark II to capture the press photography that represents its new WX5 and TX9 Cyber-shot digicams, and the proof -- as they say -- is in the metadata. Hit that source link and download away to see for yourself. But be quick -- we get the idea this little slip will be cleaned up in record time. [Thank, Tyson]
Sony's latest Cyber-shots boast 3D sweep panorama, background defocusing
It's getting to be that time of the year again -- time for Sony to expand / refresh its Cyber-shot lineup. Say hello to the 14.1 megapixel T99 and the 12.2 megapixel WX5 and TX9. All three feature BIONZ processors and 32MB internal memory (no word on external options). The T99's your underwater-capable option, capable of shooting sweep panorama shots submerged as well as 720p 30fps HD video -- or if you want something of an upgrade, the TX9 is also snorkeling-friendly, but itself can tout Full HD 1080i video recording, a Sweep Multi Angle for "3D-style" imagine, and the 3D sweep panorama with which the NEX series was just graced. Another neat trick of the Tx9 is its "background defocus" that gives you the DSLR-like effect of sharp foreground images with a blurry background (c.f. most of our headlining phone review images). If you're willing to sacrifice water resistance for a 5x optical zoom and Sony G lens (the previous two feature 4x and Carl Zeiss) while still retaining TX9's cool 3D tricks, you're gonna want the WX5. At this point, they carry no price tag, but you've got a bit to wait anyway: the trio will all debut in mid-September. Update: Akihabara News is reporting these cameras also support TransferJet. Additionally, AV Watch has listed some expected prices for Japan, so without further ado: the WX5 for 35,000 yen (about $400), the TX9 for 45,000 yen ($512), and the T99 for a more budget-friendly 29,000 yen ($330). %Gallery-97122%
Sony's waterproof and dustproof DSC-TX5 stands up to review scrutiny
You'll remember the TX5 as Sony's do-it-all solution for compact camera fans. It aims to be both stylish -- with a slender 0.7-inch profile and a 3-inch touchscreen -- and rugged, thanks to a metal frame that makes it impervious to water, dust and sub-zero conditions. Throw in the backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization, SDHC compatibility, and 720p movie mode and you've got a pretty fearsome paper tiger on your hands. But does it roar in reality? According to Photography Blog, you won't be getting the finest image quality around, but the TX5 impressed with some terrific high ISO performance, excellent handling of chromatic aberrations, and a versatility that allows you to take photos you might not otherwise get to with more conventional shooters. That is an opinion broadly shared by CNET, though both reviewers agreed that pricing will be a tough pill to swallow given that this is still just a 10 megapixel point-and-shoot. Hit the sources for more or mosey on past the break for a sample video.
