Cybershot
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Sony recalls eight Cyber-shot models
I hereby declare Sony to have had the worst 2006 year of any company. As if major PS3 shortages and being blamed for everyone's exploding batteries aren't enough, they now have to recall eight different models of Cyber-shot cameras that were sold between September 2003 and January 2005. The BBC is reporting that the glitch involves a problem with the image sensor which could cause the screen to improperly display images. No word on the total number of cameras being recalled, but Sony said they'll only repair cameras which are exhibiting the problem; in other words - you can't just send your camera off in hopes of receiving a shiny new one. The affected models are: DSC-F88, DSC-M1, DSC-T1, DSC-T11, DSC-T3, DSC-T33, DSC-U40 and DSC-U50.I can't find many more details on how to determine if your camera is affected or how to participate in the recall process, but this Sony support page might be a good place to start.[via Engadget]
Sony kicks out 007 Edition VAIO TX / DSC-T50B Cybershot
No double agent facade is complete with just an uber-stealthy Sony Ericsson cellphone, as everyone understands that no impossible improbable heist goes down without wiring a few mil to that heavily secured offshore account. Stepping up to the oh-so-dodgy challenge is Sony's own 007 Edition VAIO TX ultraportable, slimmed down to just 1-inch thick and weighing 2.8 pounds in order to fit comfortably in the matching Attaché briefcase. The 11.1-inch machine touts a carbon fiber enclosure, WXGA XBRITE display, 1.2GHz Intel U1400 Core Solo processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 80GB 4200RPM hard drive, Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics set, dual-layer DVD burner, and a snazzy "privacy screen" that blurs all on-screen content to curious enemies not looking head-on. The Casino Royale-approved device also touts audio in / out, Ethernet, 56k modem, a pair of USB 2.0 ports, 4-pin FireWire, MS / MSPro reader, PCMCIA, and the wireless tools (read: WiFi / Bluetooth) no undercover assassin could function without. For snapping up those incriminating reconnaissance photos, Sony bundles in a DSC-T50B (the "B" is for Bond, presumably) which rocks the same bevy of specs found on its less-secretive sibling, but sports a sleek, black finish and the obligatory 007 logo. While you may have got turned down when looking to become Pierce Brosnan's sure-to-be-legendary successor, you can live vicariously through Sony for just $4,299.99 -- but those desirable silhouettes are unfortunately not included.[Thanks, Will]
Sony Ericsson gets its licence [sic] to kill
The name's Ericsson, Sony Ericsson. Everyone's favorite purveyor of Walkman and UIQ-based phones seems to have paid good money to get their kit into the latest James Bond flick, Casino Royale -- and they intend to take full advantage of it, coming to the table with limited edition James Bond versions of the 3.2-megapixel K790 and K800 Cyber-shot phones. Truth be told, we think that diehard 007 fans might come away a little disappointed with the offerings, seeing how the only thing that makes them special is their new color -- silver -- and some bundled Bond-themed media (wallpaper, ringtones, and the like). Frankly, we'd expect a Bond phone to be lethal, but we suppose there might be some legal implications involved in putting that kind of thing on the market. At any rate, if silver cameraphones are your thing, better hurry: Sony Ericsson only plans on making them available through the fourth quarter to line up with the movie's release.[Via Mobiledia, thanks Allen]
Sony's CyberShots: 10 megapixel DSC-N2 and 7.2 megapixel DSC-T50
If you've been craving that hot, 3-inches of touchtastic screen riding atop double-digit megapixels then check it pixel junkies, 'cause Sony's here to sate that need. The CyberShot DSC-N2 is just what we expected following those leaked images and specs: 10.1 megapixels from a tiny 1/1.7-inch CCD, 52MB of on-board memory, a massive 3-inch touch-screen LCD, and an all-too-familiar image-stabilized 3x optical zoom lens in a 6.6-ounce followup to the DSC-N1. The DSC-T30 also got a bump with the announcement of a new top-end T, the 7.2 megapixel DSC-T50 which ditches some of the mechanical buttons 'round back by introducing touch-sensitive control to the existing 3-inch LCD. This 4.6-ounce cam still maintains the same Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3x optical lens with image stabilization but drops the built-in flash memory by 2MB to 56MB. Get your Sony Style, pre-oder on starting tomorrow or wait for these to go retail in October at $450 for the champagne gold DSC-N2 and $500 for the DSC-T50 in your choice of silver, red, or black. Peep the DSC-N2 after the break. [Via Digital Camera Review]
Sony Ericsson K790a "Wilma" sees FCC approval
It comes as no surprise to see that Sony Ericsson was looking for a little FCC love for the K790a variant of their "Wilma" Cyber-shot branded phone, sporting 3.2 megapixels of picture-takin' happiness behind its sliding rear cover. With support for GSM 850, 1800, and 1900, this is a phone T-Mobile and Cingular users can really sink their teeth into -- and given SE's strategy of selling direct off its website, we can all cross our fingers that this thing might be showing up in American hands before too long now that the ceremonial FCC blessing ritual has taken place.
Sony launches Cyber-shot DSC-T10
Ah, our true unabashed, unabating Sony-guilty-pleasure: their so sexy Cyber-shot line's got another notch on the bedpost called the DSC-T10, a not-too-distant T30 ultracompact cousin with a seven megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, ISO 1000 setting, 2.5-inch display, and 56MB of internal memory (should you run out, or if you're anything like us, forget your memory card in your media reader). They're claiming 250 shots per charge on their NiMH cell, and it's all yours to start shooting with for four Benjamins some time this month when it hits store shelves.
Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 reviewed
The good folks at Digital Photography Review have come through with a typically thorough review of Sony's latest prosumer camera, the Cybershot DSC-H5 -- the bigger, blacker counterpart to Sony's DSC-H2, both of which were announced way back in February. On the whole, they found the camera to perform virtually identical to the H2, which they also gave a big thumbs up, once again digging the big 12x optical zoom, great image quality, loads of features, and decent battery life out of a pair of AAs. Also like the H2, the H5 lacks a RAW or TIFF mode and the image stabilization isn't quite as effective as that from some other camera manufactures. That means you'll have to decide for yourself if the extra megapixel of resolution (seven as opposed to six), larger LCD (three inches versus two), and black body is worth the extra hundred bucks or so over the H2.
Sony joins S500 club with new 6 megapixel shooter
Even though Sony already had a budget-oriented 6 megapixel Cybershot, it looks like they've been jonesing for a S500-titled model like all the cool manufacturers have. We are a bit proud of those creative minds at Sony for breaking the general "name predicts megapixel" mould and sticking a 6 megapixel CCD in their DSC-S500, but there really isn't a lot else going on here that we didn't see in this camera's predecessor, the S600. In fact, the S500 has less included memory (24MB instead of 32MB) lower-res video (QVGA instead of VGA) and a smaller ISO range (80-400 instead of 80-1000) than the S600. Still, the new 3x zoom camera does manage a half-inch larger 2.5-inch LCD, and is a bit thinner than the S600. No word on price, or if Sony is planning on selling these two side-by-side, but we're sure Sony's naming committee is high-fiving each other right now for sneaking this one through.
Sony's 7.2 megapixel Cybershot DSC-W70 reviewed
Wasn't it just a few years ago that $300 wouldn't buy you much of a digital camera? How times have changed, because these days, you can not only score a compact 7.2 megapixel model for under three C-notes, but a good one at that -- especially if it's the Sony DSC-W70, says Digital Camera Review. We've known all about the W70 since before this year's Photo Marketing Association show, where it was introduced along with four other Cybershot models, but this one really seems hit that sweet spot of providing the most features for the least amount of dough. As you probably recall, the W70 sports a 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch display, along with 54MB of internal memory and a 300-plus-shot battery in a case barely bigger than a deck of cards, yet according to DCR, still manages to capture quality images with good color accuracy, white balance, and detail -- although it does produce visible noise at ISO settings above 200. Still, with almost no shutter lag, ergonomic controls, and intuitive menus, the W70 sounds like a serious contender for consumers looking for a hassle-free model that takes a good picture at a fair price -- which is probably, like, most of them.
Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 reviewed
That 6 megapixel DSC-H2 announced last month just pulled a righteous first-look review over at HardwareZone. The H2, remember, is Sony's prosumer followup to the DSC-H1. If you liked the H1, then the H2 is sure to please with its higher megapixel count and better low-light imaging capabilities due to a high ISO 1000 sensor sensitivity and "Clear RAW" noise reduction technology. And Sony fanatics will be stoked to hear that Sony opted for a Carl Zeiss lens with that same 12x optical zoom boasted by the H1's in-house Sony lens. Throw in Sony's "Super SteadyShot" optical image stabilization and HardwareZone sez the DSC-H2 is "highly recommended" for travelers who prefer image quality and functionality over portability. And with macro shot focusing at 1-cm, the H2 makes a "fine camera that is ideal for most occasions." Look for these to drop any day now for about $400 beans.[Thanks, Rubylized]
Sony's T30 7.2 megapixel ultracompact
Looks like Sony (Ericsson) decided to forgo the CTIA announcements this week and go straight for the digital cameras: their new 7.2 megapixel T30 ultracompact has a 3-inch display (though not touchscreen, like their N1, which also has a 3-inch screen), added ISO 800 / 1000 levels for lower light / higher noise shots (which, paired with their Steady Shot OIS is now called Super Steady Shot), 3x optical, 58MB internal memory, a 420 shot (CIPA-rated) battery, and an expected $500 price tag for May release. As usual, our bone to pick with Sony making extremely desirable devices that use Memory Stick applies, but if you're one of the 16% willing to look past all that, this looks like a very promising little camera.[Via DC Review]
Sony's CES booth tour
Today we had a chance to walk around and get some hands-on time with a bunch of the products Sony's been pimping so far at CES during the press preview and the Stringer keynote. Here's a visual smorgasboard of the eye candy in the Sony booth:
