Sony is expanding the range of its Cyber-shot compact camera line with the introduction of three new "Exmor R" CMOS sensor equipped models ? the WX300, HX300 and TX30 cameras. The company also introduces the the Sony SLT-A58 and the NEX-3N cameras.
The slim Cyber-shot WX300 camera is possibly the world’s smallest and lightest digital still camera that packs a 20x optical zoom range. It features a Sony G Lens that handles wide-angle landscapes, portraits and close-ups with ease. It also has Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which reduces the effect of hand shake. Image stabilization during zoom has been improved and is about twice as effective compared to previous 20x optical zoom Sony cameras.
Autofocus on the new WX300 camera has also been improved compared to its predecessors, and is now about 3.6x faster than previous models. Battery life has also been boosted, as the new model packs enough stamina to shoot up to 500 photos (CIPA measurement) from a single charge.
The new WX300 camera has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, utilizing Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile application, available for both Android and iOS app platforms, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos to a connected smartphone or tablet. It also allows a connected device to be used as a handy wireless remote to control the camera. Still images stored in the camera can also be viewed wirelessly on a networked TV.
The new Cyber-shot WX300 compact camera will be available this April for about $330.
With a DSLR-style design and handling, the power-packed Cyber-shot HX300 offers photographers long-zoom capabilities in a compact package. Featuring a 50x optical zoom range (24mm-1200mm equivalent) – among the highest for any compact camera – the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens covers a wide range of shooting possibilities. The T coating on lens surfaces cuts reflections and 'flare', while Super ED and ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration.
In a first for the Cyber-shot line, the HX300 camera features newly-enhanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that improves framing and composition at high zoom settings. The HX300 model also has new and improved high-speed autofocus at telephoto settings that locks onto subjects about twice as fast as its predecessor, the HX200V model.
Great for swimming, snorkeling or any other kind of outdoor activity, the Cyber-shot TX30 is a slim waterproof digital compact camera. It features 5x optical zoom and is waterproof to a depth of 10m (33 ft), dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof.
New to the Cyber-shot line, the TX30 model features a Magnifying Glass Plus mode that zooms in for a super-size, magnification (up to 15x) of close objects. There is also a LED light surrounding the lens for adding light to close up shots.
Each of the new models features an improved Superior Auto Mode that automatically adjusts camera settings for the ideal composition in all lighting situations.
The three new cameras all come equipped with Picture Effect settings that make it easy to spice up photos, movies and panoramas instantly and automatically with a range of artistic treatments like Toy Camera, Pop Color, Soft High Key and Partial Color.
The HX300 and TX30 cameras will both be available this March for about $500 and $350, respectively.
Sony he α NEX-3N
Sony’s new α NEX-3N digital camera promises to deliver professional quality photos and Full HD videos in an ultra-compact body weighing in at just under 7.5 ounces.
The new NEX-3N camera will be offered as a kit with the compact SELP1650 motorized zoom lens. The camera features a newly added zoom lever on top of the body, allowing for smooth fingertip control of lens focal length. The lever can also adjust digital zoom on the camera if a powered zoom lens (SELP1650 or SELP18200) is not being used.
The 16.1 effective megapixel APS HD CMOS sensor in the new NEX-3N camera is identical in size to those found in traditional DSLR cameras. Its large surface area takes in more light during image capture, allowing the camera to produce flawless, low-noise photographs with blurred backgrounds and highly detailed full HD videos (60i/24p). It also boosts maximum camera sensitivity to ISO16000.
The NEX-3N camera debuts new Auto Object Framing technology, which allows shooters to create professionally framed photos with each composition. This feature identifies the main object of the framed scene – whether it’s one person, two people or even macro and moving subjects – and then automatically trims the scene around the object to create a professionally-styled composition. The cropped photo is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain high image detail, tones and textures. Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.
Additionally, the NEX-3N model is built with a BIONZ processor that utilizes the same area-specific noise reduction technology featured on Sony’s full-frame α99 camera.
The NEX-3N is also the first E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that offers support for new "TRILUMINOS Color". This allows users to experience an expanded palette of colors when videos and still images from the camera are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for “TRILUMINOS Display”.
Other essentials include a 7.5cm (3.0-type) LCD screen that flips 180 degrees.
Shooters can now choose from a range of 13 high-quality E-mount lenses available for use with the NEX-3N camera to realize its full creative potential. The line-up includes a variety of telephoto, zoom, wide angle, and macro lenses manufactured by both Sony and Carl Zeiss.
The new NEX-3N compact digital camera will be available this April in black and white in a kit with the motorized 16-50mm zoom lens (model SELP1650) for about $500.
Sony α58 Digital SLT Camera
The new Sony SLT-A58 camera is the latest to feature Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting. This technology also allows the camera to shoot sharply focused images at up to eight frames per second (in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode).
At the heart of the new α58 camera is a new 20.1 (approx.) effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor teamed with an improved BIONZ image processing engine. This combination of sensor and processor gives the camera an extra-wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 16000.
The α58 camera also features a bright new OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder. Using the EVF, shooters can instantly see the result of adjusting exposure compensation, aperture, ISO, white balance, Picture Effect and other parameters while they are composing – not afterwards.
The amera has a 15-point AF system that features new Lock-on Autofocus technology for speedier subject tracking. It also
introduces new Auto Object Framing technology: the α58 camera judges what’s in the scene – one person, two people, even moving objects or macro subjects – tracking, framing and cropping the shot to create framed compositions. Cropped photos are boosted back to full resolution using Sony’s By Pixel Super Resolution technology, and both the original and re-composed image files are saved for review.
The α58 model is Sony’s first A-mount interchangeable lens camera that offers support for new TRILUMINOS Color.
The Sony A-mount camera system now features a total of 35 interchangeable lenses – including several Carl Zeiss and G-series optics.
The α58 digital camera will be available as a kit with a brand new 18-55mm zoom lens (model SEL18552) this April for about $600 at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers.