New Cyber-shot digital cameras from Sony

Sony announced the availability of their new range of Cyber-shot cameras in South Africa this week, promising HD movie capturing, 3D imaging and sweep panorama capability.

The Cyber-shot WX5 and TX9 boast the ability to record full HD (1920 x 1080, 50i) AVCHD movie clips. According to Sony they are also the first Cyber-shot cameras that can capture 3D images to enjoy on any 3D-compatible TV.

Superior Auto mode

The WX5 and TX9 are the first Cyber-shot cameras that can capture extremely low-noise images, said Sony, comparing the quality to that of digital SLR cameras.

Powered by the 12.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS Sensor, Superior Auto mode captures a high-speed burst of up to six frames when you press the shutter button. Sony said that the camera settings are automatically optimised according to shooting conditions.

Cyber-shot then combines information from each frame to create a low-noise picture with wide dynamic range, as enjoyed by DSLR photo enthusiasts.

Sony said that the new Background Defocus makes it easy to achieve pro-style images, similar to the results achieved with a DSLR camera and wide-aperture lens. Cyber-shot rapidly shoots two frames when the shutter button is pressed.

Position information between the foreground and background is analysed automatically, creating a single picture with your subject in sharp focus and a blurred background. Sony also says that the new Soft Skin mode flatters portrait subjects even further, automatically removing small wrinkles and skin blemishes.

3D images and panoramas

3D Sweep Panorama lets you shoot 3D images without needing a bulky double-lens camera system.

Just press the shutter button: the Exmor R CMOS Sensor inside the Cyber-shot WX5 and TX9 capture a high-speed burst of frames as you sweep the camera from side to side. Information from up to 100 images is automatically combined to create a stereoscopic pair of frames.

You can enjoy the results by connecting the camera by HDMI to your 3D-compatible TV, Sony said.

Also new this year, Sweep Multi Angle shoots a high-speed burst of fifteen frames, creating a ‘3D-style’ image of your subject that can be viewed from different angles.

After shooting, just tilt the Cyber-shot from side to side: sensors inside the camera detect your movements, scrolling through the sequence of multi-angle frames as you tilt and view the camera’s LCD screen. Sony added that multi-angle views can also be viewed simultaneously on an ordinary 2D television as you tilt the camera.

You can also enjoy panoramic shots with the Cyber-shot TX9 while you’re snorkelling or diving. Add an optional marine housing and select Underwater Sweep Panorama mode that optimises white balance for underwater subjects.

Cyber-shot T99

Also available is the Cyber-shot T99 with a choice new colour options. It features Sweep Panorama, 720p HD movie recording, and the new Soft Skin mode. Like the Cyber-shot TX9, the T99 also features new Underwater Sweep Panorama mode for extra-wide sub-aqua scenes.

The recommended retail prices are as follows:

TX9 – R4,299

WX5 – R3,299

T99 – R2,499

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