Before there was CES when did camera makers show off their new gear? Well I am not that old so I don't know the answer. Sony digital cameras were announced this week at CES. Let's take a look at what is new. 1/4/2006 Release
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-S600 Digital Camera Introduction
Sony Debuts A New Cyber-Shot Camera That is Heavy On Features yet Light On the Pocket Book
LAS VEGAS , Jan. 4, 2006 — There is more to consider when purchasing a digital still camera than pixels and price. Sony's new Cyber-shot® DSC-S600 model offers that and more.
The new camera features six-megapixel resolution and a precision Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lens with a 3x optical wide-angle (31 - 93 mm) zoom, which is much wider than other cameras in its class, so everyone is sure to be in the shot.
It has an advanced feature set engineered to deliver focused, properly exposed pictures in a snap.
"In addition to its impressive six megapixels, it's a camera with intelligence, helping you to capture every special moment without concern about complex camera settings," said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics.
Sophisticated Controls for Better Pictures
For only about $200, the camera offers a combination of advanced features.
It offers sophisticated auto exposure and focus controls that work transparently behind the scenes for a seamless camera experience. Sony's multi-pattern measuring function gauges incoming light by examining 49 points across the frame. With multi-point auto focus, the camera intelligently evaluates five different focus areas and selects the best focus setting for the subject instead of the background.
Sony goes even further by adding high-light sensitivity (up to IS0 1000) to the model, allowing for higher shutter speeds in low-light conditions and reducing the chance of blurred images. With higher sensitivity, you can shoot in available light for more natural exposure or in settings where flash is not permitted, such as museums.
When you do need flash photography, this same sensitivity actually increases the camera's flash effective range to 33 feet -- significantly greater than previous models in its class.
Tools for Added Convenience
This compact, ultra-portable camera is ready to capture pictures whenever the moment strikes. Powered by Sony's Real Imaging Processor® circuit, this Cyber-shot model boasts a quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life -- up to 460 shots per charge using rechargeable NiMH batteries.
The camera fits comfortably in your hand and has a large, two-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and image sharing.
For those moments when a simple still picture does not capture the entire mood, the DSC-S600 model captures 640x480 VGA-resolution MPEG video at 30 frames per second that is perfect for viewing on your television.
It is equipped with 32MB of internal memory so that you can start shooting as soon as the camera is out of the box. The camera's capacity can be easily expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo™ media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ card, now available in capacities up to two gigabytes.
More Ways to Enjoy Cyber-Shot Cameras
The camera's image resolution is ideal for making high-quality prints. Simply connect the model to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer and print from the convenience of your own home. You can even create postcards or calendars using the printer's supplied software.
With Sony's ImageStation® online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts from coffee mugs and photo books to calendars and T-shirts.
The Cyber-shot DSC-S600 camera is available now online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at www.sony.com/S600
It is supplied with two AA alkaline batteries, a USB cable, wrist strap and CD-ROM software. Options include an accessory kit (ACC-CN3TR) for about $40, an AC Adapter (AC-LS5K) for about $40, and a tripod (VCT-R100) for about $35.
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Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-M2 Digital Camera Introduction
Advanced Technologies Put This Camera At The Top Of Its Class
LAS VEGAS , Jan. 4, 2006 - The new Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-M2 digital camera combines great quality digital still photography and impressive movie-shooting capabilities.
Featuring 5.1-megapixel resolution, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar® lens and Sony's Real Imaging Processor® circuitry, the camera offers outstanding image capture in either mode.
"We recognize that some people don't want to have separate imaging devices for their photos and video," said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. "Our new Cyber-shot has been specifically engineered for these people."
A New Way To Record
Designed for optimal photo taking and video making, the camera's vertical one-handed grip sits comfortably in the palm of your hand. With just a gentle push to the side of the LCD panel, the camera powers up, the 2.5-inch LCD screen flips out, and it is ready to shoot.
Every moment becomes a full story with the camera's hybrid record mode. When you press the shutter release, you get more than a snapshot. The camera automatically records five seconds of video before snapping the picture and three seconds after. There is no longer a need to choose between stills and video - you can get both.
Sony's MPEG MOVIE 4TV movie function captures full-screen, high-quality video. At 640 x 480 VGA resolution and 30 frames per second, the resulting clips are ideal for viewing on television. The model's sensor has been optimized with a high refresh rate, doubling the horizontal resolution.
The camera's MPEG4 compression captures high-quality video in far less space than other cameras using MPEG1 technology. You can record high-resolution still images and video clips without a large-capacity media card. Or, you can purchase a 2 GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media card and record up to 1-1/2 hours of continuous video.
Additionally, the new camera offers stereo audio recording to truly capture the full experience of being there with surprising fidelity for such a compact device. And, while some digital cameras do not let you zoom in movie mode, the DSC-M2 model continues to zoom in all modes.
The camera is supplied with Nero Vision Express 3 software so that editing footage and burning it to DVD is effortless. Convert video clips into home videos for everyone to enjoy. The supplied Cyber-shot Station cradle provides a convenient connection point for television viewing, USB transfer, and in-camera battery charging.
On-Camera Show and Tell
The new camera features pocket album and slide show plus movie functions to maximize your viewing enjoyment.
With each full-resolution image shot and stored on your Memory Stick, the camera's pocket album function automatically stores a duplicate 640x480 resolution image in its internal memory, which holds 1,100 images. When the maximum capacity is reached, unprotected images are deleted leaving ample room for your favorites in pocket album for sharing wherever you go.
The camera's slide show function brings photos to life without using a PC. Images and video can be played back with pans, wipes, fades and zooms, and then choreographed to pre-loaded soundtracks. You can even upload your own music to personalize slide shows using the supplied Picture Package software. A built-in speaker gives your slide shows that cinematic effect with sound to complete the experience. And, of course, a television can be connected for added enjoyment.
More Ways to Enjoy Cyber-Shot Digital Cameras
The camera's image resolution is ideal for making high-quality prints. Simply connect the model to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer and print from the convenience of your own home. You can even create postcards or calendars using the printer's supplied software.
With Sony's ImageStation® online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts from coffee mugs and photo books, to calendars and T-shirts.
Stylish and compact, the Cyber-shot DSC-M2 camera is finished in an elegant silver metallic aluminum case. The unit will be available this month online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and for about $500 at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at www.sony.com/M2
The camera is supplied with a Cyber-shot Station™ cradle, which makes charging and connecting to a computer, printer or TV even simpler; an InfoLITHIUM™ battery; AC adapter; AV/USB cables, PicturePackage v. 1.2.1 and Nero Vision Express 3 software; and a wrist strap. Optional accessories include a form-fitting case (LCS-MHB) for about $40, a travel charger (BC-TR1) for about $60 and a tripod (VCT-R100) for about $35.