A-DIGITAL-EYE (21ST CENTURY DIGITAL CAMERAS, PHOTO PRINTERS, PAPERS, CAMCORDERS, IMAGING SOFTWARE, DIGITAL EQUIPMENT, REVIEWS AND MORE!)
SONY ANNOUNCES TWO NEW COMPACT CYBERSHOT CAMERAS (10/21/03)
Sony has issued press releases tonight announcing two new Cybershot digital cameras. The Cybershot DSC-T1 is a 5 megapixel (1/2.4" CCD) camera which features an ultra-slim pocket design, a 3X Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® optical lens lens (38~114mm 35mm equivalent, f3.5~4.4) that operates within the camera rather than extending out, and a huge 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 211k Pixels, and a Transflective design which reflects ambient light for increased brightness. The DSC-T1 also has a very fast image processor (Sony's Real Imaging Processor) which allows full resolution images to be shot at 1 second intervals and there is a burst mode which takes four image in under 2 seconds. The DSC-T1 has a very fast startup time of just over 1 second and has other impressive specifications including Clear Color and Clear Luminance Noise Reduction, Slow Shutter NR subtractive noise reduction for long exposures, Live Histogram display in record and playback modes, 4 Mode flash (Auto/On/Off/Slow Synchro), TTL Pre-flash metering, red-eye reduction selectable in all modes, Scene Mode w/8 presets, 49 Segment Multi-pattern measuring exposure system and Spot meter modes a 5 area multi-point AF and multi-pattern AE as well as AF Illuminator low light focusing assist. The T1 camera is further capable of capturing and playing back high resolution moving images in MPEG-VX Fine mode (640 by 480 resolution at 30 frames per second with sound) with use of optional Memory Stick PRO Duo* cards which Sony claims is "good enough to make onlookers believe that it was captured with a digital camcorder." The very slim and light-weight design of this power packed 5 MegaPixel camera (about the size of a credit card according to Sony) is further made possible by the newly designed matchbook sized Infolithium® battery system and by use of the smaller Memory Stick Duo format cards. Sony indicates that the T1 is only 7/8th an inch in width and weighs just 6.6 ounces. Included in the box is a 32MB Duo Memory card, an Memory Stick/Duo adaptor and an AC Adaptor/charger, cradle. The DSC-T1 will be available in January 2004 for about $550.00.
The second camera is the new Cybershot U-40, which features the same small compact design as prior U series cameras but now accepts the newer Duo and Duo Pro memory sticks which are smaller in size compared to the original Sony Memory Sticks. The U-40 is a tiny 2 megapixel fixed lens (no optical zoom) camera with a sliding lens cover design which allows the camera to be powered on and ready to take images almost instantly. The Cybershot U-40 also features PictBridge support allowing users to print images directly from the camera to supported Printers without the need for a personal computer. The U-40 will come in 4 stylish colors, silver, black, dark blue and red and is expected to ship in January at a price of around $200.00.
Here are the full press releases from Sony USA.
SONY TAKES 'NO COMPROMISE' APPROACH TO NEW SLIM CAMERA
World's Smallest Five Megapixel Camera Packs Performance and Style
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2003 *Adding one more case to the "How'd They Do That?" file, the miniaturization wizards at Sony (known formally as product designers and engineers) took features found on more full-figured digital cameras and squeezed them into a slim, pocket-friendly design no larger than a deck of cards.Slide the front lens cover down and in just over one second, the Cyber-shot® DSC-T1 digital camera's large 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder comes to life. It occupies roughly two-thirds of the camera's back-surface area, giving more room to see and show off images at the moment they are captured.
Press the shutter release button and the camera demonstrates why it is perhaps the fastest five megapixel camera. Due in large part to Sony's Real Imaging Processor* circuit, it shoots full-resolution images in one second intervals, and can capture four high-speed burst shots in less than two seconds. But the camera offers more than great still pictures. With optional Memory Stick PRO Duo* cards, the T1 camera captures and plays back high resolution moving images in MPEG-VX Fine mode*good enough to make onlookers believe that it was captured with a digital camcorder.
"True to Sony's DNA, we created a digital camera that balances the cutting-edge performance with eye-catching design," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of Sony Electronics' Personal, Mobile and Imaging Products Division. "If the best camera is the one that you have with you at all times, then this is that camera."
So, How Did They Do That?
The slim metallic design of the Cyber-shot T1 digital camera
is attributed to a new Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® optical
lens that operates within the camera rather than extending out.
In spite of its compact design, the camera still features a five
megapixel CCD image sensor and a 3X optical zoom to ensure great
image quality. Other miniaturization efforts include the development
of a new rechargeable Infolithium® battery system that is
roughly the size of a matchbox and a tiny Memory Stick PRO Duo
removable media slot.
The USB port, A/V Out and DC jacks have also been relocated to the new camera docking station (bundled accessory) for charging the battery pack or connecting the camera to a TV or computer. The result is a camera that measures about 0.8 inches thin and 2.4 inches tall.
- Taking the Guess Work Out of Lighting
Conditions
- The Cyber-shot T1 camera is packed with sophisticated auto-focus and auto-exposure options to help get the picture right the first time. Users can also select from eight different shooting modes in accordance with the shooting conditions. The camera automatically makes the optimum settings to match the scene, making it easy to shoot high quality images even under difficult lighting conditions. In the Magnifying Glass scene mode, subjects that appear on the LCD screen are magnified up to 3.3 times, which allow users to see details that would otherwise be difficult to confirm with the naked eye. Other modes include twilight, portrait, landscape, snow, beach, high speed shutter and even fireworks.
The Cyber-shot T1 camera will be available in January for about $550.
Accessories To Go
To get the most of the new digital camera, Sony will offer a
variety of accessories that includes:
· Marine Pack for Cyber-shot T1 camera (MPK-THA): Underwater camera housing that protects the camera to depths as low as 120 feet (40 meters). Available for about $200.
· Removable Battery (NP-FT1): An additional power source for those occasions when a lot of pictures will be captured. Available for about $60.
· Compact Travel Charger (BC-TR1): Convenient and portable AC charger. Available for about $60.
· Memory Stick PRO Duo (MSX-M256A, MSX-M512A): Ultra-small memory card with capacities up to 512MB with prices starting at about $125.
· Leather Case (LCS-THA): Stylish and durable carrying case designed specifically for the Cyber-shot T1 camera. Available for about $50.
UPTOWN CHIC MEETS DOWNTOWN FUN IN SONY'S NEW CYBER-SHOT 'U'
Ultra-Slim U40 Camera Captures Looks
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2003 * Lipstick: check. Car keys: check. Stylish camera to capture an evening with friends: check*if you have the latest Cyber-shot® U-series camera from Sony. Expected in January for about $200, the stylish U40 camera will come in four colors (silver, black, dark blue and red) that match your mood or your outfit.
Slide the front cover sideways and the two-megapixel camera comes to life in under one second*giving enough time to capture candid shots. "Life happens in the blink of an eye, and the U40 camera is ready when you are," said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronics' Personal Mobile and Imaging Division. "It's about the size of a candy bar, but full featured enough to ensure that the shots turn out great."
The new camera accepts both the ultra small Memory Stick PRO Duo* and Memory Stick Duo* flash memory cards. As with other Cyber-shot U-series cameras, the U40 model has a simple-to-use interface. But behind the scenes, advanced photographic features work invisibly to allow users to concentrate on capturing the moment without being distracted by camera settings. These include:
Pre-Flash Metering: For capturing a subject with a scenic background under low-light conditions, the camera illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction insure great flash shots.
MPEG Movie Mode (Video only): For those moments when a simple still picture doesn't capture the entire mood, DSC-U40 camera captures up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution) that are perfect for emailing to family and friends.
Bright LCD Monitor: For framing a picture accurately, the reflective LCD absorbs and reflects the ambient light through the LCD to improve brightness outdoors.
Supplied Rechargeable NiMH Batteries: The unit comes supplied with Sony's Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina batteries and an external charger.
Print Directly to Printers: Via a USB connection, users can print their images directly with any PictBridge* compatible printer.
