Sony DSC-WX5 Cyber-shot Digital Camera

Sony just unveiled the DSC-WX5 Cyber-shot® digital still camera that can capture 3D images with a single lens system using a sweeping motion.

Create Your Own 3D Panoramas
Both models offer a 3D Sweep Panorama feature, which lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions (3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately.)

The DSC-WX5 has a 2.8-inch LCD screen lets you view images in a whole new way. Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which lets you view your 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras' LCD screen by tilting the camera back and forth. This new shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo, creating a 3D-like effect on the display.

In addition to Sweep Multi Angle, the 12.2 megapixel WX5 features include Background Defocus, which simulates depth of field control and Superior Auto mode, which provides low image-noise levels previously only available from DSLR cameras.

Superior Quality, DSLR-Like Artistic Photos
Superior Auto mode also makes it easier to get cleaner, sharper more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. An extension of Intelligent Auto mode, the Superior Auto feature takes multiple shots to reduce image noise and extend dynamic range. The cameras automatically recognize the correct scene, then quickly shoot and when needed, combine up to six shots to produce images of greater quality than possible with a single shot.

Superior Auto is the world's first auto mode that utilizes multiple shots. While there are other cameras with multi-shot technology, only Sony cameras know when to take multiple shots automatically. Only Superior Auto can evaluate the scene and automatically engage multi-shot technology to get the best shot.

The Background Defocus mode provides artistic photos like those taken with a DSLR by making it easy to blur the image's background, putting the emphasis on your subject and creating a bokeh effect. The camera takes two shots, identifies the background and applies a defocus effect keeping your subject crisp and clear in the foreground.

The Natural Flash feature also improves image quality and captures colors the way the eye sees them. This feature takes a reference shot without flash and then uses that as a color reference correction, resulting in more lifelike images.

The camera also helps you focus on moving subjects. By selecting your subject on the LCD screen, the camera will keep focus even as the subject moves closer or farther away. Another new feature, Soft Skin mode, recognizes skin tones and reduces the appearance of imperfections without affecting the rest of the shot. With Sony's “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology, the new cameras provide excellent low-light performance and 10fps burst shooting.

Full HD Video
With the AVCHD format, used in Sony's high-definition Handycam® camcorders, the models can record movies in 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolutions in 60i at up to 17Mbps for smooth movement during playback. They can also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.

In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the WX5 camera has Optical SteadyShot® image stabilization, helping overcome camera shake.

The WX5 camera is an ideal choice for DSLR owners who also want to carry a compact, high-performance point-and-shoot camera. With a Sony G lens (5x 24-120mm), the WX5 camera can capture an unusually wide range for its compact size and features a wide aperture (F2.4), enhancing low-light performance.

The WX5 is memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick PRO Duo and class 4 and above SD/SDHC formats.

Also introduced today are Sony's Cyber-shot T99 and TX9, which are compared below. All three models will be available in September.

*body only without battery or memory card