Sony Alpha DSLR Concept Models and Waterproof, Shockproof Cyber-shot Camera
Cyber-Shot Digital Cameras
This mid-range Alpha will succeed the A700 DSLR.
Sony’s concept ultra-compact interchangeable-lens camera system
Cyber-shot DSC-H55
Cyber-shot DSC-TX5
San Diego, CA—Sony revealed concept products that include an ultra-compact with interchangeable lenses and a new Alpha DSLR, and the company released the Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 and DSC-H55.
Planned additions to the Alpha lineup include a concept model of an ultra-compact interchangeable-lens digital camera system that offers the quality of a DSLR in a smaller body, along with interchangeable lenses. Sony also announced a mid-range concept camera for advanced users and prosumers (a successor to the A700).
For its Cyber-shot compact line, Sony recently shipped the DSC-TX5 certified waterproof camera and DSC-H55 high-zoom compact.
Cyber-shot DSC-TX5. Less than an inch thin, the TX5 is reportedly the thinnest, smallest certified waterproof (to 10 feet) camera with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and touch operation. The 10.2 megapixel model employs an Exmor R CMOS sensor that is certified to be freezeproof to 14 degrees F and shockproof enough to withstand a 5-foot drop. It also offers low-light performance, 720p HD video recording, 10-frames-per-second continuous burst shooting and in-camera multishot backlight correction high dynamic range features. Utilizing its intelligent sweep panorama function, users can take panoramic photos of landscapes, even underwater shots, with one press-and-sweep motion.
The TX5 is also equipped with a foldable 25mm-equivalent 4x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens and a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD that functions underwater. Users can focus, operate the menu and share photos and videos with a touch of the screen—wet or dry. The DSC-TX5 comes in silver, black, pink, green and red. $350.
Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The 14.1MP H55 has a 3.0-inch LCD and a 25mm-equivalent 10x optical zoom Sony G lens designed for shots from greater distances and of wider landscapes. It too provides 720p HD movie recording, sweep panorama mode and blur-fighting Optical SteadyShot optical image stabilization, as well as Optical SteadyShot with active mode, which helps users shoot smoother movies even if walking.
Like the TX5, the H55 offers a self-portrait timer that automatically takes the shot two seconds after one or two faces are detected, Smile Shutter technology and iAuto and easy modes. Both accept Memory Stick and SD/SDHC memory formats. The DSC-H55 is available in black and silver. $250. http://www.sony.com