New Sony noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones

Sony’s new Bluetooth® headphone range lets you immerse yourself in perfectly clear audio without any cable clutter. Whether you are listening to music or making a phone call, Sony’s echo and noise cancelling technology will ensure exceptional sound quality. In addition, compatibility with the latest Bluetooth® 2.1 standard means not only can you say goodbye to troublesome wires, but reduce interference as well.

The new Bluetooth® headphone range from Sony is comprised of two models; DR-BT100CX and DR-BT101. Both feature simple, easy to use finger-tip controls which make it straightforward to adjust the volume, play and skip music tracks, and accept or reject incoming calls at the touch of a button.

The DR-BT100CX in-ear headphones are the perfect partner for your MP3 player or mobile. USB charging and cord free styling make them easy to use, whilst three sizes of silicon ear bud ensure superior sound quality can be enjoyed in comfort. With eight hours of playback time, these lightweight Bluetooth® headphones will keep you in connected, whatever you’re listening to.

For a headband headset without the inconvenience of cables, the DR-BT101 Sony headphones are the ideal choice. Enjoy rich, clear sound for hours on end through the headphone’s 30mm neodymium driver; twelve hours of playback means there is no risk of running out of power on long journeys. As both models support A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP Bluetooth® profiles, Sony’s new Bluetooth® headphone range keeps you connected and cable free whether you’re travelling, exercising or just listening to your favourite tracks at home.

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Sony

Sony Gets 64 Crazy with Their Vaio Line-up Update

Sony announced they will upgrade their Type S, C, N, J and L to Vista 64Bit with 4GB of RAM on each model… Minor improvements were also announced like better video cards, digital tuners on some models, and new design like on the Type C below… Finally someone, here Sony, decided to ditch the 32bit for the 64bit, we only hope many will follow soon!

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Akihabaranews

Sony DSC HX1

SONY PRESENTS FIRST CYBER-SHOT CAMERA
WITH SWEEP PANORAMA TECHNOLOGY

LAS VEGAS, March 2, 2009 – Sony is spotlighting its first digital still camera to feature sweep panorama technology here at the Photo Marketing Association confab. The new HX1 Cyber-shot model can take 224-degree panorama shots in one easy press-and-sweep motion.

It is also the company’s first Cyber-shot camera to use the exclusive 1/2.4-inch Exmor™ CMOS sensor technology. This technology allows it to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution in continuous burst mode.

Setting it apart from most digital still cameras, which use an electronic shutter to achieve high speed, the HX1 unit has a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when shooting a moving subject.

Compared to images shot with traditional sensors, the HX1 model takes clearer images with about 50 percent less noise when in handheld twilight or anti-blur modes. It is also the first Cyber-shot camera include a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie clip recording capabilities.

“Traditional CMOS sensor technology provides higher shutter speeds, but we are using what we call an Image3 system that combines the best image, sensor and processor,” said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging Division. “By combining this sensor with a high-quality Sony G lens and powerful BIONZ™ processor, we are able to create solutions beyond fast speed that helps consumers get better pictures.”

Incorporating on-chip A/D conversion, which minimizes image degradation that can occur during analogue processing, Noblecilla said the Exmor CMOS sensor delivers outstanding images, reduces noise and can continuously shoot at a high speeds.

Clear Images in Low Light or for Moving Subjects
Compared to cameras with traditional sensors, the HX1 model has two scene modes that significantly reduce noise. Using the high-speed shutter Exmor CMOS sensor technology, the new model takes six shots within a fraction of a second. Combined with the power of the BIONZ imaging processor, it immediately superimposes them into one picture. The camera calculates the position of objects in each frame and composes the sharpest picture possible, resulting in clearer, sharper images.

The two modes that use this functionality include hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur. For difficult shots in low light, the hand-held twilight mode results in clearer and sharper pictures without the need of a tripod. Anti-motion blur uses High ISO to reduce blur especially in dimly lit environments.

To reduce blur, the camera detects if a person or object is moving, or if the camera is shaking, which is likely when taking a telephoto shot. When it superimposes the images, the camera captures the moving subject or object from one of the six shots. It takes, combines and composes the rest of the image using the six shots. This reduces blur on the main subject and results in a sharp, clear background.

Sweep Panorama Technology
Capturing wide landscapes, church spires or skyscrapers is as easy as “press and sweep.” Sweep panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. With wide and ultra-wide settings and horizontal or vertical directions, sweep panorama mode can take up to 224-degree horizontal or 154-degree vertical shots.

Using the fast-speed Exmor CMOS sensor, the camera continuously shoots full-resolution images at a high speed. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, it automatically stitches the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo. The maximum resolution is 7152 x 1080 (ultra wide horizontal).

“This panorama mode is so seamless that it removes the guess work,” Noblecilla said. “The camera indicates where you are in the degree range, so you know how wide you can shoot and stitches the photos automatically. It calculates and aligns pictures for you without using additional software.”

1080p HD Movie Recording
The HX1 camera captures movie clips in 1080p HD resolution, and a built-in stereo microphone records crisp, clear audio. The camera’s wide 20x optical zoom is also available while shooting.
When set to HD movie, it records at 30 frames per second (1440 x 1080). The camera uses the high-quality, high-compression MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. Other recording options include standard-definition video and VGA.

The camera also has HDMI™ connectivity via supplied HDMI accessory (cable not included) so images can be shared in high definition on an HD television set. MPEG4 AVC video recording allows you to view footage on a PC and upload it to the Web.

Sony G Lens
The Sony G lens is optimized to complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony’s cameras. The HX1 camera features a 28-560 millimeter f/2.8-5.2 wide-angle lens with 20x telephoto range. With the combination of this G lens and sweep panorama mode, the camera can cover almost any telephoto and wide angle need.

Containing a six-blade aperture, the G lens produces beautifully defocused backgrounds with a soft, natural feel. A-spherical lens elements and elements made from extra-low dispersion glass combine to minimize chromatic aberration common to high-magnification lenses.

Intelligent Auto
Like many of Sony’s new cameras this year, the HX1 model has the convenient and powerful intelligent auto mode, which combines Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN), Optical SteadyShot™ and face detection technologies. It recognizes scenes and lighting conditions within one-thirtieth of a second, and then changes settings. This produces clearer images with more natural skin tones, reduced red-eye, fewer closed-eye shots and less overall blur without compromising image quality.

The iSCN feature detects up to eight scenes and automatically changes settings that will apply to the scene or lighting conditions. With the iSCN Advance feature, the camera takes a second shot when low or backlight is detected, letting users choose the best picture.

With face detection technology, the camera will adjust the flash, focus, exposure and white balance producing more natural skin tones and reducing red-eye. Face motion detection identifies a moving subject and adjusts the ISO to minimize blur. In conjunction with iSCN, the camera takes two pictures simultaneously and saves the one in which the eyes are the least closed.

A new selected-face memory function registers one face (selected by the user) as the main face and adjusts focus, exposure, flash and white balance accordingly. The camera remembers the face every time that face shows in the frame.

Additionally, the camera comes with Smile Shutter technology that helps capture a smile the moment it happens and dynamic range optimizer (DRO) technology that adjusts for contrast.

Pricing and Availability
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera will be available in April for about $500 and pre-sales will start in March. The camera and a range of accessories will be available online at sonystyle.com.

Sony DSC-HX1 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.4" Exmor CMOS Sensor • 9.1 million effective pixel • 10.3 million effective pixel
Image sizes	• 3456 x 2592 • 3456 x 2304 • 3456 x 1944 • 3648 x 2056 • 2048 x 1536 • 1920 x 1080 • 640 X 480
Image sizes (Panorama)	• 7152 x 1080 • 4912 x 1080 • 4912 x 1920 • 3424 x 1920
Movie clips	• 1280 x 720 (30fps) • 640x480 (30fps)
File formats	• Still Image : JPEG (EXIF 2.2), DPOF v1.1, DCF v2.0, MPF baseline • Movie Clip : mp4, MPEG4
Lens	• Sony G lens • 28-560mm equiv. • 20x Optical zoom • f = 5.0-100.0mm • F2.8(W)-5.2(T)
Conversion lenses	Yes, Tele:VCL-HD1757 (Optional)
Digital zoom	Approx. 40x
Image Stabalisation	Optical SteadyShot
Focus	Auto focus, Semi-Manual, Manual
AF area modes	Intelligent
Focus Mode	• Multi • Centre • Flexible Spot
Focus distance	• Normal :W:Approx.1cm(0.03') to Infinity, T:Approx.150cm(4.92') to Infinity • Macro: W: Approx.1cm(0.03') to Infinity, T:Approx.150cm(4.92') to Infinity
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200
Metering modes	• Multi • Centre • Spot
Shuttter speed	• Auto(2 sec- 1/4,000) • Program Auto(1 sec- 1/4,000) • Manual(30" - 1/4,000)
Aperture	• Auto (F2.8./F8.0(W), • Program auto (F2.8/F8.0(W) • Manual( F2.8/F8.0(W)
Shooting modes	• Mode dial: Intelligent Auto, P Auto, easy, SCN, movie, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual • Scene: High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach, Fire works, Sports, gourmet, ASports, handheld Twilight, Anti-Motion Blur, Sweep Panorama
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent • Fluorescent 2 • Fluorescent 3 • Incandescent • Flash • Custom
Self timer	• Off • 10sec • 2sec
Continous Shooting	Approx. 10.0 fps(10 shots)
Flash	• Modes :Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off • Red Eye Reduction : Auto, On, Off • Range : ISO Auto: Approx.0.3-Approx.9.2m(W) Approx.1.5-Approx.5.1m (T)
LCD monitor	• 3.0 inch TFT LCD • approx. 230,400 pixels
Digital input/output	• USB 2.0 High Speed • Multi-use terminal Type2d
Video output	• HD(1080i) • Composite • NTSC/ PAL
Storage	• Internal memory (Approx. 11 MB) • Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/ Pro HG Duo
Power	InfoLITHIUM H type 6.8V
Weight (no batt)	Approx. 453g (16oz.)
Dimensions	115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4 5/8" x 3 3/8" x 3 5/8")

Additional images

Sony’s Latest Vein Authentication Technology

Mofiria: Sony’s Latest Vein Authentication Technology

We had the Fujitsu Palm Secure, today we have Sony's Mofiria. Basically infrared LEDs light up your veins that a CMOS sensor reads before proceeding with an authentication procedure... A simple explanation I admit, but if you want more crispy details read the complete press release below.



Sony Develops Compact Sized, High Speed, High Accuracy Finger Vein Authentication Technology Dubbed "mofiria"

Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation today announced the development of a finger vein authentication technology called "mofiria." The user-friendly technology offers quick response and high accuracy and comes in a compact size for mounting on mobile devices such as a personal computer or mobile phone.
With the increase of networked products and services, a user-friendly interface for personal authentication and higher security of personal information is in great demand.
Compared to the other biometric authentication techniques, vein authentication technology achieves higher accuracy on personal identification and forgery resistance because it uses the veins inside the human body. Finger vein patterns differ from person to person, each finger to finger, and it is said that they do not change over the years.
"mofiria" uses a unique method where a CMOS sensor diagonally captures scattered light inside the finger veins, making a plane layout possible. As a result, a small and more flexible design can be realized in building this technology into mobile devices.

The vein pattern is extracted from the captured finger vein image, and data from the pattern is compressed into the size of one-tenth to store in memory, which makes it possible for the data to be stored on a mobile device.
Sony's unique algorithm achieves fast and easy operation. The vein pattern is quickly and accurately extracted from the captured finger vein image without a fixed finger position, as the position of a placed finger is automatically and simultaneously corrected. As a result, the authentication accuracy is less than 0.1% for the FRR (False Rejection Rate), less than 0.0001% for the FAR (False Acceptance Rate), and processing time for identification takes only about 0.015 sec*1 using a personal computer CPU and about 0.25 sec*2 when using a mobile phone CPU.
Sony plans to promote the "mofiria" technology for use in mobile devices, gateway security systems and solution services. Sony will aim for commercializing this technology within the 2009 fiscal year.

Main characteristics of "mofiria"
1) Compact size realized by "reflecting scattering light method"
2) Fast data processing using a unique algorithm
3) High accuracy and user-friendly interface with automatic correction of the finger position

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Sony

BRX-A320, Sony's New Bravia Only HDD Recorder

BRX-A320, Sony's New Bravia Only HDD Recorder

Here's an interesting add-on for Sony Bravia users. The BRX-A320 is an HDD based DVR featuring a 320GB HDD and that records your favorite TV programs in either SD or HD formats.

Sold in Japan for around 50,000 Yen (415€), this nifty BRX-A320 is a cheap and great solution for anyone who records from TV. Unfortunately it only works with the following Bravia TVs : X7000/X5050/X5000/W5000/V5000/V3000/J5000/J3000/XR1/X1/W1/F1/V1/J1/V5/J5 Series.

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Sony

Sony Cybershot DSC-G3

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-G3, The World’s First WiFi Camera with Web Browser

Here's Sony's DSG-G3, a 10.1Mpix point and shoot camera featuring not only a WiFi module, but also a Web browser for accessing and uploading art to the most popular Websites like Dailymotion, YouTube, Picasa, Flickr... on the fly without a PC... A serious blogger's perfect weapon!

LAS VEGAS (CES Keynote), Jan. 8, 2009 – With a focus on making photo sharing easier and more convenient, Sony today introduced the world’s first Wi-Fi® enabled digital camera that uploads photos and videos to Web sites through any public hotspot due to its built-in Web browser.

The new Cyber-shot DSC-G3 digital still camera answers one of the most pressing needs for photo enthusiasts: how to share those amazing photos and video clips of family, friends and events as soon as you shoot. The Cyber-shot camera makes it easy to upload images and video directly to popular photo and video sharing sites wherever a Wi-Fi connection is available.

“Research shows that our customers greatly value sharing images and video clips, but they often forget or don’t have enough time if they wait to get home to upload images,” said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. “Our new Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera provides the simplicity and convenience of sharing in the moment, while the impulse is still fresh in people’s minds.”

The camera can wirelessly connect to any public hotspot, including hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and airports. Like a computer, the camera can connect to free or fee-based hotspots, as well as to secure and unsecured access points.

The new DSC-G3 model comes with complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi access to Sony’s Easy Upload Home Page until Jan. 31, 2012. It includes Wi-Fi access at thousands of AT&T hotspots across the United States, including participating coffee shops, selected book stores and major quick-serve restaurant locations, as well as hundreds of upscale hotels and airports.

“By collaborating with Sony to launch the first digital still camera with a built in Web browser and embedded access across the entire AT&T Wi-Fi service network, we’re enabling consumers to gain quick and convenient access to Sony’s Easy Upload Homepage through thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots across the country,” said Glenn Lurie, president of AT&T’s emerging device organization. “The wireless capabilities and cutting-edge features of the G3 camera with the reliable coverage of AT&T’s Wi-Fi network offers a unique consumer experience.”

Uploads Made Easy

The new camera makes it easy to connect to the Internet and upload images. By pressing the WLAN button on the camera, you can open its embedded Web browser.

After connecting to the Internet via wireless access points, the camera automatically navigates to the Sony Easy Upload Home Page, which includes direct links to photo sharing sites like Shutterfly™ and Picasa™ Web Albums; video sharing sites like YouTube™ and Dailymotion™; and a photo and video sharing site, such as Photobucket™. Also, the DSC-G3 camera allows you to access other sharing sites for uploading photos and videos through its Web browser.

Through the Sony Easy Upload Home Page, you can send e-mail notifications from the sharing Web sites to let friends and family know that you have posted new images and videos for viewing. This is perfect for sharing with loved ones that were not with you when you took the pictures or shot the videos.

When friends and family are nearby, you can use the camera to access photos you may have already uploaded to sharing sites and display them on its high resolution 3.5-inch LCD screen.

The camera supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) guidelines. By connecting to such DLNA-compatible devices as Sony BRAVIA® televisions via access points, photos in the camera can be played back with high-definition quality. In addition to BRAVIA TVs, the camera can connect to other DLNA-compatible devices, such as Sony VAIO® PCs.

* Smart Camera

In addition to its wireless sharing capabilities, the new camera is built for high-performance imaging. The 10-megapixel camera is about three-fourths of an inch thin and includes a 4X optical zoom Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lens. Although compact enough to fit in the camera’s slim dimention, this lens provides excellent sharpness and color accuracy.

The Intelligent Scene Recognition™ feature automatically identifies a total of eight types of scenes — backlight, backlight portrait, twilight, twilight portrait, twilight using a tripod, portrait, landscape and macro — and automatically optimizes camera settings for each challenging shooting situation, taking an additional shot in low and bright light scenarios.

With Sony’s Face Detection technology, the DSC-G3 camera detects faces in a scene and adjusts auto focus (AF), auto exposure (AE), flash and white balance accordingly. It can also distinguish between children and adults, allowing users to to prioritize faces according to their preference .

Combining the Intelligent Scene Recognition feature with Face Detection technology, the camera includes an anti-blink function that helps make closed-eye photos a thing of the past. The camera automatically takes two shots and then determines whether the subject(s) have closed eyes. It will record images with open-eyed subjects. If both pictures have subject(s) with closed eyes, the cameras will record one and display a warning so you can try again.

Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology automatically captures a smile the moment it happens. You can use the adult or child priority setting when shooting scenes containing both adults and children, and the camera will distinguish one face from another.

The camera’s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) determines the best exposure and contrast settings in almost any shooting environment, giving images a natural look with clearer details that match what you see with your naked eye. DRO also balances the contrast in scenes with strong highlight and shadow, recovering detail normally lost in shadow areas. Combining the benefits of Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with high sensitivity mode, Sony’s Double Anti-blur feature helps reduce camera shake blur, especially when there is low light .

Photo Library

The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 model is also a “photo album in your pocket” and has 4GB of internal memory that can store nearly 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos. The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ screen is perfect for photo-like viewing with high contrast and wide-angle viewing. This Xtra Fine LCD screen delivers high resolution images (921,600 dots) that is approximately four times higher than conventional LCDs.

The camera also makes it easy to sort thousands of images. While shooting, images are organized automatically in albums by date. All images in an album can be displayed simultaneously as thumbnails on the screen, and the desired image can quickly be selected.

There are four ways to view photos: standard folder view, date view, favorites and event view. Images can be stored and managed on both the camera’s 4GB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick® media card.

In addition to the in-camera organization and search functionality, bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly organize images on a compatible PC. The software lets you search and organize images by event or face, and you can display images in calendar or chronological views organized into folders.

Pricing and Availability

The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera is now available in black for about $500. The camera and a range of accessories can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Source
Akihabaranews

Sony HDR-FX1000, In Japan Now

Sony HDR-FX1000, In Japan Now

This morning Sony announced the arrival of a new HDV camera (tape based in 1440x1080i60), the HDR-FX1000. 
Even if our new FX1000 keeps the same look as the previous generation FX, Sony decided improve their camera with some nice improvements like a new G Lens that provides better quality images also tuned by the Exmor image processor and the “3 Clear Bit CMOS sensor”, and a 20x optical zoom, and the possibility to have a 24p and 30p mode.

If there are any doubts that this camera is a good product for the average Joe or Indy reporter, we still argue that tapes are a thing of the past due to their 27MBps limitation, this camera still provies 1440x1080 and no 1920x1080 or 1280x720, a 720/60p would be wonderful. Sold roughly for around 2500€ in Japan you should MOST probably switch to a P2 camera if you're really serious about video.

Interestingly, Japanese TV journalists mainly use Sony FX cameras on the go while many in the US use the P2 HVX200 (HBO, TV series: the 4400, Stargate Atlantis...)

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Sony

Bathroom Bravia

Take Your Bravia TV Along Anywhere, Even to Your Bathroom

I am not talking about your average Bravia here, don't expect a 100”+ PDP or LCD panel, but rather a more portable device, the XDV-W600. It features a 4” LCD panel, 23 hours of battery lifespan (both internal battery + AA batteries), 1Seg TV, IPX7, and IPX6 waterproof specifications, as well as an FM tuner.

Once again Sony has proven they can make nice little goodies with a attractive designs.

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Sony

Sony ICD-B61 Voice Recorder

Sony intros new Entry-Level Voice recorder, the ICD-B61

Sony announced they will release new entry-level voice recorder on September 10th, the ICD-B61.It’s equipped with the minimum features, namely 512MB of internal memory, a built-in 28mm mono speaker, and provides a maximum output power of 250mW.
Thanks to this device you’ll be able to record around 301 hours. You can expect a price of 40€.

Source
Akihabaranews

PMX-M80: Stylish New PMP from Sony

PMX-M80: Stylish New PMP from Sony

According to PMP Today, Sony has introduced a nice, new PMP, the MPX-M80. Our device features the Map Browser Suite, a 4.3’’, 480x272 LCD touchscreen, 16GB of internal memory, memory stick slot, and built-in microphone. It supports MP4/AVI/WMA/MP3 and AAC formats.

You know what? It’s only available in China at an expected price of 210€!!!

Source
Akihabaranews

The MicroVault

New USB Memory from Sony: The MicroVault

Sony has updated its range of USB memory and is providing us with new USB keys from 2GB to 16GB (why is the picture of a 1GB USB?). Reading speed is 31 MB/s, 11 MB/s for writing, and the key is 9g lighter than previous models.

The MicroVault is also compatible with ready boost for people like me who are fed up with Vista, and are available this month in our green lands.

Paris, 22nd May, 2008 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division today announced its MicroVault™ Click and Click Excellence ranges with both mid-range and high-end device availability. The new MicroVault™ Click line-up offers advanced performance with increased storage capacity, high speed data transfer rates1 and Windows® ReadyBoost™ compatibility; to improve PC memory performance on Windows Vista™ Operating System without installing additional RAM. Users can simply click, plug and share their documents, pictures and video clips and keep important files to hand whilst on the move.

Both the MicroVault™ Click and Click Excellence ranges incorporate a neat ‘click’ design to uncover and retract the USB connector for quick and easy use.

For ultra fast data transfer rates and storage capacity from 2GB up to 8GB2, the MicroVault™ Click Excellence is designed with business professionals in mind. With up to 31MB/s read and 11MB/s write speeds3 heavy business files can be transferred easily to share with colleagues and clients via Hi-Speed USB 2.04 connectivity. The MicroVault™ Click Excellence range is available in a stylish, compact, ivory design, complete with LED indicator display which illuminates while transferring the data.

With high capacity storage as a focus, the bright mid-range MicroVault™ Click has a reduced form factor from its predecessor and is lighter at approximately 9 grams. The colourful line-up offers Hi-Speed USB 2.0 data transfer and storage capacity from 2GB up to 16GB2. The MicroVault™ Click range has a bright design, with one colour per capacity via an LED indicator light.

For advanced performance, the Sony MicroVault™ Click range offers Windows® ReadyBoost™5 compatibility, allowing Windows Vista to use part of the MicroVault’s™ memory to speed up system performance without additional RAM. Sony’s pre-installed Virtual Expander6 compression software allows storage of up to 3 times more data, depending on the file type and content.

The MicroVault™ Click and Click Excellence ranges are available from May 2008 and come with 5 years European warranty.

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Sony Europe

Pink NW-A910 Series Walkman from Sony

Pink NW-A910 Series Walkman from Sony, Available Now!

Released in Japan last November, the NW-A910 Series Walkman features a 1Seg TV tuner and 2.4” LCD. It's now available in Pink with either 4GB or 8GB of memory.

If you'd like to share what you're listening to or watching with your friends, Sony will soon release the SRS-NWT10M, a SRS external speaker designed for our NW-A910 Series Walkman.

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Sony

Sony VGF-HS1 NAS

Two New Sony NAS: The VGF-HS1 Series

Later this month, Sony Japan will release two new NAS featuring an All in One memory card reader with direct copy to an internal 1TB or 1.5TB HDD that can be connected directly to your TV.

Our standard VGF-HS1 supports different picture formats as well as MP3, WAV, ATTRAC, ATTRAC Advanced Lossless, AAC, WMA files and AVCHD, MPEG2, and HDV (MEPG2-TS) video files.

Our DLNA compatible VGF-HS1 also features a USB port (for maybe a USB thumb drive?) and special slideshow software for photo viewing on your PC.

Expect to pay something like 740€ for the 1.5TB version.

Source
Akihabaranews

Bravia DAV-F200 2.1 Home Theater

Stylish & Sophisticated: The New Bravia DAV-F200 2.1 Home Theater

Looking for a stylish yet powerful in home DVD player/home theater system? Here's the DAV-F200 Bravia from Sony Europe!

Our system comes with DVD upscale (1080p), subwoofer, 450W S-Master output, as well as Mp3 and WMA audio and DivX video support.

See the press release below for more information.

Weybridge, 29th April 2008 - Cinema with style – that’s the new DAV-F200 BRAVIA Home Theatre system from Sony. Combining the latest technology with beautiful, clean design, it brings superb virtual surround sound into the home - without filling the room with speakers.

The stylish control centre can stand on a desk or shelf, or be mounted on the wall, and this – along with compact speakers and a hideaway subwoofer – enables the DAV-F200 to deliver all the thrills of a powerful exciting, immersive home cinema experience without the clutter of conventional set-ups.

What’s more, the system is the result tuning by the same team responsible for Sony’s high-end AV receivers, with components such as the speaker driver units and amplification being selected after extensive listening tests to achieve the highest possible quality from a system of this kind.

The DAV-F200 is designed to be as simple to set-up as it is to use, with Sony’s S-Force Front Surround technology combining with a total of 405W S-Master digital amplification to create amazing virtual surround effects from just two speakers and a compact subwoofer.

And it’s packed with the latest technology, including an HDMI output for simple connection to a BRAVIA LCD television. The HDMI not only delivers superb picture quality, with upscaling to 1080p to make your DVDs look stunning on even the largest screens, but also allows simple control from one remote handset of both the DAV-F200 and a BRAVIA TV, thanks to the BRAVIA Sync set up.

You can even make the most of content stored on portable devices, from WALKMAN® MP3 players and Sony Ericsson mobile phones to USB memory keys. There’s a USB socket on the control unit, allowing you to both play from connected devices and record to them, and the system is also compatible with Sony’s DMPORT modular digital media adapters, which include docks for a range of portable MP3 players such as WALKMAN® or iPod, Sony Ericsson mobile phones as well as Bluetooth and wi-fi enabled laptops or PCs.

Stunning, clean style
The DAV-F200 epitomises Sony’s new ‘clean living’ concept – stylish products with superb audio and video quality made possible by the skilled application of the latest technology.

Its sleek black main unit, which can be used on its standard table stand or wall-mounted*, contains the disc player, able to handle DVDs, CDs, and file formats including MP3, Windows Media Audio, DivX and JPEG. There’s also a radio tuner built-in, along with all the control and processing systems to deliver great surround sound.

It’s partnered with a powerful speaker system combining a pair of slimline main speakers and subwoofer designed to deliver all the weight and excitement of those big movie soundtracks.

Technology built to thrill
The audio power for the system is delivered by S-Master digital amplification, with 135W for each speaker as well as the subwoofer – first used in Sony’s flagship AV receivers, it combines compactness, efficiency and superb quality.

Here it works with Sony’s S-Force Front Surround technology to create enveloping, rich and detailed virtual surround effects without the need for speakers all around the room. This system may be compact, but it delivers a truly room-filling sound.

There’s even Sony’s Dialogue Enhancer system, designed to make movies clear and easy to enjoy, even when you have to listen to at low volume settings.

1080p upscaling for breathtaking pictures
The picture quality is every bit as remarkable as the sound: using its HDMI output to connect to a BRAVIA TV, the system can upscale standard DVDs to 1080p resolution, giving them superb colour, sharpness and visual impact even on the largest of screens.

BRAVIA Sync - Simple to set up, simple to use
All that technology also makes the DAV-F200 incredibly easy to use. Sony’s BRAVIA Sync gives one-button control of both the system and a BRAVIA TV connected via HDMI with one remote. Press ‘play’ and the TV will select the correct input automatically; select standby when you’ve finished viewing and both system and TV will shut down. It really couldn’t be any simpler.

The flexibility to make the most of your portable music

A USB socket on the control centre lets you plug in portable MP3 players, memory keys such as Sony’s Micro Vault devices and other portable storage devices. Not only can the system play contents stored on connected devices, it can also record to them, allowing you to take your entertainment with you.

The DAV-F200 also features Sony’s DMPORT, able to accept a range of modular adapters to interface with portable devices such WALKMAN® MP3 players, Sony Ericsson mobile phones and iPods. There are even adapters for Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity with laptop or desktop PCs, and the system’s Portable Audio Enhancer setting is designed to enhance the sound quality of compressed music files such as MP3.

The BRAVIA DAV-F200 will be available in June from Sony Centre stores, retailers and online at the Sony Style shop - www.sonystyle-europe.com


BRAVIA DAV-F200 2.1 Home Theatre System key features

* 2.1 system with compact, stylish control unit and speakers
* HDMI connection with 1080p upscaling and BRAVIA Sync system control
* USB play and record
* DMPORT connection for portable devices
* Portable Audio Enhancer
* 405W 32bit S-Master Digital Amplifier
* S-Force Front Surround
* Plays DVD, DVD+/-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DivX (plus WMA and AAC on USB)
* Optical/coaxial digital and analogue inputs for external sources
* Supplied with remote handset

Source
AkihabaraNews

Sony BDZ-A70

Sony BDZ-A70: The PSP Friendly Blu-Ray DVR

If the ability of ripping any Blu-ray title to your PSP was a nifty little PS3 feature, be aware that with the BDZ-A70, the latest Blu-Ray and HDD DVR from Sony, you'll easily be able to transfer ANY TV content from recorder to PSP or Walkman (Sony).

Like any DVR, you can record and schedule recoding from your sofa, but now you can later synch what you want to your PSP or Walkman with the push of a button on your DBZ-A70…

Depending on the video quality you wish to transfer (QVGA 768k or 384) you'll need no more than 3 minutes to forward a 60 minute video into your PSP memory stick (2 minutes if you choose a QVGA 384k resolution).

Our BDZ-A70 is also capable of forwarding video to NTT DoCoMo compatible mobile phones, and features a 320GB HDD, as well as 2 ground analog and digital TV tuners and Sony Room Link. Unfortunately, unlike the PS3, you can't rip DVD or Blu-Ray movies to your PSP or Walkman.

Source
Akihabaranews

Sony Bravia W4000

The BRAVIA W4000-Series LCD TV: A New Standard in Picture Excellence

Weybridge, 31st March 2008 - The BRAVIA W4000-Series LCD TV from Sony embraces the future of television. Using an interlocking array of technologies to create exquisite image quality, it offers 1080p Full HD visual excellence for movies, games and photos. The elegant simplicity of the new cabinet styling will complement almost any decor, while the special Picture Frame Mode enhances the living space by displaying beautiful HD photo images when the TV is not in use.

“The BRAVIA W4000-Series starts from a position of great strength,” says George Damigos, General Manager for TVOE Marketing. “Its combination of advanced picture technologies delivers a new standard of excellence which it deploys to maximum effect. And you quite literally see this, whether you are being blown away by Full HD resolution films or immersed in HD gaming, or quietly appreciating the richness and detail of a still image in Picture Frame Mode.”

The inclusion of the innovative Picture Frame Mode means that the BRAVIA W4000-Series actually enhances the look of a living space even when it’s not being used. Picture Frame Mode switches the set to a reduced brightness and displays digital photos in HD quality, with the natural warm characteristics of traditional film. You can personalise your TV with your own pictures from the USB Photoviewer or use the six pre-installed pictures, which range from Pop art to Van Gogh*. A Sony USB Micro Vault Tiny is the ideal storage medium for this – capacious yet barely visble once slotted into place. Picture Frame Mode uses approximately 35 per cent less power than TV viewing mode¹, so it helps reduce overall power consumption.

As well as the centralised control afforded by the award-winning Sony XMB interface, the BRAVIA W4000-Series features BRAVIA Sync technology. This uses HDMI² connections to send commands to the various components of a Home Theatre system. So you can start watching a film on the Blu-ray Disc player with one press of a button on a single remote.

The extraordinarily vibrant and lifelike image characteristic of the Series arises from an interplay of technologies. Sophisticated signal processing carried out by the BRAVIA ENGINE 2 gives a depth, richness and clarity unique to Sony BRAVIA TVs. 10-bit signal processing3 and a 10-bit LCD panel4 yield 1024 shades of gradation between colours compared to the 256 available from normal 8-bit panels. In other words 64 times more colours, meaning a huge step closer to the subtle tones of real life. This is why the BRAVIA W4000-Series delivers a picture like no other.

A special Wide Colour Gamut Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (WCG-CCFL)5 boosts the backlight spectrum beyond the limits of standard CCFLs, adding a further level of realism to on-screen colour. The very special effect of these technologies working together is called Live Colour Creation™, and is an essential part of what makes BRAVIA TVs visibly superior, and unique.

The Series also supports the extended xvYCC colour space6 for moving images -set to replace sRGB as the industry standard. Implemented under the brand name x.v.Colour, this feature gives BRAVIA W4000-Series televisions the ability to display content recorded on very new digital camcorders that use xvYCC. In the future, as xvYCC colour becomes widely used within the broadcast industry, the BRAVIA W4000-Series will be ready.

Perhaps the most fundamental piece of future-proofing is the inclusion of an integrated HDTV tuner and AVC-HD decoder alongside the DVB-T digital tuner. So there’s no need for a set-top box to access terrestrial HDTV programming where available. In addition, the Series is equipped with a cable TV tuner which can also handle HD services (subject to operator support).

Home Cinema enthusiasts are likely to be drawn to the 24p True Cinema™ mode. Cine cameras actually film at 24 frames per second, but televisions operate at a higher frame rate, so conversion has traditionally been necessary. The result is a 4% discrepancy from the original – the film on TV actually runs 4% faster than the original, and the soundtrack rises by 4% in pitch. When a BRAVIA W4000-Series TV is connected to a film source such as a Blu-ray Disc™ player, the original 24 frames per second are played just as the camera first recorded them. You see – and hear – exactly what you should.

The physical design of the Series combines perfectly judged minimalism with the quietly luxurious Midnight Sky bezel colouring and subtly illuminated Sony logo. The result is a tasteful fusion of style and futuristic technology which can even become part of the decor thanks to the innovative Picture Frame Mode.

Source
Akihabaranews

Sony's GIGA Juke HDD Hi-Fi

Two New GIGA JUKE HDD Hi-Fi Systems from SONY

Sony unleashed in the UK two new GIGA JUKE sound systems.

NAS-SC55PKE with 80GB of HDD 16x high speed ripping, transfers audio contents to DAPs, mobile phones, and PSP up to 50x, with Wifi and a generous 4.3” color LCD screen.

Its little brother E35GB can only store up to 15000 tracks in simple black & white LCD with no Wifi.

The main advantage of the NAS-SC55PKE over the E35GB is its Room2Room system that allows you to wirelessly stream audio data to a maximum of five clients. Meaning you can listen to any kind of music wherever you are in your house.

Weybridge, 10th March 2008 - Music storage made simple, without the need for a PC – that’s what Sony GIGA JUKE systems are all about. And the new NAS-E35HD and NAS-SC55PKE systems make GIGA JUKE more flexible, than ever.

Both systems have hard disk storage and high-speed copying from their built-in CD player to the HDD, and both have radio tuners and a dock for iPod, meaning you can store all your digital tunes – and the rest of your music collection – in superb quality, and enjoy it whether you’re relaxing at home or out and about.

The entry-level NAS-E35HD system brings all this flexibility to a highly affordable price-point, while the NAS-SC55PKE is a complete multi-room system of music server and wireless player unit, able to deliver music to up to five zones – wirelessly. It can fill your entire home with music.


The GIGA JUKE stores, labels, and organizes your music in its internal Hard Disk Drive using unique intelligent software. When you’re ready to go on the move, it’s easy to release your music: GIGA JUKE can transfer your favourite tunes directly to your WALKMAN®, WALKMAN® phone or other portable audio players – no PC needed.


GIGA JUKE NAS-SC55PKE

Store Your Music

The NAS-SC55PKE is a complete multiroom music system, able to store up to 40,000 songs, ripped at up to 16x speed, so a 60-minute CD can be copied in less than 4 minutes. It can also transfer files to portable players at up to 50x speed.

Thanks to its choice of Linear PCM, MP3, Window Media Audio or ATRAC compatibility, the system can store a massive music collection, whether it’s from CD, radio, external sources such as vinyl, or a home PC. Automatic title labelling is provided using Gracenote’s music recognition technology and database, containing music data for music datas for approximately 350,000 albums. The ‘finger print recognition’ even analyses the character of tracks recorded from LP or any other analogue source, and tags the track/artist data from the built-in database.

Room2Room

On top of this “Digital Jukebox” solution, this GIGA JUKE can deliver music wirelessly to up to five client players* (one is included in the package), Wherever you are in your home, you can access the main server from the wireless players, and even listen to different songs in each of the five zones. When you’re having a party with your friends, just press the “Party Mode” button, and every room with a wireless player will play the same music at the same time.

*Without any interference/obstacles.

The system comprises the NAS-S55HDE main unit – combining HDD storage, CD player, FM/AM tuner (with DAB on UK models), and 4.3inch full-colour display – and the NAS-C5E wireless player, which has integral amplification and speakers and can be used to access the NAS-S55HDE wirelessly from anywhere in the house, and separately available allowing upgrade to enjoy full multi-room around the house. This NAS-C5E is also equipped with internet radio.

With up to five wireless players able to be used simultaneously, and the main system having its own speakers, the NAS-SC55PKE is an instant, and expandable, multi-room system. Setting up the wireless connection around the house is both quick and easy, thanks to Sony’s unique, user-friendly instant wireless set-up (S-IWS*) system, which works as soon as each unit is turned on This GIGA JUKE is also DLNA certified for both the server and wireless player, so you can even enjoy streaming music from/to PC or any other DLNA-compatible products wirelessly.

*Sony Instant Wireless Audio Setup

Organise and Enjoy Your Music

Once you’ve loaded the GIGA JUKE NAS-SC55PKE with all your music, it comes into its own as the ultimate home ‘jukebox’. The x-DJ feature intelligently analyses tracks to categorise your music library into 27 different channels to suit any occasion – like ‘good morning’ for waking up, ‘party time’ for socialising, and ‘slow life’ to chill out in the evening. While a song is playing you can also ‘surf’ through tracks stored on the HDD at the touch of a button.

Choose ‘artist’ in Music Surfin’ mode and GIGA JUKE will pull all tracks from the same artist into a playlist. Similarly, choosing ‘year’ will search for all tracks released in the same era and ‘mood’ will look for all tracks with the same musical taste.


If you want to hear your favourite radio shows again and again, the GIGA JUKE systems can also record radio programs from its tuner into its Hard Disk Drive with the timer function, while the NAS-SC55PKE system can even separate talk and music automatically using Sony’s unique “12 Tone Analysis” technology. UK versions also have a DAB tuner.

The main system has 100W of award-winning S-MASTER digital amplification, and comes complete with sleek two-way speakers with soft dome tweeter for precise mid-high frequencies and Resonant Bass Duct for powerful & rich bass sound. Meanwhile the wireless player has a wooden cabinet for natural sound, 20W amplification and built-in stereo speakers with Long Stroke Duct for powerful bass, so you can enjoy your digital music in stunning hi-fi quality sound all around the house.

Release Your Music

It’s also quick and easy to release your music when you want to take your favourite tunes out with you. At the touch of a button, single tracks or whole albums can be copied from the GIGA JUKE hard disk to a connected personal audio, such as WALKMAN®, WALKMAN® phone, PlayStation Portable, MP3 players and USB storage devices at up to 50x speed – that’s 74 minutes of music in just 90 seconds.

Source
Sony

SATA HDD to PS3

Hook-up Any Kind of SATA HDD to Your PS3

Since the PS3 is now fully compatible with DviX and WMV files, I tend to use it more and more as a media center. Hooked to my NAS, I can easily stream video back to my beloved PS3… But for those you have yet to invest in a NAS but own 3.5” SATA HDD, here's the CRGM-BK2 from Century, a SATA cable made to use 3.5” HDD with your PS3.

I have to admit that this is far from the best solution ever, you'll still need to hook-up your HDD to a power source, but I'm sure some of you guys will appreciate it.

SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-H50

NEW SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-H50 DIGITAL CAMERA IDEAL FOR FAST-ACTION SHOOTING

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2008 – Sony today announced the latest addition to its high-zoom camera line, the 9.1-megapixel Cyber-shot® DSC-H50 digital camera. It is the ideal choice for people looking for high zoom, high-resolution and speed.

This new model utilizes a powerful Carl Zeiss® 15x optical zoom lens with Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization to capture action at a distance. One of the main lens elements is manufactured from super low-dispersion glass, which helps it produce more exact point-to-point correspondence between an object and its image. The lens yields sharp, high-contrast images and reduces color fringing, even when shooting in telephoto ranges.

The camera also features a large, 3-inch tilting LCD screen so you can shoot comfortably from nearly any position, at low and high angles. Its scratch-resistant, UV hard-coat finish adds a premium look and feel that mirrors the performance of the model.

Improved Advanced Sports Shooting Mode
Its improved “advanced sports” shooting mode now employs a system to apply higher shutter speeds, up to 1/4000 of a second, more frequently than on previous models. This mode combines high shutter speeds with predictive continuous auto-focusing so you can quickly focus and capture fast-moving subjects with minimal shutter lag basically the time it takes for the camera to focus and shoot.

Sophisticated Operation
The camera’s versatile, long-distance flash is powerful enough to illuminate subjects more than 55 feet away (when using ISO 3200, wide angle).

Noise reduction is now a user-selectable option, with high, low and standard settings, for greater control over the final look of images. For example, a high setting used for portraits or night scenes can help produce smoothly textured images with reduced noise.

The unit features extensive manual controls, including an exposure bracketing mode that newly includes settings for white balance and color modes. This function records three images, each with a different white balance or color mode applied, to help capture the ambience of the original scene.

Smart Technology to Capture Better Photos Automatically
The camera also incorporates intelligent features that help you take better pictures more easily. They include improved smile shutter and face detection technologies with child or adult priority recognition, as well as, intelligent scene recognition with standard and advanced modes to analyze shooting conditions and select the optimal setting automatically.

Other helpful features include a new D-Range Optimizer (DRO) plus mode that applies a high image correction algorithm to retrieve more picture detail in bright highlights and dark shadows; NightShot® technology to help capture photos in virtually no light as well as infrared remote access; five color modes including “real” for less in-camera processing and more faithful color reproduction; in-camera editing features; advanced in-camera image management functions; improved slide show functions with longer music files; and HD component output for viewing photos on a compatible HDTV set.

Pricing and Availability
The H50 model will soon sit at the top of the Cyber-shot high zoom line. It will ship in May for about $400 with a full line of accessory options. All can be purchased online at www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Note: The camera requires a Sony high-definition component cable for viewing on an HDTV set (sold separately).

Sony DSC-H50 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.3 " Super HAD Type CCD • Approx 10.3 million pixels total • 9.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 9M (3,456 x 2,592) • 5M (2,592 x 1,944) • 3M (2,048 x 1,536) • VGA (640 x 480) • 3:2 (3,456 x 2,304) • 16:9 (3,456 x 1,944) / (1,920 x 1,080)
Movie clips	• MPEG VX Fine / Standard (640 x 480 @ 30 / 16.6 fps MPEG-1 with audio) • 320 x 240 @ 8.3 fps • Optical zoom can be used during movie recording
File formats	• Still: JPEG • Movie: MPEG VX (MPEG-1)
Lens	• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar • 31-465mm (35mm equiv) • 15x optical zoom • F2.7-4.5 • 13 elements in 8 groups(including 1ED glass element and 4 aspheric elements)
Image stabilization	Super SteadyShot®
Conversion lenses	Yes
Digital zoom	• Up to 30x Smart Zoom (dependent on selected resolution)
Focus	• Auto • Manual • Macro • Single • Monitoring
AF area modes	• 9 Area Multi-Point AF • Center AF • Flexible spot AF • Contrast detect
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 50cm (19.7 in) minimum (W), 120cm (47.25 in) minimum (T) • Macro: 1cm (0.4 in) wide only
Metering	• Multi-pattern (49 zone) • Center weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200
Exposure compensation	• +/-2EV • 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing	+/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV
Shutter speed	• Auto: 1/4-1/4000sec • P: 1"-1/4000sec • S: 30"-1/4000sec • A: 8"-1/2000sec • M: 30"-1/4000sec
Aperture	F2.7-F8 (W)
Modes	• Program (with program shift) • Easy Shooting Auto • Aperture priority • Shutter priority • Manual • Scene modes
Scene modes	• Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Portrait • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks • High Sensitivity • Advanced Sports Shooting • Smile Shutter
Face Detection	• Off / Auto / Child / Adult • 8 faces • Smile detection
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent 1, 2, 3 • Incandescent • Flash WB • One Push Manual
Self timer	• 10 or 2 secs
Continuous shooting	100 shots,1.6fps, 9MP (max)
Image parameters	Vivid, Real, Sepia, B&W, Sharpness, Contrast, DRO, Saturation, Color Filter, NR
Flash	• Auto • On • Slow Synch • Off • Red-eye reduction • Front/rear synch • Auto/Daylight synch • Range: 0.2 - 9.1m (wide) 1.2 - 5.5m (tele)
Viewfinder	• 0.2" EVF • 201K pixels
LCD monitor	• 3.0-inch tilting TFT • 230K pixels • Clear Photo LCD Plus
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 high speed • HDTV (requires optional component lead) • AV w/multi-jack • DC in
Print compliance	PictBridge, DPOF
Storage	• Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo compatible • 15MB internal memory
Power	• Lithium-ion NP-BG1 battery • BC-CSG Charger
Weight (inc batt)	547 g (1 lb 3.3 oz)
Dimensions	116.1 x 81.4 x 86.0 mm (4.6 x 3.2 x 3.4in)
Other features	• Playback effects • Face search • In-camera retouch • NightShot • Remote Control • Histogram • White balance and color mode bracketing • three level noise reduction setting

Source
Sony

Sony's New 13.6 MP Camera

NEW SONY CYBER-SHOT DIGITAL CAMERA IS A MEGAPIXEL POWERHOUSE

Sony’s new Cyber-shot® DSC-W300 digital camera is expected to be among the industry’s most pocket-able, high-resolution point-and-shoot digital cameras featuring niche performance options.

The camera announced today integrates an ultra-high 13.6-megapixel CCD imager along with a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD screen and an eye-level viewfinder in a compact size. With its ultra-hard titanium coating, the model offers a premium look and finish that is highly-resistant to scratches and messy fingerprints.

Enhanced Operation for Better Performance
The W300 camera newly features an “extra high-speed” burst mode that can shoot three-megapixel photos at five frames per second, ideal for fast-action shooting of sports, pets or children.

In addition to the blur-reducing effects of Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization, the camera also has a new “extra high sensitivity” mode (up to ISO 6400 in this mode only) to help minimize blurry photos when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, such as indoors or at twilight, even without a flash.

Noise reduction is now a user-selectable option, with high, low and standard settings, for greater control over the final look of images. For example, a low setting can help reduce noise without sacrificing resolution, making it ideal for landscapes and detailed subjects.

Smart Technology to Capture Better Photos Automatically
As the top-of-the-line model in the series, the W300 camera integrates the latest “intelligent” features that help users take better pictures more easily.

Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology prioritizes the faces of children or adults so that the camera takes the photo at the moment the intended subject smiles. Improved face detection technology can also prioritize child or adult faces as the basis for the camera to apply focus, exposure, white balance and flash color controls for up to eight faces in the camera’s frame.

The model’s intelligent scene recognition technology automatically can detect five different types of scenes and optimize the camera settings for those conditions for a better photo. And advanced mode can take two shots almost immediately – one with standard automatic settings and the other with optimized settings.

Powerful Features for Outstanding Images
The W300 model has a number of features to maximize picture quality. Among them are five color modes, including “real” for less in-camera processing and more faithful color reproduction; 12 scene selection modes with a new “underwater” mode that adjusts white balance for more natural-looking photos; Sony’s new D-Range Optimizer Plus that process picture to improve detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark shadows; and an improved auto focus system that includes macro ranges.

Viewing and image management has also been enhanced with helpful date and calendar views, in-camera search by face or date, slide show with longer music files, and high-definition component output for viewing photos on a compatible HDTV set.

Price and Availability
The DSC-W300 camera and optional accessories will be available in May for about $350. All can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony DSC-W300 specifications

Sensor	• 1/1.7" Super HAD Type CCD • 13.9 million pixels total • 13.6 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 4224 x 3168 (13MP) • 3264 x 2448 (8MP) • 2592 x 1944 (5MP) • 2048 x 1536 (3MP) • 640 x 480 (0.3MP) • 4224 x 2816 (12MP, 3:2) • 4224 x 2376 (10 MP, 16:9) • 1920 x 1080 (2MP, 16:9)
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 30fps • 640 x 480 17fps • 320 x 240 8fps
File formats	JPEG (Exif 2.21) MPEG 1 movies
Lens	7.6-22.8mm (3X) 35-105mm (35mm equiv) Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
Image stabilization	Yes, optical
Conversion lenses	• VCL-DH0774 Wide (Optional, requires adapter) • VCL-DH1774 Tele (Optional, requires adapter)
Digital zoom	2x (6x total inc optical)
Focus	9 point AF
AF area modes	• Multi-point AF • Center-weighted AF • Spot AF • Fixed distance focus (0.5m, 1m, 3m, 7m, infinity)
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	5cm-∞ (wide), 34cm - ∞ (tele)
Metering	• Multi Pattern • Center weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • 80 • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • 3200
Exposure compensation	+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing	Yes, +/- 0.3, 0.7 or 1.0EV
Shuttter speed	30 sec to 1/2000
Aperture	f/2.8-5.5
Modes	• Auto adjustement • Easy shooting • Program auto • Manual exposure • Movie • High sensitivity • Extra high senstivity (3MP) • Extra high-speed burst (3MP)
Scene modes	• Twilight • Twilight portrait • Soft snap • Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks • Smile shutter • Underwater
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Fluorescent 1 (White fluorescent) • Fluorescent 2 (Natural white fluorescent) • Fluorescent 3 (Day white fluorescent) • Incandescent • Flash • One push custom set
White balance fine tune	No
Self timer	Yes, 2 sec, 10 sec
Continuous shooting	Up to 5fps (3MP), 1.9fps at full res
Image parameters	• Normal • Vivid • Real • Sepia • Black and White • Color filters (Red, Green, Blue, Warm, Cool)
Flash	Range 0.2-5.5m (wide), 0.4-2.8m (tele), Auto ISO
Viewfinder	Yes
LCD monitor	2.7", 230K dots 100% field of view
Connectivity	• USB • AV - HD(1080i) (with optional accessory)/ SD
Print compliance	PictBridge, DPOF
Storage	• Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo compatible • 15MB internal memory
Power	• Lithium-ion NP-BG1 battery • BC-CSG Charger
Weight (no batt)	156 g (5.5oz) (187g with battery and MSDuo card)
Dimensions	94.3 x 59.0 x 26.8 mm (3.7 x 2.3 x 1.1in)

Source
Dpreview