Sony has introduced two new digital cameras, a high-end model, and one targeted to the consumer market.
Cyber-shot DSC-F828
The high-end model, the Cyber-shot DSC-F828, is the latest in Sony’s line of Cyber-shot F-series cameras and sports a “lens-centric” design. Sony’s 8.0-megapixel CCD image sensor provides the camera with a maximum image size of 3360 x 2460, equating into 11 x 17-inch prints at 200 dpi (dots per inch) or 8.5 x 11-inch prints at 300 dpi.
The camera is encased in a black, magnesium alloy body, and is the first to incorporate Sony’s four-color filter CCD technology and Real Imaging Processor. The combination captures color accuracy “closest to what the human eye can see,” according to Steve Haber, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Personal, Mobile and Imaging Products Division.
The DSC-F828 has a variety of manual controls, so experienced photographers can set focus, exposure and recording modes as they desire. You can store images onto CompactFlash Type I and Type II media, as well as a Microdrive hard disk drive or Memory Stick PRO media.
The camera’s NightShot Infrared System enables the camera to capture infrared images in total darkness at a distance of up to 15 feet. The NightFraming System lets you capture images in low or no light by illuminating your subject. In addition to JPEG and TIFF formats, the DSC-F828 supports Sony’s RAW format, which lets you change the parameters of an image, such as white balance and color depth.
The camera’s video recording capabilities include a MPEG-VX Fine mode that records video at 640 x 480 pixel resolution at 30 frames per second, up to the capacity of the storage device, for TV-quality video. The camera comes with an InfoLithium battery, AC adapter/in-camera charger, A/V output cable, USB cable, lens hood, shoulder strap and lens cap.
Due in mid-November, the Cyber-shot DSC-F828 camera will have a suggested price of US$1,200.
Cyber-shot DSC-U50
The more consumer-oriented Cyber-shot DSC-U50 is built for quick start-ups, ease-of-use and portability. The $250, 2-megapixel camera comes in three colors (black, silver and metallic orange) and features a 180-degree rotating lens.
Due in October, the camera is Sony’s first to accept both the new MemoryStick PRO Duo and Memory Stick Duo flash memory cards. It has 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. The DSC-U50 also features an adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction.
In MPEG Movie Mode, the DSC-U50 captures up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution). What’s more, you can print images directly to any PictBridge compatible printer via a USB connection.
The Cyber-shot DSC-U50 comes supplied with Sony’s Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina batteries with an external charger.
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