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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55: 16 megapixels and 3D

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although smartphones and other mobile devices are pretty much the dominant devices in casual photography these days, camera companies are still aiming to prove stand-alone cameras have a lot to offer. Sony’s latest effort is the Cyber-shot DSC-TX55, offering a 16.2 megapixel resolution coupled with a 5× optical zoom and the ability to snap 3D images by taking two rapid-fire shots through a single lens. The camera can also shoot 1080p high-definition video and Sony says that high-megapixel Exmor sensor captures great low-light imagery—and can can lock onto subjects in as little as a tenth of a second.

“Our new DSC-TX55 model redefines what a compact camera can do,” said Sony Cyber-shot business director Yosuke Tomoda, in a statement. “In addition to the newly developed, ultra-thin chassis design, the camera features an incredible combination of features and performance, putting more creativity at users’ fingertips than ever before.”

The TX55 features a 3.3-inch touchscreen OLED viewfinder display, optical image stabilization, and a new “Clear Image Zoom” technology that takes that 5× optical zoom and cranks it to a maximum of 10× with full-resolution imagery via pixel-by-pixel processing. The TX55 also features a “Dual Rec” mode that enables users to shoot HD video and capture 12 megapixel still images without interrupting video recording. Like the rest of the Cyber-shot line, the TX55 is thin: 12.2mm thick (minus the lens cover), leading Sony to include it’s the thinnest camera in its class with optical image stabilization.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The TX55’s “Superior Auto” mode lets the camera handle a number of shooting situations without any user adjustment, and the camera’s intelligent panorama tools enable users to grab panorama shots up to 42.9 megapixels. Another nifty feature is a 3D Still Image mode, that snaps two rapid-fire images with a single shutter press, enabling users to grab 3D imagery without a stereoscopic lens: the first image tries to capture depth information, while the second captures the imagery. The 3D tools can also be applied to panoramas and sweep multi-angle shots.

The TX55 supports Sony’s Memory Stick Pro media (of course) along with microSD/SDHC cards for up to 16 GB of removable storage.

Sony says the Cyber-shot DSC-TX55 will be available in September for about $350.

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