Sony Debuts Eight New Cyber-shot Cameras

Sony has unveiled eight new Cyber-shots covering the range from entry-level point-and-shoot camera to a pro-sumer model with a 3.5-inch LCD display.

Sony has unveiled a spate of new Cyber-shot cameras, totaling eight new models across the four branches of its Cyber-shot line. The S-series line will get the new S780 and S750, the H series will pick up the H10, the T-series adds the T300, and the W-series goes all out with the new W120, W130, W150, and W170.

At the entry level, the S750 and S780 offer 7.2 and 8 megapixel resolutions, respectively, and include face detection technology that can isolate and adjust exposure for up to three faces in a frame. The new cameras also sport lithium ion batteries, which offer longer life than their predecessors’ AAs and enable Sony to offer a slimmer profile. Each camera features a 3× optical zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD display, 22 MB of internal memory, and sensitivity down to ISO 1,250. The S750 should ship in March for about $150, while the S780 will arrive in April for about $180.

Next up, the four new entries in Sony’s W-series offer improved face detection that claims to be able to handle up to eight faces and distinguish between adults and children; the cameras also offer a “smile shutter” mode that automatically takes a picture when a subject smiles, along with image stabilization, and ISO sensitivity up to 3,200. The W120 will run $200 and features a 7.2 megapixel resolution, &4times; optical zoom, and 2.5-inch LCD; the W120 will carry a $230 price tag, but offers an 8.1 megapixel resolution and on-camera retouching features. Both models should be available in March. Coming in April, the W150 offers a 5× optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD, and intelligent scene recognition for $250, while the $300 W170 offers a 10.1 megapixel resolution along with all the W-series features. The new W-series cameras will be available in a variety of colors.

Toward the higher end, the Cyber-shot T300 offers a 3.5-inch LCD display, a 10.1 megapixel resolution, and a 5× optical zoom lens, and in-camera editing, while the diminutive H10 offers a 10× optical zoom, nine points of autofocus and face detection, and an 8.1 megapixel resolution. The H10 should be available in May for about $300; the T300 will land in March for about $400.