In addition to the NEX-3N and a58 cameras announced today, Sony also showed off three new Cyber-shot point-and-shoot models: the HX300, WX300, and TX30.
The HX300, which replaces the current HX200, is a fixed-lens “megazoom” camera that mimics the look and feel of a DSLR. The lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* variant, and the zoom is long at 50x (24mm wide-angle). The optical image stabilization mechanism is located at the telephoto end of the lens, allowing for more stable framing. The camera uses a newly developed 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, and has an autofocusing system that’s 2x faster than its predecessor. Full HD 1080 video capture is available. The HX300 will ship in March for $499.
The compact WX300 is the “world’s smallest and lightest compact camera with 20x optical zoom range,” Sony says. A successor to the WX150/HX20, the cam has a 18.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and optical image stabilization. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for sharing via the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app and “Smart Remote” control of camera. The mode dial lets you switch shooting options quickly. Improved battery life gives the camera 500 shots before a recharge, plus autofocusing is 3.6x faster than previous models. The WX300 also shoots video at Full HD 1080. This compact cam will be available in April $330.
The last new model is a rugged cam that’s waterproof (up to 33 feet), dustproof, shockproof (5 feet), and freeze-proof (14 degrees Fahrenheit). The 18.2-megapixel TX30 is the “world’s thinnest waterproof digital compact camera” at 0.6 inches. There’s a new magnifying class mode and LED light for enhanced macro, close-up shooting (down to 1 cm). The internal lens zooms up to 5x. The 3.3-inch OLED screen is touch-capable, with optical stabilization. The TX30 ships in March for $350.
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