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Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Sony: Two new W-series Cyber-shots
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Saturday, February 25, 2006 - 15:30 EST)

Sony has today announced two new digital camera models for its compact W-series.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W70 is seven megapixel model using a new imager with a smaller die size than the 1/1.8" imagers in existing seven megapixel cameras, helping to keep overall camera size down. The DSC-W70 offers 58MB of internal memory (and Memory Stick Duo slot for expanded storage), and couples its imager to a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens that accepts 30mm threaded accessories. Both 4:3 and 3:2 aspect ratio image modes are available, and the W70 also records movies at resolutions up to 640 x 480 pixels, with a 30 frames per second rate.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 has a slightly larger body and aims to offer a little more performance. The DSC-W100's 1/1.8" eight megapixel CCD imager is identical to that used in the DSC-N1 model, and is also coupled to a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom, although this lens is not quite as wide as that in the W70 due to the difference in sensor size (overall, though, it offers the same effective focal lengths of 38 - 114mm as found in the other model). Both cameras feature 2.5" LCD displays and true-zoom optical viewfinders, the latter being useful for saving battery power and an increasingly rare commodity these days, when many compact cameras offer only an LCD display and no other viewfinder options.

Both models will ship this April, with the DSC-W70 priced at $300 and the W100 coming in at $350.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W70
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number DSC-W70
Dimensions 3.5 x 2.2 x 0.9"
89.0 x 57.0 x 23.0mm
Weight 157.0 g
5.5 oz
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.5" CCD
7.20 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2048 (6.3 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1632 x 1224 (2.0 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality 2 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder Yes, True-zoom optical
LCD 2.5", 115,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 5.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
3x optical zoom
30mm lens thread, Body threads w/ adapter
Focal Length 6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f2.8 - 7.1(W), f5.2 - 13(T)
Focusing System 5-area Contrast Detection with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (5) steps
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.8"
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
Shutter Speed 1 - 1/2000 second
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, On, On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Off, Slow Synch, Slow Synch w/ Red-Eye Reduction,
Range: ISO Auto: 0.6-7.8 ft, (0.2-2.4m)
Creative
Scene Modes Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Snow, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap
Digital Zoom 2x precision
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format MPEG with audio
640x480 and 160x112
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 1.1
Other DC In
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BG1
Product Bundle
Software Cyber-shot Viewer v1.0
Battery / Charger 1 x proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 58.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W70 digital camera. Courtesy of Sony, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number DSC-W100
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.4 x 1.0"
94.2 x 60.6 x 24.8mm
Weight 192.0 g
6.7 oz
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/1.8" CCD
8.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2176 (7.1 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1632 x 1224 (2.0 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 1.0 frames per second for 4 frames
Image Quality 2 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder Yes, True-zoom optical
LCD 2.5", 115,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 5.0x max
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
3x optical zoom
30mm lens thread, Body threads w/ adapter
Focal Length 7.9 - 23.7mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f2.8 - 5.6(W), f5.2 - 13(T)
Focusing System 5-area Contrast Detection with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (5) steps
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.4"
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/1000 second
Exposure Modes Aperture, Shutter
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, On, On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Off, Slow Synch, Slow Synch w/ Red-Eye Reduction,
Range: ISO Auto: 0.6-19.5 ft, (0.2-6.0m),
Creative
Scene Modes Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Beach, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap
Digital Zoom 2x precision
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format MPEG with audio
640x480 and 160x112
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 1.1
Other DC In
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BG1
Product Bundle
Software Cyber-shot Viewer v1.0
Battery / Charger 1 x proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 64.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
 

Original Source Press Release:

SONY'S LATEST CYBER-SHOT W-SERIES CAMERAS FUSE PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN

ORLANDO (PMA 2006, Booth #4150), Feb. 25, 2006 — Sony rounds out its new W-series line of digital still cameras with two top-end models packed with powerful features -- the Cyber-shot® DSC-W100 and DSC-W70.

“ Our W-series feature intelligent functions that work behind the scenes, said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “Users can focus on those moments of inspiration that make great photographs without the hassle of worrying about camera settings.”

The DSC-W100 model packs in an eight-megapixel imaging sensor, and has a compact metal body with a stylized finish in black and silver. It features a manual exposure mode with extended control for up to 46 steps of adjustable shutter speeds (30 – 1/1000 sec.) and two steps of aperture control.

Both the DSC-W100 camera and the new seven-megapixel DSC-W70 model have an updated traditional camera style with their eye-level viewfinders and large 2.5-inch LCD screens.

They both incorporate precision Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lenses; MPEG1 movie recording; high-light sensitivity settings; and a mode dial to quickly switch among photo, video, and preview.

The cameras’ high light-sensitivity facilitates shooting at higher shutter speeds to capture fast-moving subjects with reduced blur. It also allows for shooting without a flash to capture more natural-looking images in low-light settings.

The DSC-W70 model has a maximum ISO setting of 1000, while the DSC-W100 model extends to IS0 1250 for even greater control. Sony’s Clear RAW ™ imaging technology helps increase the cameras’ ISO settings and, at the same time, reduces the chances of blurry or grainy pictures by keeping picture noise to a minimum.

Intuitive Operation That Takes Out The Guesswork
These W-series models feature a new function guide and resolution guide. When menu icons are selected, such as a specific shooting function or scene mode, a simple text explanation is displayed on the LCD making it easier to maximize the camera’s performance. This function guide can be turned off as you become more familiar with the camera.

The resolution guide is helpful when deciding on the best resolution for prints. When you select the resolution, a pop-up screen informs you of the ideal print size for that particular setting.

The cameras also feature auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus functions. Sony’s multi-point auto-focus system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background by evaluating five separate focus areas of the frame.

According to Neal, “With this kind of intelligence working behind the scenes, pictures come out right the first time.”

Cameras That Can Match Your Stamina
Sony’s ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor™ circuit delivers quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life. Both cameras snap up to 360 shots on a single full charge.

If you leave home without your memory cards, the W100 model features 64MB of internal memory while the W70 has 58MB so that you can keep on shooting. When you are ready to expand their capacity, optional Memory Stick Duo™ media cards can hold up to four gigabytes of data.

Make The Most of High-Resolution Images Through Prints
These high-resolution cameras are ideal for making high-quality prints. When you connect them to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer, you can create prints, postcards, or even calendars using the printer’s supplied software.

With Sony’s ImageStation® online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts such as photo books and calendars with your own life as the creative inspiration.

The Cyber-shot DSC-W100 camera ships in April for about $350, and the DSC-W70 model will also be available in April for about $300. Both models are available in black and silver.

Optional accessories for the W70 include a lens adapter (VAD-WB) for about $30, a wide conversion lens (VCL-DH0730) for about $99, a tele-conversion lens (VCL-DH2630) for about $130, and a sports pack (SPK-WA) for about $100. Accessories for both the W100 and W70 include a travel charger (BC-TRG) for about $60 and a leather case (LCS-WE) for about $40.

Both models can be purchased direct at Sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at www.sony.com/w100 and www.sony.com/w70.

# # #

Editor’s Notes: The actual battery life may vary according to usage. The viewable area of LCD displays is measured diagonally. The available storage capacity of Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo media may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions. For additional information about Sony products, your readers can call toll-free (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sonystyle.com. Press releases and digital images are available for the news media at Sony Electronics’ news and information web site at: www.sony.com/news.

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