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| (Credit: Sony) |
Sony announced five new basic digital cameras, including two models that come with the sweep panorama technology that was previously limited to pricier models. The new cameras come in many colors and will sell for $230 or less.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W370 and W350 both have 14-megapixel CCD image sensors. They are the first CCD digital cameras to include sweep panorama technology. The sweep panoramas, which are taken by pushing the shutter down continuously and sweeping the camera in a fluid motion either vertically or horizontally, were previously included only on cameras with CMOS sensors. The technology debuted on the HX1, TX1, and WX1 last year and an updated version was recently released on the new HX5V and TX7 models.
“We’re expanding Sweep Panorama, which has been such a well received feature, to our more affordable models,” said Kelly Davis, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics, in the Jan. 6 press release. “Allowing users to capture the impact of a full panoramic scene with an easy to use, practical camera provides a great value to our customers.”
The Sony W370 keeps a compact profile, but has a 7x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization It also has a 3-inch LCD screen and 720p HD movies. It will sell for $230 in March.
The Sony W350 has the same 14-megapixel resolution and HD video capability, but a smaller 2.7-inch LCD and shorter 4x optical zoom lens . It is available this month for $200.
The Sony W330, W310, and S2100 are the other three Cyber-shots announced by Sony that are still compact and basic but do not include sweep panoramas. All five cameras announced come with an intelligent auto mode, a smile shutter feature that automatically takes a picture when a smile is detected, and are compatible with SD/SDHC cards as well as Sony’s own Memory Stick media.
The Sony W330 has the same 14 megapixels as the other cameras. It borrows the 4x lens from the W350 and 3-inch LCD from the W370. It goes on sale in February for $170.
The Sony W310 and S2100 both have 12 megapixels. The W310 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen and a 4x lens, although it isn’t the same one on the W330 and W350. Those cameras have a 26mm wide angle on their 4x lens, but the W310 has a 28mm wide angle. The W310 will retail for $150 in March.
The Sony S2100 has a 3x lens and 3-inch LCD. It will take AA batteries, while the other W-series cameras are powered by lithium-ion batteries. The S2100 will be available next month for $120.
