The Best Digital Camera

The 7.2-megapixel Cyber-shot (R) W120 features innovative Smile Shutter technology, photographs smiling as they occur. A Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom provides high quality close-ups, while Sony Double Anti-blur solution offers crisp, clear images. The advanced Sony Super HAD (TM) (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. Because the off-center can be your best shot, a 9-point autofocus measures precision guidance to 9 points instead of 5 giving you greater creative freedom to compose your image . The large, bright 2.5-inch TFT LCD screen makes it easy to compose shots, check results and read menus in sharp natural color, even in direct sunlight. Technology Face Detection automatically point, the exposure, color, and flash to help reveal faces in shadows, make skin tones look more natural, reduce red-eye and eliminate glare face severe, so your photos to Clearly any expression on every face in every shot. Super SteadyShot (R) image stabilization compensates for fragile hands and minimize blur optical sensors that detect camera movement and send signals to correct a stabilization goal .

Sony Japan has just announced the development of a 35mm film negative sized 24.81 effective megapixel sensor designed for SLR cameras that can capture up to 6 frames per second. Because it is the same size as a 35mm negative, the new unnamed sensor would allow an SLR to capture 24 megapixel images with no lens multiplier factor: the focal length of the lens would be the same as on a 35mm film camera.

This is especially important for wide-angle lenses; the multiplier that most digital SLRs impose (which is caused by the fact that most image sensors are smaller than a 35mm negative) means that wide angle lenses offer a smaller field of view than they do on a conventional film SLR. With an SLR built around this new sensor, the field of view would be the same as on a 35mm film camera.The new sensor can also capture images very quickly; Sony claims it can capture and download 6.3 frames per second at the full resolution, as much of the circuitry that captures and converts the image ready for processing is built into the chip itself. Most existing digital SLRs can only manage 2 or 3 frames a second at the full resolution (although some can capture more by lowering the resolution).

The new sensor is based on CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology; some other manufacturers use sensors that are based on the rival CCD (Charge Coupled Device) technology. Sony did not announce any pricing details for the new sensor, or if any manufacturers have comitted to using it yet. Several of the major manufacturers use Sony image Sensors in their SLRs. We would expect to see it in high-end SLRs later this year.

Jan. 29, 2008 - Panasonic has expanded the Lumix LZ series with two new models: the $250 DMC-LZ10 and the $180 DMC-LZ8. Both models include 5x zoom lenses, manual controls and Panasonic's new Intelligent Auto Mode. Both models will be available in February.
The DMC-LZ10 shoots 10.1-megapixel images, and the zoom lens starts at 30mm, a wider lens setting than most. The DMC-LZ8 shoots 8.1-megapixel images, and the zoom lens starts at a 32mm wide setting. As well as the new Intelligent Auto mode described below, it includes an extensive set of manual controls, including both shutter and aperture settings. Both Shutter and Aperture Priority modes are included, as well as a full Manual mode, not often seen on point-and-shoots.

Both cameras also include what Panasonic calls Advanced Scene mode, where the user can set the Scene mode (from a list that includes Portrait, Sports, Landscape, and others) and a sub-mode, such as indoor or outdoor portraits, or nature or architecture in Landscape mode. An additional Creative mode provides access to the aperture and shutter speed settings, while leaving the other settings on automatic.

Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony has added an intriguing new feature to the α (alpha) digital SLRs announced at the PMA show in Las Vegas: live view. The 14.2-megapixel $900 DSLR-A350 and 10.2-megapixel $800 DSLR-A300 both allow the user to preview images in the LCD screen. The live view is made possible by a separate CCD imager built into the viewfinder prism.

Both cameras have live view-enabled tilting 2.7-inch LCD screens with 230,000 pixels. According to Sony, the new feature (which they call Quick AF Live View) is made possible by a redesigned viewfinder and a separate image sensor that produces only the live view. This also allows the cameras to focus without having to flip up the mirror: other DSLRs that offer live view have to flip up the mirror, then focus the lens, which leads to a noticeable delay. The new Sonys can use this secondary image sensor to focus, so the lens is already focussed when the lens flips up tot take the photos.
Sony is following in the footsteps of other DSLR manufacturers, who have included the live view to attract point-and-shooters who are growing out of their compact cameras. Olympus was the first to offer live view in its E330, released in 2004.

“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in speed or performance,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics, in today’s press release. “Quick AF Live View gives these new models a familiar shooting style without compromising speed – ideal for the growing market of first-time SLR users.”
The Sony α DSLR-A350 and A300 both have dust reduction and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization systems built into the camera bodies. They have nine-point autofocus systems similar to those included on the A100 and A200. They run off a 750-shot lithium-ion battery and record images to CompactFlash media. Memory Stick Duo cards can also be used with a converter
The Sony α DSLR-A350 has a slower burst rate of 2.5 frames-per-second (fps) in comparison to the A100, A200, and A300’s faster 3 fps burst rate. Other features of the new models include the dynamic range optimizer, which brings out details in highlights and shadows, high-definition output capability, and “creative style” settings that simulate different kinds of film.

Sony has been expanding its DSLR lineup drastically in the past few months. In late 2007 the company followed up its A100 solo model with the A700, a 12.2-megapixel DSLR with a gorgeous 921,000-pixel, 3-inch LCD screen. At the Consumer Electronics Show last month, Sony announced the 10.2-megapixel A200, which has many of the same features as the older A100. Today’s announcement brings Sony’s total DSLR count to five, although the A100 will be phased out with the release of the A200.

Sony premiered the Cyber-shot DSC-T300 at PMA 2008 in Las Vegas. As the successor to the ultra-compact T200 point-and-shoot, the T300 maintains touch screen abilities and sleek design. The 10.1-megapixel Sony camera caters to repeat digital camera buyers looking for more advanced features in a super small camera. The T300 updates Sony’s face detection system with a new Child and Adult Priority mode, more picture effects, and new image management functions. The camera will retail for $399 when it ships in March. Read on for a first impressions review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300.
Overall ImpressionsValue
At the same original retail price as the T200, the Cyber-shot DSC T300 retails for $399. That’s not inexpensive for a digital camera, since budget point-and-shooters retail for as low as $150 new. But gadget lovers will shell out the big bucks for its thin body, touch screen abilities, HD output, face detection system that actually works, and built-in editing tools. It certainly is one of more feature-rich point-and-shoots we’ve seen, but it comes at a price.
Who’s this Camera For?

• Point and Shooters – The T300 is geared toward advanced point-and-shooters who are likely upgrading from an existing digital camera. New beginners can use the camera too, but might be overwhelmed by the number of menu items.
• Budget Consumers – Not so much. At nearly $400, the camera is on the higher scale of point-and-shoot cameras.
• Gadget Freaks – The camera is absolutely geared for techno socialites - think the same demographic as iPhone users.
• Manual Control Freaks – The Cyber-shot T300 doesn’t have enough manual control that this segment craves.
• Pros / Serious Amateurs – Professionals tend to go for SLRs with PASM modes. The T300 may be considered by a serious shooter as a backup fun camera or gift, but there is no way it's going to replace an SLR.
  
  
  

Summary

Likes

• Attractive, ultra-thin design
• 3.5-inch touch screen LCD
• Easy-to-read icon and text based menu system
• Plenty of fun Retouch editing tools
• Movie zoom possible
• Face detection really improved
• Easy all-in-one connection cable
• HD Output support

Dislikes

• Poor lens placement
• Difficult zoom control
• Complicated navigation
• Little handling support
• Need for additional HD dock or cable for high definition support

As the replacement to the T200, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300 brings with it improvements on existing technologies. This evolutionary camera follows the T200 and the T100, which won the DigitalCameraInfo.com 2007 Select Award for Best Ultra-Thin Camera. The 10.1-megapixel camera has some impressive features that will win over advanced point-and-shooters who are upgrading from an existing, lackluster camera they already own. The camera carries over from its predecessors a 5x optical zoom lens with image stabilization and touch screen LCD. The camera improves autofocus, including face detection and post-capture editing. The camera looks beyond just the shooting process; the T300 makes advancements in what you do after you take the pictures with editing and sharing.