Digital Camera News and Reviews

Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6

DIWA Labs has tested the Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM SAL70300G lens. The lens was tested on the Sony Alpha 700 DSLR camera body.
This superzoom lens did not show any major weaknesses, but had some vignetting at max aperture. Seems like a very nice zoom lens for photographers using Sony cameras.

Read all the tests of the Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM SAL70300G lens here.
The tests done by DIWA Labs are very technical so you need to read their test guide to understand the test results.
Buy the Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM SAL70300G lens from BH Photo and get free shipping.

Sony MHS-CM1 digital camcorder

Sony announced two new HD camcorders called MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 Webbie HD. These camcorders can capture 1440×1080/30p videos and 5-megapixel still photos. The Webbie HD camcorders are designed for a younger audience that often upload videos and photos to Youtube and other social networking sites.

The Sony MHS-CM1 camcorder is available now for about $200 and the Sony MHS-PM1 model will be available in April 2009 for about $170.

Press release:
Share Fun Moments Online With Sony “Webbie HD” Cameras

Two Stylish Devices Provide Quick Video and Photo Uploads to the Web

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Social networking is all the rage with Sony’s new stylish cameras that make it easy to capture and upload MP4 video and still photos directly to the Web.

The MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 Webbie HD™ cameras capture daily events in high definition video (1440×1080/30p) and 5-megapixel still photos. Embedded software makes it possible to quickly upload content online in a few simple clicks. Two portable designs in three stylish colors—eggplant, orange and silver—reflect your personal style while capturing every wish-you-were-here moment.

“Webbie HD cameras are perfect for youth culture, who love to share moments on social networks as they happen,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “It’s exciting to see these new customers embracing video to share their experiences and we’ve expanded our camcorder line to meet their needs.”

Sony MHS-CM1 digital camcorder. Photo provided by Sony Electronics. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony MHS-CM1 digital camcorder.
Photo provided by Sony Electronics.

The MHS-CM1 camera sports a slim horizontal design that fits naturally in your palm with a large 2.5-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that swivels up to 270 degrees. It also has 5X optical zoom to snap a detailed close-up of your subject.

The four-ounce MHS-PM1 camera is lightweight and can be taken virtually everywhere—just stash the vertical chassis in a pocket or purse to catch that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. A rotating swivel lens with 4X digital zoom flips over so you can see yourself while shooting video and taking photos.

By connecting the camera to your computer via the supplied USB cable, the embedded PMB Portable software quickly transfers content to video and photo sharing websites. It includes direct upload to Shutterfly™ and Picasa™ Web Albums photo sharing sites, YouTube™ and Dailymotion™ video sharing sites and Photobucket™ video and photo sharing site. You can also simply drag and drop video files from the camera to your personal computer folders.

Five scene selection modes—such as low light, sports and landscape— help you capture the best picture possible in any situation. Both cameras record directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately).

The MHS-CM1 camera is available today for about $200 and the MHS-PM1 model will be available in April for about $170. The Webbie HD cameras will be sold at Sony Style® retail stores, online at www.sonystyle.com/webbiehd and through authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony HDR-XR520V

Sony has announced four new HD camcorders called HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100. They have respectively 240GB, 120GB, 120GB and 80GB hard drives. The Sony digital camcorders also feature 1920×1080 high-definition video recording and up to 12-megapixel still image capture.

The Sony HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100 will begin shipping in March for about $1500, $1300, $1000 and $750, respectively.

Press release:
Sony Adds Breakthrough Technologies To HD Camcorder Line

New Models Combine Exmor R CMOS sensor, Sony G Lens and BIONZ Processor For Unparalleled Imaging Quality

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – As a leader in the high-definition camcorder category, Sony is introducing four hard disk drive Handycam® camcorders with high-performance optics, large storage capacity and advanced technologies.

The HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100 camcorder models preserve content in high resolution with 1920×1080 high-definition video recording and up to 12-megapixel still image capture.

The flagship model includes a 240GB hard drive that holds up to 101 hours of HD video (LP mode), embedded GPS, a back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, and improved optical image stabilization.

“Sony will continue to lead the high-definition camcorder segment with our strong new lineup,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “These models represent Sony’s top of the line camcorders, delivering innovative features and advanced optics for unprecedented picture quality.”

High-Performance Optics
Offering a refined level of optical performance, the new Sony high definition camcorders combine an Exmor R CMOS sensor, the Sony G Lens and a BIONZ processor.

The HDR-XR520V and HDR-XR500V models are the first camcorders to use a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Because the wire circuitry is placed behind the sensor’s photo detectors, the camcorders provide stunning low light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity compared to Sony’s existing front-illuminated CMOS sensor at F2.0. This results in brilliant image clarity and reduced grain.

These two camcorders feature a Sony G lens that incorporates advanced optics and low-dispersion aspheric glass elements for accurate color production and sharp, detailed images. A six-blade iris produces circular “bokeh” defocus effects for creative shooting possibilities.

A high-speed BIONZ imaging processor handles massive amounts of high resolution data from the Exmor R CMOS sensor for quick response and extraordinary picture quality.

The models also have an improved Optical Steady Shot™ feature with Active Mode, which allows a moveable lens element to shift with a greater range of motion during camera shake. This results in dramatically smoother video footage and photos.

Large Storage Capacity
The HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100 camcorders offer extremely long recording times with hard drive capacity of 240GB, 120GB, 120GB and 80GB, respectively. In addition to a built-in hard drive, the models can also record content to optional Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.

Sony’s new 16GB PRO-HG Duo HX Memory Stick® media (model MS-HX16G) offers extremely quick data transfer rates with the ability to transfer approximately one hour of high definition video from the camcorder to the PC in about six minutes.

Sophisticated Technologies
Making it easy to retrace your steps by shooting location, the HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V camcorders feature a built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ® digital maps for video and photo geo-tagging. Geo-tagged content is marked by a push pin at each shot location and can be played back on the camcorder map index display or enjoyed on the PC using the included Picture Motion Browser software. The feature also highlights your current map location and automatically adjusts the camcorder clock to the proper time zone.

All new models feature Smile Shutter™ technology, which automatically detects faces and takes photos as your subject smiles, even while shooting HD video. In addition to Face Detection technology, the camcorders are packed with powerful features including Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording, a built-in zoom microphone and up to 3.2-inch wide (measured diagonally) touch-panel LCD screens.

Improved Post-Shooting Experience
Developed for viewing special moments on your television with family and friends, the Highlight Playback mode on the HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V models personalize your video footage by generating a video slideshow with theme transitions and background music. You can also add your own MP3 music files using the included software.

All models ship with the latest version of Picture Motion Browser software to easily view, organize, and upload images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites.

Standard Definition
Complementing these high-definition camcorders, Sony is updating its standard-definition, hard-drive line with three new models. They have up to 60X optical zoom, hybrid movie recording to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately), large built-in hard drives and 2.7-inch (measured diagonally) wide LCD touch panel screens. Additionally, the DCR-SR87 includes a 1-megapixel CCD imager and the DCR-SR47 model comes in three color variations (red, blue and silver).

The 80GB DCR-SR87, 80GB DCR-SR67 and 60GB DCR-SR47 camcorders work with Sony’s new DVDirect® Express DVD writer, model VRD-P1, offering a quick and easy way to transfer home videos directly to DVD without a computer. By attaching the DVDirect Express via its built-in USB cable to compatible Handycam camcorders, it can transfer video to DVD for playback on most home DVD players. The VRD-P1 unit will be available this month for about $150.

Availability
The HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR500V, HDR-XR200V and HDR-XR100 will begin shipping in March for about $1500, $1300, $1000 and $750, respectively. The DCR-SR87, DCR-SR67 and DCR-SR47 will begin shipping in February for about $500, $450 and $400, respectively. The MS-HX16G 16GB Memory Stick® media card will ship in March for around $140. Camcorders and accessories will be available at Sony Style® retail stores, online through www.sonystyle.com, at authorized dealers and military base exchanges nationwide.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3

Sony has announced the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 digital camera that features Wi-Fi and a built in web browser which make it very easy to upload pictures and videos to the net. The camera also have a big 3.5″ LCD touch screen and 4 gigabyte of internal memory.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3:
-Wi-Fi
-Built in web browser
-10 megapixel
-3.5″ LCD touch screen
-4gb internal memory
-4x optical zoom lens

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 is now available for about $500.

Press release:
Sony Unveils World’s First Wi-Fi Digital Camera With Web Browser

Cyber-Shot Camera Lets You Share Your Memories in the Moment

LAS VEGAS (CES Keynote), Jan. 8, 2009 – With a focus on making photo sharing easier and more convenient, Sony today introduced the world’s first Wi-Fi® enabled digital camera that uploads photos and videos to Web sites through any public hotspot due to its built-in Web browser.

The new Cyber-shot DSC-G3 digital still camera answers one of the most pressing needs for photo enthusiasts: how to share those amazing photos and video clips of family, friends and events as soon as you shoot. The Cyber-shot camera makes it easy to upload images and video directly to popular photo and video sharing sites wherever a Wi-Fi connection is available.

“Research shows that our customers greatly value sharing images and video clips, but they often forget or don’t have enough time if they wait to get home to upload images,” said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. “Our new Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera provides the simplicity and convenience of sharing in the moment, while the impulse is still fresh in people’s minds.”

The camera can wirelessly connect to any public hotspot, including hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and airports. Like a computer, the camera can connect to free or fee-based hotspots, as well as to secure and unsecured access points.

The new DSC-G3 model comes with complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi access to Sony’s Easy Upload Home Page until Jan. 31, 2012. It includes Wi-Fi access at thousands of AT&T hotspots across the United States, including Starbucks®, selected book stores and major quick-serve restaurant locations, as well as hundreds of upscale hotels and airports.

“By collaborating with Sony to launch the first digital still camera with a built in Web browser and embedded access across the entire AT&T Wi-Fi service network, we’re enabling consumers to gain quick and convenient access to Sony’s Easy Upload Homepage through thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots across the country,” said Glenn Lurie, president of AT&T’s emerging device organization. “The wireless capabilities and cutting-edge features of the G3 camera with the reliable coverage of AT&T’s Wi-Fi network offers a unique consumer experience.”

Uploads Made Easy
The new camera makes it easy to connect to the Internet and upload images. By pressing the WLAN button on the camera, you can open its embedded Web browser.

After connecting to the Internet via wireless access points, the camera automatically navigates to the Sony Easy Upload Home Page, which includes direct links to photo sharing sites like Shutterfly™ and Picasa™ Web Albums; video sharing sites like YouTube™ and Dailymotion™; and a photo and video sharing site, such as Photobucket™. Also, the DSC-G3 camera allows you to access other sharing sites for uploading photos and videos through its Web browser.

Through the Sony Easy Upload Home Page, you can send e-mail notifications from the sharing Web sites to let friends and family know that you have posted new images and videos for viewing. This is perfect for sharing with loved ones that were not with you when you took the pictures or shot the videos.

When friends and family are nearby, you can use the camera to access photos you may have already uploaded to sharing sites and display them on its high resolution 3.5-inch LCD screen.

The camera supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) guidelines. By connecting to such DLNA-compatible devices as Sony BRAVIA® televisions via access points, photos in the camera can be played back with high-definition quality. In addition to BRAVIA TVs, the camera can connect to other DLNA-compatible devices, such as Sony VAIO® PCs.

Smart Camera
In addition to its wireless sharing capabilities, the new camera is built for high-performance imaging. The 10-megapixel camera is about three-fourths of an inch thin and includes a 4X optical zoom Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lens. Although compact enough to fit in the camera’s slim dimention, this lens provides excellent sharpness and color accuracy.

The Intelligent Scene Recognition™ feature automatically identifies a total of eight types of scenes — backlight, backlight portrait, twilight, twilight portrait, twilight using a tripod, portrait, landscape and macro — and automatically optimizes camera settings for each challenging shooting situation, taking an additional shot in low and bright light scenarios.

With Sony’s Face Detection technology, the DSC-G3 camera detects faces in a scene and adjusts auto focus (AF), auto exposure (AE), flash and white balance accordingly. It can also distinguish between children and adults, allowing users to to prioritize faces according to their preference.

Combining the Intelligent Scene Recognition feature with Face Detection technology, the camera includes an anti-blink function that helps make closed-eye photos a thing of the past. The camera automatically takes two shots and then determines whether the subject(s) have closed eyes. It will record images with open-eyed subjects. If both pictures have subject(s) with closed eyes, the cameras will record one and display a warning so you can try again.

Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology automatically captures a smile the moment it happens. You can use the adult or child priority setting when shooting scenes containing both adults and children, and the camera will distinguish one face from another.

The camera’s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) determines the best exposure and contrast settings in almost any shooting environment, giving images a natural look with clearer details that match what you see with your naked eye. DRO also balances the contrast in scenes with strong highlight and shadow, recovering detail normally lost in shadow areas. Combining the benefits of Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with high sensitivity mode, Sony’s Double Anti-blur feature helps reduce camera shake blur, especially when there is low light.

Photo Library
The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 model is also a “photo album in your pocket” and has 4GB of internal memory that can store nearly 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos. The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ screen is perfect for photo-like viewing with high contrast and wide-angle viewing. This Xtra Fine LCD screen delivers high resolution images (921,600 dots) that is approximately four times higher than conventional LCDs.

The camera also makes it easy to sort thousands of images. While shooting, images are organized automatically in albums by date. All images in an album can be displayed simultaneously as thumbnails on the screen, and the desired image can quickly be selected.

There are four ways to view photos: standard folder view, date view, favorites and event view. Images can be stored and managed on both the camera’s 4GB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick® media card.

In addition to the in-camera organization and search functionality, bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly organize images on a compatible PC. The software lets you search and organize images by event or face, and you can display images in calendar or chronological views organized into folders.

Pricing and Availability
The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera is now available in black for about $500. The camera and a range of accessories can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.