Sony intros 8MP, 6X zoom compact cam
updated 10:25 am EDT, Fri April 27, 2007
Sony S800 Camera
Sony on Friday launched a surprise upgrade to its Cyber-shot S-series in the form of the S800. Despite its role as a point-and-shoot compact, the new camera's lens is capable of a genuine 6X optical zoom. This is the strongest ever for any compact Cyber-shot, Sony says. The lens is suitable for long-range shots as well as macro photography as close as 0.8 inches from the glass. Image resoluton is also a priority with an 8.1-megapixel sensor and a special ISO 1250 mode that can be forced for low-light shooting.
Launched at first for Europe, the S800 will come with NiMH AA batteries, 54MB of internal memory, and support for Sony's favored Memory Stick Duo cards when it ships across the continent by the end of May. A North American version hasn't yet been announced, but is certain to follow as an update to the 7.2-megapixel S700 introduced in January.
