Sony touts thin waterproof camera, high-zoom compact
updated 09:15 am EST, Thu February 18, 2010
Sony Cyber-shot TX5 and H55 debut
Sony on Thursday added a pair of Cyber-shots that are both firsts for the company and in one case the whole camera field. The TX5 is billed as the world's thinnest waterproof camera at less than an inch thick but capable of surviving fully immersed at depths as low as 10 feet. Image quality is still a focus as the camera uses the same 10-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor as the TX1 to provide much better light sensitivity than the CCDs that are more often used in point-and-shoots.
On top of its sealed-off design, the TX5 is semi-rugged and can take drops from up to 5 feet as well as winter temperatures as low as 14F. Its lens is a modest 4X wide-angle piece, but the camera supports newer Sony software features such as the sweep panorama mode and 720p video recording.
Its opposite is the H55. While noticeably thicker, the camera is one of Sony's first compacts with a long zoom and has a 10X, 25-250mm film equivalent lens with particularly high-grade image stabilization. It too has 720p and panorama shooting but captures photos at a larger 14 megapixels, albeit with CCD.
Either camera will support both Memory Stick and SDHC cards when they ship in April. The TX5's body commands a $350 price while the H55 will cost $250; pre-orders for the two start this month.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2010
video 1080i
From news that I read, TX5 records video in 720p and 1080i, not just 720p.
Otherwise, that is not a major feature, since previeous models, even T900 can record in 720p.
The main feature of this camera is 10.2 Mp Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor which takes great pictures and videos in low light.
Of course, the waterproof casing differentiates this camera from the rest of SONY point and shoot cameras. It is the first Sony point and shoot to have waterproof capabilities.
These new cameras also have a hybrid slot that accepts memory sticks (SONY brand) and SD cards too, and that will help SONY pentrates a market full with nice cameras already.