Sony shows DSC-RX100 camera, brings GW77V Handycam to US
updated 04:50 pm EDT, Wed June 6, 2012
Sony intros "most advanced" point-and-shoot camera to date, the DSC-RX100
Sony this week took the wraps off what it's calling its most advanced point-and-shoot camera to date, the DSC-RX100. This claim is backed up by the use of a 13.2x8.8mm (1-inch) Exmor CMOS sensor with an effective 20.2-megapixel resolution. Sony said this is four times larger than the typical sensor in competitors' cameras.
The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens is an f1.8 unit with a 3.6x optical zoom. Out back, there is a 3-inch, 1,229k dot LCD display with WhiteMagic tech that uses white pixels to boost brightness in broad daylight.
The BIONZ image processor allows for ISO settings of up to 25,600, with a rapid fire speed of 10 frames per second at full resolution. The high-speed autofocus is said to lock onto a subject in as little as 0.13 seconds.
Experienced photographers have the option of using a control ring around the lens body to make manual adjustments to exposure, zoom, and other settings that can be custom-set. The Function button can be set with a favorite feature, while Memory Recall lets users save up to three groups of customized settings.
It can also shoot RAW images like DSLRs in addition to JPEGs, and can capture 1080p AVCHD and MP4 video.
The new flagship point-and-shoot from Sony will cost $650 when it arrives in stores in July.
Also, the waterproof, 20.4-megapixel HDR-GW77V Handycam camcorder introduced for Europe and Japan earlier this year is coming to North America, priced at $700. It will be out in July as well, available in black, silver, and blue.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2001
Darn it!
That DSC-RX100 is everything I'm looking for in a reasonably-priced camera, but the lack of longer optical zoom is a deal-breaker. Pity.