New Sony Digital Cameras for Spring 2010

Sony has announced the introduction of an additional 12 models to their digital camera range. The majority of the new cameras fall into the W section of the Sony range. These are straightforward pocket sized cameras that are typically a step down in terms of price when compared against the more stylish pocket cameras found in the Sony T range.

It is expected that the majority of the new cameras will be available from the end of January 2010.

The full list is:

Simple and Easy

Sony Cybershot DSC S2000 Sony Cybershot DSC S2100

Standard Pocket Sized

Sony Cybershot DSC W310 Sony Cybershot DSC W320 Sony Cybershot DSC W330 Sony Cybershot DSC W350 Sony Cybershot DSC W360 Sony Cybershot DSC W370 Sony Cybershot DSC W380 Sony Cybershot DSC W390

Advanced Pocket Sized

Sony Cybershot DSC TX7

Advanced Zoom

Sony Cybershot DSC HX5

In terms of specification the two stand out models in the list are the Sony Cybershot DSC TX7 and the Sony Cybershot DSC HX5. Both of these cameras are equipped with an Exmoor R CMOS Sensor. This sensor gives the cameras a number of advantages with Sony claiming improved low light shooting. The HX5 also introduces GPS and compass functions. These help to pinpoint exactly where you are when you are taking a photo. When a photo is taken it is then tagged with location coordinates that can be retrieved later using supplied software.

Both the TX7 and the HX5 offer wide angle lenses with a minimum focal length equivalent to 25mm in 35mm format. You also have access to image stage stabilisation, sweep panoramas and High Definition movies.

As with other models in this part of the Sony range the TX7 has a touch sensitive LCD screen. The screen is 3.5 inches in size. Almost all of the camera functions are controlled via the screen.

Another new feature worth a mention is an enhanced Dynamic Range feature. The idea behind this is to create photos with more detail showing in the lightest and darkest areas of a photo. In order to achieve this the camera will fire off two shots. One is optimised to pick out detail in the darker areas and the other to pick out detail in the lighter areas of a shot. The two images are then combined in camera to produce the optimum image.

There is another significant change too. All the new cameras introduced by Sony for the spring of 2010 are compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. This makes it easier for people to switch from other brands of digital cameras. SD and SDHC memory cards also tend to be cheaper than the Memory Sticks typically used in previous Sony models. The new cameras are also compatible with memory stick duo cards.

I have already seen from other brands a movement towards making it easier to upload photos to photo sharing sites such as Flickr and Facebook. This new selection of Sony digital cameras also have software built in to make uploading photos easier.