Sony introduces world’s smallest 3D cameras – Cyber-shot TX9 and WX5
What better way to encourage 3D content creation than by providing consumers with affordable 3D content creation tools like Sony’s recently announced Cyber-shot 3D cameras. Dubbed the world’s smallest 3D cameras, the two new models (DSC-TX9 and DSC-WX5) capture 3D images with a single lens system using a sweeping motion (yeah sorry – no 3D video capture yet at this price point).
Making 3D image capture possible is Sony’s “3D Sweep Panorama” feature which takes panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The cameras capture frames at a high-speed burst rate and then stitch the frames together using “innovative processing techniques” to automatically create 3D panoramas.
Viewing these 3D images ideally requires a compatible 3D enabled television set (and of course 3D glasses) although you can view them in 2D just fine. Alternatively, you can use Sony’s “Sweep Multi Angle” feature which lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras’ LCD display by tilting the camera back and forth. This feature works by capturing 15 images at different angles and then compiling them into one photo creating a 3D-like effect on the display.
Other new features found on the TX9 and WX5 include:
- 12.2 megapixel resolution
- Background Defocus – simulates depth of field control – making it easy to blur an image’s background and creating a bokeh effect. The camera takes two shots, identifies the background, and applies a defocus effect keeping your subject “crisp and clear in the foreground”.
- Superior Auto mode – provides low image-noise levels previously only found on DSLR cameras. This feature automatically takes multiple shots to reduce image noise and extend dynamic range and is a part of Intelligent Auto mode.
- Natural Flash – improves image quality and captures colors the way the eyes see them. The camera takes a reference shot without flash and then uses that as a color reference correction
- Soft Skin mode – recognizes skin tones and reduces the appearance of imperfections without affecting the rest of the image.
- Record 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at 60i at up to 17 Mbps. Capture video in MP4 format (up to 1440 x 1080 3pp 12Mbps) for online sharing.
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Memory card slot with support for Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC media formats
The TX9 features a 3.5 inch 921k resolution LCD touch-screen and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x wide-angle zoom lens which lets you focus as little as 0.4 inches from your subject. Availability is expected in Sept. with a price of around $400 dollars. Colors include dark gray and red.
The WX5 features a 2.8 inch LCD display and a Sony G lens (5x 24-120mm) with a wide aperture (F2.4). The WX5 will be available in Sept. for approximately $300 dollars with color choices of silver and black.
Finally, Sony also announced the new 14.1 megapixel DSC-T99 digital camera – an affordable T series Cyber-shot priced at around $250 dollars and available also in Sept.
Features include:
- CCD image sensor
- Sweep Panorama Mode
- 3 inch touch-screen display
- 25mm wide Carl Zeiss lens
- Color choices of silver, black, pink, green, and violet
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