News

Sony is introducing a line of colorful W-series Cyber-shot digital cameras
with new imaging technologies for easier photo capture.



The 10.1-megapixel DSC-W170 and 8.1-megapixel DSC-W150 models feature Carl Zeiss
5x optical zoom lenses with wide angles of view, 28 mm -- 140 mm and 30
mm -- 150 mm, respectively, and 2.7-inch LCD screens along with eye-level
viewfinders. Rounding out the series are the 8.1-megapixel DSC-W130 models and
7.2-megapixel DSC-W120 units with 4x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screens.



Newly-available on the W-series cameras is Sony's "smile shutter"
mode, which automatically captures an image when your subject smiles --
without having to press the shutter. This function even lets you prioritize
adult or child faces to capture photos only when the intended subjects smile.



Each of the new W series models includes Sony's improved face detection
technology, which, like the smile shutter technology, can now distinguish between
the faces of children and adults. You can select "child priority"
or "adult priority" and the camera will detect up to eight faces
in the camera frame and optimize focus, exposure, white balance, and flash control.




The W170 and W150 cameras feature new intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) technology,
which allows the camera to automatically select the optimal scene mode for a
variety shooting situations. In advanced iSCN mode, the camera will take a photo
based on the user's settings. If the camera determines that another setting
would yield better exposure, it will automatically take a second photo with
that setting. The user ultimately has two images to choose from.



The series features a number of powerful features, including: Sony's D-Range
Optimizer to retrieve picture detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark
shadows; semi-manual focus that allows you to select the focusing distance based
on your subject's location; an improved auto focus system that includes
macro ranges; Super SteadyShot image stabilization; high sensitivity settings
up to ISO 3200; and in-camera editing functions such as "unsharp mask"
to sharpen images.



The W170 and W150 units are equipped with advanced image management functionality.
Filtering options allow you to search for photos by date and smile. Images can
be viewed by date or in a helpful calendar view, and organized in the cameras'
"favorites" folder for quick retrieval of beloved images.



The slideshow function of W170 and W150 has also been upgraded. Photos can be
selected using the same advanced filtering options available in playback mode
and transitions have been improved through the application of face detection
technology. Now your subjects can take center stage as the slideshow moves through
sophisticated pans, fades and wipes. Improvements to the background music function
include a choice of more tracks, longer tracks, and multiple tracks for longer
slideshows.


To view your images in 1080 high-definition resolution, you can connect each
of the cameras to a compatible HDTV sets via HD component cable or Sony's
HD Cyber-shot Station® cradle (both sold separately).



In pink, blue, black and silver, the DSC-W120 camera will be available for about
$200 in March. The DSC-W130 model will be offered in pink, black and silver
for about $230 that same month. The DSC-W150 model will hit retail in sophisticated
champagne, red, black and silver for about $250 in April. The DSC-W170 model
will also be available then in those same colors for about $300.



The new models can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style®
retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail),
at military base exchanges, and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders
begin on Jan. 31 at www.sonystyle.com.



Editor's Note: The viewable area of LCD displays is measured
diagonally. For additional information about Sony products, your readers can
call toll-free (888) 222-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at www.sonystyle.com.
Press releases and digital images are available for the news media at Sony Electronics'
news and information web site at www.sony.com/news.

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