Sony Announces New NEX-3N, a58 DSLR, Cyber-shot WX300, HX300 and TX30 Digital Cameras
NEX-3N
Sony Introduces the a NEX-3N: The World’s Smallest and Lightest Interchangeable Lens Camera with an APS-C Size Sensor
Stylish New Camera Features Advanced 16.1 MP APS-C Sensor, Fingertip Zoom Control, New Auto Object Framing and more
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2013 – Sony’s new a NEX-3N digital camera delivers professional quality photos and Full HD videos in an ultra-compact body weighing in at just under 7.5 ounces, making it the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C size sensor*.
The new NEX-3N camera will be offered as a kit with the sharp, compact SELP1650 motorized zoom lens, offering the ultimate package of portability and performance in a compact system camera. The camera features a newly added zoom lever on top of the body, allowing for smooth fingertip control of lens focal length. The lever can also adjust digital zoom on the camera if a powered zoom lens (SELP1650 or SELP18200) is not being used.
The powerful, 16.1 effective megapixel APS HD CMOS sensor in the new NEX-3N camera is identical in size to those found in traditional DSLR cameras. Its large surface area takes in more light during image capture, allowing the camera to produce flawless, low-noise photographs with blurred backgrounds and highly detailed full HD videos (60i/24p). It also boosts maximum camera sensitivity to ISO16000, resulting in exceptional low-light shooting performance.
“The new NEX-3N is the ideal camera to introduce consumers to the creative world of interchangeable lens photography, offering new levels of performance and convenience never before realized in a mirrorless model,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony. “By pairing the camera with our retractable SELP1650 lens, loading it up with a host of our newest, most advanced technologies and offering it at a great price point, we’ve created a palm-sized powerhouse that promises outstanding value for our customers.”
The NEX-3N camera debuts new Auto Object Framing technology, which allows shooters to create professionally framed photos with each composition. This innovative feature identifies the main object of the framed scene – whether it’s one person, two people or even macro and moving subjects – and then automatically trims the scene around the object to create a professionally-styled composition. The cropped photo is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures. Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.
Additionally, the NEX-3N model is built with an evolved BIONZ processor that utilizes the same area-specific noise reduction technology featured on Sony’s acclaimed full-frame ?99 camera. The high-power processor individually adjusts level of noise reduction and sharpness in different imaging areas, assuring crisp, ultra-low noise handheld shots in all types of lighting situations without loss of detail.
The NEX-3N is also the first E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that offers support for new “TRILUMINOS Color”. This allows consumers to experience a dramatically expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic colors when videos and still images from the camera are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for “TRILUMINOS Display”.
Other convenient essentials include a crisp, bright, 7.5cm (3.0-type) LCD screen that flips 180 degrees for hassle-free self-portraits, as well as a new, easy-to-hold textured grip.
Shooters can now choose from a range of 13 high-quality E-mount lenses available for use with the NEX-3N camera to realize its full creative potential. The line-up includes a variety of telephoto, zoom, wide angle, and macro lenses manufactured by both Sony and Carl Zeiss® to suit any shooting situation. Each model blends superb optical performance with elegant styling to complement the E-mount camera line.
Pricing and Availability
The new NEX-3N compact digital camera will be available this April in black and white in a kit with the motorized 16-50mm zoom lens (model SELP1650) for about $500. The camera kit and a range of compatible E-mount lenses and accessories including the LCS-SB1 sling bag will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
CYBER-SHOT WX300, HX300 and TX30
Sony Launches Three Powerful New Cyber-shot™ Cameras for Capturing all the Action
New Models Include World’s Smallest and Lightest 20x Optical Zoom Compact (WX300), Impressive 50x Mega Zoom Model (HX300) and World’s Lightest Waterproof Compact (TX30)
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2013 – Sony is expanding the range and versatility of its Cyber-shot™ compact camera line with the introduction of three new “Exmor R” CMOS sensor equipped models – the WX300, HX300 and TX30 cameras.
Each of the new models features a unique, innovative design and a range of improved imaging technologies that make is easier than ever to capture the decisive action in all types of shooting environments ranging from low-light to outdoor scenes, underwater adventures and everything in between.
Cyber-shot WX300 Ultra-Compact Camera
The slim, super-stylish Cyber-shot WX300 camera is the world’s smallest and lightest digital still camera that packs a powerful 20x optical zoom range1.
A perfect pocket-sized travel partner, the WX300 camera features a high-quality Sony G Lens that handles wide-angle landscapes, portraits and dramatic close-ups with ease. It also has Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, which dramatically reduces the effect of hand shake and ensures crisp, blur-free still images. Image stabilization during zoom has been greatly improved and is about twice as effective2 compared to previous 20x optical zoom Sony cameras. It’s enhanced by Active Mode, which ensures that handheld movies look smooth and steady at all zoom ratios.
Autofocus on the new WX300 camera has also been improved compared to its predecessors, and is now about 3.6x3 faster than previous models. Battery life has also been boosted, as the new model packs enough stamina to shoot up to 500 photos (CIPA measurement) from a single charge.
The new WX300 camera has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, utilizing Sony’s PlayMemories™ Mobile application, available for both Android and iOS app platforms, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos to a connected smartphone or tablet. It also allows a connected device to be used as a handy wireless remote to control the camera – ideal for self-portraits and group shots where the photographer wants to be included. Still images stored in the camera can also be viewed wirelessly on a networked TV.
Cyber-shot HX300 High Zoom Camera
With a stylish DSLR-style design and handling, the power-packed Cyber-shot HX300 offers photographers long-zoom capabilities in a compact, versatile package. Featuring a huge 50x optical zoom range (24mm-1200mm equivalent) – among the highest for any compact camera – the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens covers a wide range of shooting possibilities, from holidays and safari trips to sports and outdoor concerts. The T* coating on lens surfaces cuts reflections and ‘flare’, while Super ED and ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration for satisfyingly sharp, high-contrast images.
In a first for the Cyber-shot line, the HX300 camera features newly-enhanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization that improves framing and composition at high zoom settings. This is made possible by a second zoom group of lens elements that shifts rapidly to correct for the slightest of hand movements. The HX300 model also has new and improved high-speed autofocus at telephoto settings that locks onto subjects about twice2 as fast as its predecessor, the HX200V model. This makes it easier than ever to grab those spontaneous moments with crisp, blur-free images.
The new camera has a balanced DSLR-style body and molded ergonomic grip that ensure comfort during shooting. There’s also a full range of intuitively-placed controls including manual ring, custom button, jog dial and Memory Recall mode, as well as the new Multi-Terminal that allows intelligent communication between the camera and compatible accessories.
Cyber-shot TX30 Waterproof Camera
Great for swimming, snorkeling, skiing or any other kind of outdoor activity, the Cyber-shot TX30 is the world’s slimmest waterproof digital compact camera4 (as of Feb 2013). The chic, stylish camera features 5x optical zoom and is waterproof to a depth of 10m (33 ft), dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof5.
New to the Cyber-shot line, the TX30 model features a Magnifying Glass Plus mode that zooms in for a fascinating super-size, magnification (up to 15x) 6 of close objects such as fish, plants, insects and more. There is also a powerful LED light surrounding the lens for adding light to close up shots.
Sparkling picture quality made simple
Each of the new models features a new and improved Superior Auto Mode that automatically adjusts camera settings for the ideal composition in all lighting situations – , even if a subject is moving.
The three new cameras all come equipped with Picture Effect settings that make it easy to spice up photos, movies and panoramas instantly and automatically with a range of fun, impressive artistic treatments like Toy Camera, Pop Color, Soft High Key and Partial Color.
On the WX300 and TX30 cameras, Beauty Effect mode lets users automatically re-touch photos after shooting to remove skin blemishes, widen eyes and whiten teeth as needed.
All new models feature Advanced Flash that boosts the camera's sensitivity, effectively extending the flash range to make further-away subjects appear brighter in the shot. It’s ideal for party photos and other dimly lit situations where built-in flashes typically struggle to reach all the action.
Also featured on all new Cyber-shot cameras, Triluminos™ Color gives a rich, vivid palette of supremely natural colors when viewing photos on your compatible BRAVIA TV with support for Triluminos Display.
Pricing and Availability
The new Cyber-shot WX300 compact camera will be available this April for about $330. The HX300 and TX30 cameras will both be available this March for about $500 and $350, respectively.
The cameras and a range of compatible Cyber-shot accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
ALPHA a58
Sony Introduces Speedy a58 Digital SLT Camera Featuring New 20.1 MP APS-C Sensor Powered by Translucent Mirror Technology
Exciting New DSLT Model Features OLED Viewfinder, up to 8 fps shooting, Auto Object Framing and more
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2013 – Lightweight, easy to use and packed with a variety of powerful imaging capabilities, the new Sony SLT-A58 camera is an ideal choice for consumers eager to explore the world of DSLR-style interchangeable lens photography.
The new a58 camera is the latest to feature Sony’s acclaimed Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting. This innovative technology also allows the camera to shoot sharply focused images at up to eight frames per second (in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode), ensuring that every important detail of any precious moment is fully captured.
At the heart of the new a58 camera is a brand new, highly advanced 20.1 (approx.) effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor teamed with an improved BIONZ image processing engine, which individually adjusts levels of noise reduction and sharpness in different imaging areas. This powerful combination of sensor and processor gives the camera an extra-wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 16000, and ensures that it can produce exceptionally detailed, low-noise still images and full HD videos in all types of lighting conditions.
“With the new ?58 model, we are bringing unparalleled levels of performance, speed and design to the world of affordable-class DSLR cameras,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony. “Featuring our innovative Translucent Mirror Technology, a brand new, high-resolution image sensor and a variety of new, convenient technologies all packaged at a great price, it is perfect for consumers looking to upgrade from the world of point-and-shoot cameras or replace an older DLSR.”
To improve the framing, focusing and image playback experience, the a58 camera features a bright new OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder. Using the EVF, shooters can instantly see the result of adjusting exposure compensation, aperture, ISO, white balance, Picture Effect and other parameters while they are composing – not afterwards. It’s a great teaching and learning tool, and a huge help for framing and creating that “perfect shot” with full confidence.
To complement its high-speed shooting capabilities, the ?58 camera has a high-performance 15-point AF system that features new Lock-on Autofocus technology for speedier, more accurate subject tracking. This makes it easier for shooters to focus on and capture fast moving subjects like birds in flight, kids playing sports and virtually everything in between.
The new a58 also introduces new Auto Object Framing technology, an evolution of the innovative Auto Portrait Framing feature introduced last year in Sony’s lineup of interchangeable lens cameras. With Auto Object Framing, the a58 camera judges what’s in the scene – one person, two people, even moving objects or macro subjects – tracking, framing and cropping the shot to create powerful, professionally-framed compositions. Cropped photos are boosted back to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, and both the original and re-composed image files are saved for review.
Additionally, the new camera features a total of 15 artistic ‘in-camera’ Picture Effect treatments including Toy Camera, Mono and Partial Color and much more, all of which can be accessed instantly from the mode dial.
The a58 model is Sony’s first A-mount interchangeable lens camera that offers support for new TRILUMINOS Color, which allows consumers to experience an expanded palette of colors when content from the camera is played back on any BRAVIA TV that supports TRILUMINOS Display.
The Sony A-mount camera system now features a total of 35 interchangeable lenses – including several Carl Zeiss® and G-series optics – that offer the ultimate in performance, sharpness and clarity.
Pricing and Availability
The a58 digital camera will be available as a kit with a brand new 18-55mm zoom lens (model SEL18552) this April for about $600 at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
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