Sony DSC-HX5V & DSC-TX7 Compact Cameras Boast 1080i HD Video Capture Capabilities World's First Full 1080i HD AVCHD Video Capable Compact Cameras

Sony have taken the wraps of what they bill as being �the world s first
compact digital still cameras to include full HD (1920 x 1080 60i)
Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) video capability in the
form of the Sony DSC-HX5V (pictured above) and Sony DSC-TX7 (pictured
below).
Aside from touting Full HD AVCHD video capture capabilities, Sony also
proudly claim that their DSC-HX5V and DSC-TX7 compact point and shoot
cameras also happen to be the smallest AVCHD capable cameras ever but
these are far from being one trick ponies.
The first cameras to feature in-camera Backlight Correction High Dynamic
Range (HDR) processing whilst also touting TransferJet wireless
technology for sharing, storing and viewing images both cameras
additionally come with Optical SteadyShot technology as well as, in the
case of the DSC-HX5V, integrated GPS and compass allowing for the
onboard geotagging of imagery.
�Adding to the outstanding low-light performance and impressive Sweep
Panorama feature, we are providing high-quality movies with full HD
video, stereo sound recording when capturing movies on the go and an
in-camera HDR solution for capturing high-contrast scenery. Sony can
provide these solutions because of its expertise with other imaging
products including Handycam camcorders andย ฮฑ DSLR cameras, � said
Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony
Electronics. �Our goal is not only to make it easy for consumers to get
the best shot "still or video "but also to have the best sharing
experience. �
The DSC-HX5V is set to drop sometime in March whilst the DSC-TX7 will
release in February with pricing set at around $350 and $400 respectively.
Sony s Press Release:
High-Quality Stills and Videos
With the AVCHD format, these new cameras record movies in 1920 x 1080
full HD resolution at 60i in 17Mbps. The AVCHD format captures a high
degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to
disc, it can be played back on your HDTV using most Blu-ray Disc
players, Sonyยฎ PlayStationยฎ3 systems and compatible Blu-ray Disc
enabled PCs. In addition to the supplied PMB software for Windows users,
it is also possible to edit recorded AVCHD file using iMovieยฎ for
Macintosh users.
The camera will also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080
30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.
Managing Difficult Lighting
The HX5V and TX7 cameras offer in-camera multi-shot High Dynamic Range
(HDR), which combines highlight and shadow detail of two separate
captures into one remarkably natural looking image "even without a tripod.
HDR offers a solution for strong backlight situations which typically
result in either dark shadows in the foreground or a washed out
background. Sony s �Exmor R � sensor and BIONZ processor help to
correct these issues.
Impressive Panoramas
The HX5V and TX7 cameras have an Intelligent Sweep Panorama feature
that captures wide landscapes or tall buildings in one easy �press and
sweep � motion. Due to their �Exmor R � CMOS sensor technology, they
can take up to 270 and 258-degree panorama shots, respectively,
horizontally or vertically with an image size of 7,152 x 1,080
(horizontal wide panorama mode). In addition, these ca
meras Intelligent Sweep Panorama feature, which is comprised of up to
100 separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and
intelligently adjusts the width of each picture while stitching them
together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.
Relive the Experience
Ideal for travelers who take hundreds of photos, the in-camera GPS +
Compass feature on the HX5V camera makes it easy to store and share the
location and direction of where photos were taken.
With social networking sites becoming more popular, people want to share
more details of their experiences. The GPS + Compass feature provides a
fun new way to share where they were — beyond the location. Using
the free online satellite imagery application, Google Earth mapping
service, users can view the images from a bird s eye view or from the
direction in which the photo was taken. Theย GPS function automatically
adjusts the camera s internal clock by selecting the travelling area,
without the hassle of setting the time manually.
A Wireless Way of Sharing, Storing and Viewing
TransferJet technology, which was developed by Sony and is supported by
a consortium of other companies, allows you to transfer files between
two TransferJet-enabled devices just by bringing the TransferJet marks
on each product within one inch of each other without the hassle of
hunting for cables or the complication of pairing. To transfer photos,
TransferJet-enabled still cameras must each utilize the TransferJet
Memory Stick media (sold separately).
TransferJet technology is perfect for sharing on the go. You can select
up to 10 pictures and transfer them from camera to camera. For storing
images, you can place the HX5V or TX7 cameras on the lower left-hand
corner of the VAIO F Series notebook and import photos. For sharing at
home on devices which do not have the technology, you can connect the
TransferJet Station to devices with a type-A USB port, including your
TV, digital photo frame or PlayStationยฎ3.
Designed for Technology Enthusiasts
With the most innovative digital imaging technologies, the HX5V camera
is ideal for everyone from travelers to party-goers.ย The
multi-occasion camera features a 10 megapixel �Exmor R � sensor, a
3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) and a 10x optical zoom with
wide-angle 25mm-250mm equivalent high-quality G lens allowing easy group
shots and close ups when on the move.
In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the HX5V camera hasย Optical
SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode, which lets you capture
moving subjects such as kids walking or running. It allows a moveable
lens element to shift with greater range of motion "10 times the range
of the Optical Steady Shot feature at wide end in standard mode "during
camera shake.ย The feature reduces camera shake so users can shoot
smoother movie footage on the move. The cameras also have an HDMI
output adapter for easily connecting to an HDTV for viewing pictures and
movies (HDMI cable required).
Powerful and Stylish
For those seeking a sleek, compact camera, the 10MP TX7 model is just
under an inch thin and is slim enough to slip into a pocket or purse.ย
The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) high resolution (921K) touch LCD
screen offers easy image scroll by simply swiping your finger across the
display. The camera s high-performance Carl Zeissยฎ Vario-Tessarยฎ 4x
optical wide angle 25mm-100mm equivalent zoom lens brings distant
subjects closer and Close Focus snaps close-ups in just under a half an
inch from the subject.
The DSC-TX7 camera is also compatible with the Party-shot (model
IPT-DS1) automatic photographer, which pans, tilts, zooms and adjusts
composition to capture spontaneous images.ย Additionally, an embedded
touch sensor located on the front edge illuminates when the TX7 camera
is attached.ย By touching the sensor, the camera goes into the
On-demand shot mode,ย which allows users to select the shutter timing
without losing the advantage of Party-shot&
#8217;s built-in intelligence.
To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer
experience, the TX7 and HX5V cameras feature a memory card slot
compatible with both Memory Stickยฎ (PRO Duo ) and SD/SDHC formats. Sony
is also expanding its industry leading line of consumer media with the
addition of SD/SDHC memory cards.
Additional features found on HX5V and TX7 includeย iAuto, which detects
eight and nine scenes, respectively, and optimizes camera settings and
Easy Mode, which simplifies the camera menu. Optical SteadyShot image
stabilization reduces blur without impacting image quality, Face
Detection and Smile Shutter technology, which captures faces and smiles
naturally.
A New Way to Share Photos and Videos Online
These models include Picture Motion Browser ( �PMB �) software for
viewing, editing, organizing and uploading images to many major video
and photo sharing Web sites.
This spring, Sony will launch a new service and a new integration with
Facebookยฎ allowing users to easily and quickly share their photos and
videos privately with friends and family. The service and the
integration will be available as a downloadable update to the �PMB �
and �PMB portable � software applications that are embedded with
bloggie and Cyber-shot cameras and bundled with Handycamยฎ camcorders,
bloggie cameras, Cyber-Shot cameras and ฮฑ cameras. The Facebook
integration complements the existing sharing capability with such sites
as YouTube andย Picasa Web Albums.