WX100, WX150 and W690 announced

Sony has announced three new compact additions to its W series of compact cameras. The trio – namely the WX100, WX150 and W690 – all continue the tradition of the CyberShot W series of combining smart features with easy to use controls.

The Sony WX100 and WX150 offer a similar set of features. Both of the cameras boast a 10x optical zoom, 18MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ processor. All new Advanced Aspherical lens technology is employed in the duo by Sony, allowing longer focal ranges in a much more compact bodies – this allows the WX100 to cram a 10x optical zoom in a body which is just 17.5mm thick. Pixel Super Resolution technology is also introduced by Sony which, claims the manufacturer, will double the optical zoom range without sacrificing image quality.

The main distinguishing characteristic between the two is the size of the LCD screen, with the WX100 offering a 2.7in screen and the WX150 featuring a slightly larger 3in screen.

The third W series addition is the new CyberShot W690. The new compact also features Sony’s new Advanced Aspherical lens technology that once again facilitates a 10x optical zoom in an eye-catchingly slim body. The compact also features new Enhanced Optical SteadyShot technology which, Sony claims, will improve image stabilisation. The camera also offers Sony’s 360 Sweep Panorama technology, along with the iAUTO shooting mode.

There’s no final word on the price of the new cameras, although Sony suggests they will be available from mid-May of this year.