New Sony Cyber-shot compacts all with 3D stills shooting and 1080i Full HD video: TX10, HX7V, WX10 and WX7

Sony unveils four new Cyber-shot digital still cameras incorporating 3D and Full HD movie technologies.

The four new modes – the TX10, HX7V, WX7 and WX10 – each feature 16.2-megapixel sensors and are the world’s first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and sensor.

The DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX7 cameras record high definition movies at 50 interlaced fields per second (50i) in a 1920×1080 resolution captured using the AVCHD carrier format. Separate buttons are provided for shooting video and stills, and ‘Dual Rec’ mode allows simultaneous capture of still images without interrupting video recording.

In addition 3D images can be captured using 3D Sweep Panorama mode or the new 3D Still Image mode. In 3D Still Image mode the camera takes two consecutive shots at different focus positions to calculate the depth, creating left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. Images can be enjoyed in 2D or stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions.

Easily accessible from the cameras’ menu button is an In-Camera Guide that provides on-screen help without thumbing through paper instruction manuals. (excludes the W510 and W530 models.)
Background Defocus mode rapidly shoots two frames at different focus settings, combining them to create a single DSLR-style image with your subject in sharp focus against a smoothly defocused background. Soft Skin mode reduces visible blemishes and wrinkles, while Natural Flash corrects colour balance for more natural shots. All four cameras also offer super-fast capture at 10 frames per second at the full 16.2MP resolution.

The TX10, HX7V, WX10 and WX7 are the first Cyber-shot compacts with an improved HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature that compiles highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create one realistic-looking photo, even in difficult lighting conditions.

The HX7V offers a Sony G-class lens that has the zoom equivalent of 25-250mm and also adds built-in GPS and Compass to its stable of features. The WX10 features a bright f/2.4 24mm-168mm (7x optical zoom) wideangle lens and high-speed linear focus (for super-fast focus), while the WX7 offers a 25mm-125mm (5x optical zoom) wideangle lens.

The Cyber-shot TX10 is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof, plus offers HD movie and 3D photo capture (including 3D Sweep Panorama), as well as an Exmor R CMOS sensor that’s backlit for improved image quality. To top off this burgeoning spec list is a 3in touchscreen to control the action.

All new Cyber-shot models will be available in a range of colours from March 2011, prices TBC.