Three new compact cameras have been launched by Sony, two of which feature the 3D panorama sweep and HD video recording capabilities. There’s also a Superior Auto mode, which is similar to a HDR-style feature in that it takes six images at different settings, then merges the results.
Both the Sony WX5 and Sony TX9 have a 12.2MP Exmor RT CMOS sensor at the heart for high res shots, and up to 1080i high definition movies. The T99 misses out on the 3D element of the sweep panorama feature, although it does retain the HD movie mode albeit at only 720p quality.
The main differences between the TX9 and WX5 stem from the design, as the TX9 is slim with a sliding metal front cover and very few hard buttons thanks to the touch screen controls, where as the WX5 is a more traditional digital camera design, with a set of dials and controls at the rear and an extending lens rather than a recessed, static version. The WX5 also has a slightly longer 5x optical zoom, going one step better than the 4x magnification on the TX9.
The T99 offers, in some respects at least, a scaled down version of the TX9’s specs with only 720p movie mode instead of the full 1080i offered by the TX9. The ISO range is the same, from 80 up to 3200, although the 3D element of the sweep panorama has been removed. The megapixel rating is actually higher than the TX9, at 14.1MP, and the camera is both lighter and slimmer.
All three cameras are expected in shops by the end of September, for more specs and information click here. If you’re looking forward to these cameras, or would like to ask a question about them, click below.