Sony Launches World Smallest 3D Digital Still Cameras Yet

Sony today unveiled two new Cyber-shot digital still cameras (models DSC-TX9 and DSC-WX5) that are currently the world’s smallest 3D cameras, capturing 3D images with a single lens system using a sweeping motion.

Both models offer a 3D Sweep Panorama feature, which lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These images can be viewed in 2D or 3D on compatible 3D televisions (3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately.)

The DSC-TX9 has a 3.5-inch 921k resolution LCD touchscreen, and the DSC-WX5 has a 2.8-inch LCD screen. Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which lets you view your 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras’ LCD screen by tilting the camera back and forth. This new shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo, creating a 3D-like effect on the display.

In addition to Sweep Multi Angle, the 12.2 megapixel TX9 and WX5 models offer features including Background Defocus, which simulates depth of field control and Superior Auto mode, which provides low image-noise levels.

With the AVCHD format, used in Sony’s high-definition Handycam camcorders, the models can record movies in 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolutions in 60i at up to 17Mbps. They can also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.

In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the TX9 and WX5 cameras have Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, helping overcome camera shake.

With a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x zoom lens, the compact TX9 camera lets you focus from 0.4 inches from your subject. The 4x (25-100mm) wide-angle lens helps in capturing a wider view of your subject at closer distances.

The WX5 camera is an option for DSLR owners who also want to carry a compact, high-performance point-and-shoot camera. With a Sony G lens (5x 24-120mm), the WX5 camera can capture a wide range for its compact size and features a wide aperture (F2.4), enhancing low-light performance.

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