Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/casios-new-ex-z29-10-1-megapixel-compact-does-wvga-video/
Continue reading Casio's new EX-Z29 10.1 megapixel compact does WVGA video
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Casio's new EX-Z29 10.1 megapixel compact does WVGA video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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NVIDIA intros GeForce GTX 280M / 260M and GTS 160M / 150M laptop GPUs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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These DLNA-compliant, 1080p displays come with Ethernet ports, so you can get on the internet and connect to widgets, which include Amazon Video-on-Demand, Youtube, Yahoo and Flickr. It also has a USB port, letting you plug in any USB storage device with photo/audio/video content play the files back on the TV.
The LCDs also features Sony's Bravia Engine 3, 24p True Cinema, a 120Hz frequency and the XrossMediaBar UI.
The W-series will arrive this spring in 42, 46 and 52-inch flavors, but despite being labeled as an "economic" option, there's no mention of pricing as of yet. There will also be an accompanying 3.1-channel AV soundbar that supports 1080p video in. It will hit stores in June for $500.
SONY DEBUTS MORE NETWORKED BRAVIA HDTVS
Models Extend Line-up Featuring "BRAVIA Widgets" and Other Connected FeaturesLAS VEGAS, March 2, 2009 – Bolstering the recently announced 2009 BRAVIA® LCD HDTV line-up, Sony Electronics today announced a series of additional networked models with full HD 1920 x 1080 progressive (1080p) resolution. This new W-series adds an economic HDTV option, while delivering the same interactive functionality as the recently announced BRAVIA Z5100 and XBR9 models.
The networked models feature an Ethernet connection so the sets can directly access Sony BRAVIA Internet Video content using an existing broadband connection. The service offers one of the largest selections of free and premium movies, TV sh! ows, spo rts, music and more from an array of partners like Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube®, Yahoo!®, Sony Pictures, Sony Music and many others.
BRAVIA Internet Widgets, provided by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, expand and personalize the experience by allowing you to interact with your favorite Internet content like Yahoo News, Video, Finance, and Flickr® while watching TV shows. Track your favorite sports team, check your stocks, and share photos with friends and family as you watch television.
The 52-inch KDL-52W5100, 46-inch KDL-46W5100 and 40-inch KDL-40W5100 (diagonal) models feature Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for improved sharpness and detail in fast-moving images. They also feature Sony's BRAVIA Engine™ 3, which delivers a crystal clear picture even if the content isn't perfect.
The W-series models are Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) compliant, enabling easy access to digital photos, music and video stored on a PC or other DLNA server using the XMB® interface and the TV's remote control. They also offer a USB input for displaying digital photos or playing digital video and audio files from compatible USB storage devices.
In addition, these models feature:
24p True Cinema™
XrossMediaBar™ (XMB)with enhanced 3D favorites menu
Internet powered TV Guide Onscreen
BRAVIA Sync™
BRAVIA Link Compatibility
4 HDMI inputsSingle PC, component, composite and S-video inputs
Designed to match the W5100 series models, the HT-CT500 3.1 channel sound bar supports features an integrated AV receiver supporting full HD 1080p video and the latest advanced audio codecs. This sound bar theater system will be available this June for about $500.
The new KDL-52W5100, KDL-46W5100 and KDL-40W5100 networked televisions will be available this spring direct through www.sonystyle.com and Sony Style stores, as well as aut! horized retailers nationwide and military base exchanges.
Even though Sony's description is smattered marketing BS speak like Exmor sensor, Bionz processor and G Lens—which increase shooting speed to 10 frames per second and reduce noise by 50 percent (whatever metric that's based on)—it really does sound like a tight competitor to Canon's similar SX1, especially since Sony's is $100 cheaper, at only $500.
We're going to get some hands on time right now to check out all the features listed below.
SONY PRESENTS FIRST CYBER-SHOT CAMERA WITH SWEEP PANORAMA TECHNOLOGY
LAS VEGAS (PMA #F171), March 2, 2009 – Sony is spotlighting its first digital still camera to feature sweep panorama technology here at the Photo Marketing Association confab. The new HX1 Cyber-shot model can take 224-degree panorama shots in one easy press-and-sweep motion.
It is also the company's first Cyber-shot camera to use the exclusive 1/2.4-inch Exmor™ CMOS sensor technology. This technology allows it to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution in continuous burst mode.
Setting it apart from most digital still cameras, which use an electronic shutter to achieve high speed, the HX1 unit has a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when shooting a moving subject.
Compared to images shot with traditional sensors, the HX1 model takes clearer images with about 50 percent less noise when in handheld twilight or anti-blur modes. It is also ! the firs t Cyber-shot camera to include a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie clip recording capabilities.
"Traditional CMOS sensor technology provides higher shutter speeds, but we are using what we call an Image3 system that combines the best image, sensor and processor," said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging Division. "By combining this sensor with a high-quality Sony G lens and powerful BIONZ™ processor, we are able to create solutions beyond fast speed that helps consumers get better pictures."
Incorporating on-chip A/D conversion, which minimizes image degradation that can occur during analogue processing, Noblecilla said the Exmor CMOS sensor delivers outstanding images, reduces noise and can continuously shoot at a high speeds.
Clear Images in Low Light or for Moving Subjects
Compared to cameras with traditional sensors, the HX1 model has two scene modes that significantly reduce noise. Using the high-speed shutter Exmor CMOS sensor technology, the new model takes six shots within a fraction of a second. Combined with the power of the BIONZ imaging processor, it immediately superimposes them into one picture. The camera calculates the position of objects in each frame and composes the sharpest picture possible, resulting in clearer, sharper images.
The two modes that use this functionality include hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur. For difficult shots in low light, the hand-held twilight mode results in clearer and sharper pictures without the need of a tripod. Anti-motion blur uses High ISO to reduce blur especially in dimly lit environments.
To reduce blur, the camera detects if a person or object is moving, or if the camera is shaking, which is likely when taking a telephoto shot. When it superimposes the images, the camera captures the moving subject or object from one of the six shots. It takes, combines and composes the rest of the image using the six shots. This reduces blur on the main subject and r! esults i n a sharp, clear background.
Sweep Panorama Technology
Capturing wide landscapes, church spires or skyscrapers is as easy as "press and sweep." Sweep panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. With wide and ultra-wide settings and horizontal or vertical directions, sweep panorama mode can take up to 224-degree horizontal or 154-degree vertical shots.
Using the fast-speed Exmor CMOS sensor, the camera continuously shoots full-resolution images at a high speed. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, it automatically stitches the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo. The maximum resolution is 7152 x 1080 (ultra wide horizontal).
"This panorama mode is so seamless that it removes the guess work," Noblecilla said. "The camera indicates where you are in the degree range, so you know how wide you can shoot and stitches the photos automatically. It calculates and aligns pictures for you without using additional software."
1080p HD Movie Recording
The HX1 camera captures movie clips in 1080p HD resolution, and a built-in stereo microphone records crisp, clear audio. The camera's wide 20x optical zoom is also available while shooting.
When set to HD movie, it records at 30 frames per second (1440 x 1080). The camera uses the high-quality, high-compression MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. Other recording options include standard-definition video and VGA.
The camera also has HDMI™ connectivity via supplied HDMI accessory (cable not included) so images can be shared in high definition on an HD television set. MPEG4 AVC video recording allows you to view footage on a PC and upload it to the Web.
Sony G Lens
The Sony G lens is optimized to complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony's cameras. The HX1 camera features a 28-560 millimeter f/2.8-5.2 wide-angle lens with 20x telephoto range. With the combination of this G lens and sweep panorama mode, the ! camera c an cover almost any telephoto and wide angle need.
Containing a six-blade aperture, the G lens produces beautifully defocused backgrounds with a soft, natural feel. A-spherical lens elements and elements made from extra-low dispersion glass combine to minimize chromatic aberration common to high-magnification lenses.
Intelligent Auto
Like many of Sony's new cameras this year, the HX1 model has the convenient and powerful intelligent auto mode, which combines Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN), Optical SteadyShot™ and face detection technologies. It recognizes scenes and lighting conditions within one-thirtieth of a second, and then changes settings. This produces clearer images with more natural skin tones, reduced red-eye, fewer closed-eye shots and less overall blur without compromising image quality.
The iSCN feature detects up to eight scenes and automatically changes settings that will apply to the scene or lighting conditions. With the iSCN Advance feature, the camera takes a second shot when low or backlight is detected, letting users choose the best picture.
With face detection technology, the camera will adjust the flash, focus, exposure and white balance producing more natural skin tones and reducing red-eye. Face motion detection identifies a moving subject and adjusts the ISO to minimize blur. In conjunction with iSCN, the camera takes two pictures simultaneously and saves the one in which the eyes are the least closed.
A new selected-face memory function registers one face (selected by the user) as the main face and adjusts focus, exposure, flash and white balance accordingly. The camera remembers the face every time that face shows in the frame.
Additionally, the camera comes with Smile Shutter technology that helps capture a smile the moment it happens and dynamic range optimizer (DRO) technology that adjusts for contrast.
Pricing and Availability
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera will be available in April for about $500 and p! re-sales will start in March. The camera and a range of accessories will be available online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.
The way the Sony rep explained it, the heart of all of the HX1's whizbang camera features (HD video aside), like iSCN Advance or the anti-handheld twilight mode (which gives you a clear shot in low light, where usually a handheld camera would give you a blurry mess) all use the same basic technology, just applied differently for each feature. They all take a burst of shots really quickly—and combine them or pick out the right shot to come up with a clear one.
The sweep panorama shooting process is surprisingly easy, the way it should be. You flip to panorama mode on the dial, and when you press the shutter down, a scrollbar pops up on the bottom that starts at the left and slides to the right as you swing the camera. On the camera, all of the results look really smooth, but we'll have to see one at full res before we're truly blown away.
At first shot, we like what we see, though we can't wait to do a full head-to-head against Canon's SX1 in the ultimate superzooming, 1080p video recording camera battle to the death.
PMA is an annual show where we get to see tomorrow's digital cameras—the ones that'll be populating pockets and purses for the rest of the year. We'll be here for the next couple of days.
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