SAN DIEGO – Sony has unveiled two super slender Cyber-shot digital still cameras: DSC-P5 and DSC-P3.
Created to expand the company’s successful P-series, the new DSC-P5 and DSC-P3 models are not only Sony’s smallest cameras to date – they also pack a powerful picture-taking punch.
“We have maximized miniaturization and the available technologies in these two models to refine the idea behind our P-series cameras,” said Takashi Kondo, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging Product Division. “We listened to consumers who encouraged us to make cameras that are more slender, yet maintain the comfortable shape and
size that make Sony’s pocket-size cameras so easy to handle.”
Though small in size, these cameras bring new features to the P series, such as an AF
Illuminator for focusing in the dark, in addition to two-shot burst mode, for capturing fast
action. Both models reflect operating improvements that include simplified menus.
The ruggedly elegant design and silver case of the Cyber-shot DSC-P5 model resembles that
of its popular predecessor, the DSC-P1, but reveals a slimmer profile – thanks to a two-step
barrel lens that retracts into the body of the camera; along with the development of a tiny
new C-series InfoLithium battery, with more than an hour of continuous shooting
capacity, depending on use.
At a more attractive price than its predecessor, the DSC-P5 model at about US $600 will
still feature a powerful 3X optical, 6X digital zoom lens and a 3.34 megapixel (MP) CCD (3.2
MP effective) when it becomes available in October. It will also feature a more precise
14-bit A/D converter and MPEG EX movie mode.
The Cyber-shot DSC-P3 camera invokes the same style as the DSC-P5 model, but is faster
and lighter due to its fixed lens with a 3X digital zoom. Its 3.34 megapixel CCD (2.8 MP
effective) and high-speed focus produce stunning snapshots, especially for a digital still
camera that will be offered for about $500 when it is on store shelves in October.
Both cameras have:
- AF Illuminator — To insure accurate focus, even in dark conditions, an AF
illuminator light briefly illuminates subjects to allow positive focus lock. - Two-Shot Burst Mode — A two-frame burst mode captures two full-resolution images
at up to two frames per second to capture fast-moving subjects. - ClipMotion — An exclusive Sony GIF animation feature, ClipMotion allows users to
take up to 10 pictures that the camera automatically combines to make a single ClipMotion
animation file. The ClipMotion file is smaller in memory size than a standard MPEG movie. - Versatile File Formats — Files can be saved in several ways: JPEG, TIFF (Tagged
Image Fill Format) for higher quality images, GIF for text mode and two different MPEG
options for motion video and sound – MPEG HQ (High Quality) and MPEG EX (Extended). MPEG EX
captures 160×112 or 320×240 video continuously, up to the capacity of the Memory Stick®
media in use. - Supplied Accessories — These include 8MB Memory Stick media, InfoLithium
C-series battery, AC adapter/charger, AV cable, USB cable and application software/USB
driver CD-ROM.
Two Cameras on Land Use One Casing at Sea
To protect either of the cameras from water and other elements, such as sand, snow, ice
and rain, users may purchase on optional a Marine Pack (MPK-P5) accessory. This underwater
housing makes the cameras waterproof up to nearly 133 feet (40 meters). When it comes out
in October for about $250, it will be supplied with a neck strap and an anti-fogging lens
solution.
