The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera is giving your 3D television more to do. But is it worth it? Read the full story here.
Come on ride the train, the 3D train! The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 is one of the world's first single lens 3D camera systems, alongside the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9, which was announced right next to it. This obsession with 3D is only snowballing, and Sony is destined to be the leader in not only every aspect of the electronic market, but the 3D realm as well.
"Sony is focused on being the leader in 3D technology, leveraging its expertise to create the best 3D products, content and unique entertainment experiences," said Kelly Davis, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics. Although a 3D camera system in a single lens point-and-shoot body sounds attractive to those who have bought into this expiration-dated technological phase, there are a few catches.
First off, you need a 3D television to view your Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 images in 3D. Then you need a set of 3D glasses and a 3D-compatible HDMI cable in order to seal the deal. And then what happens when you look back to the 70's and realize that 3D never really caught on the first time we tried it and now you're out a few grand with a pile of antiquated 3D gadgetry collecting dust in the corner of the living room?
Let's take a look at the technology being used here. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 utilizes a 3D Sweep Panorama technique that captures a series of images using a sweeping motion. The Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 then stitches the images together, providing multiple angles to simulate 3D. We're going to have to see this to believe it.
If you don't have a 3D television, glasses, and 3D-compatible HDMI cable, then you'll have to rely on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5's 2.8-inch LCD screen, which offers Sweep Multi Angle, allowing you to tilt the camera back and forth like a hologram. We love holograms, but not using 3D glasses to view them.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX5 Specifications
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 has a 12.2-megapixel Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor and Superior Auto mode, which Sony claims will reduce image noise and improve dynamic range. Superior Auto works by taking multiple shots and combining them in order to create one evenly exposed and focused shot, a technique Sony says is the world's first when it comes to Auto mode. We also get Background Defocus mode, which takes two images and blurs the background with an added bokeh effect.
For video, Sony is going all out, migrating its 1920 x 1080 Full HD video, captured in the AVCHD format, from its camcorder lineup. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 will offer 60i at up to 17Mbps, which used to be the high-end for data transfer in the camcorder world up until last year. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 also lets you record in the MP4 format up to 1440 x 1080 30fps (12Mbps) for more YouTube-friendly content.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 will have Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and a 5x optical 24-120mm zoom G lens, which is the company's highest quality glass. The WX5 also has a wide aperture of f/2.4 in order to soak up more low light and includes not only a Memory Stick PRO Duo slot, but an SD/SDHC card slot as well.
Compared to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 does not have a nice Cadillac chassis with fancy touchscreen capability. It's styled after a more traditional point-and-shoot camera, but we do like the independent Video Record button and shutter button zoom toggle.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX5 Photo Gallery
   
Price and Release Date
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 will hit the shelves in September 2010 for $300.
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
| | |
| |
| NEW DIGITAL CAMERA RELEASES | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
_it00.jpg)
|
Archive