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13-meg Xperia, five budget-priced compacts from Sony

CES_LogoSony is unveiling a broad line-up of new products at CES 2013, including a smartphone with a 13-megapixel camera and five new compacts.

The Cyber-shot WX80 lowers the cost of Sony's entry level Exmor sensor model - at least in the US!
The Cyber-shot WX80 lowers the cost of Sony’s entry level Exmor sensor model – at least in the US!

While there aren’t any breakthrough cameras in the new announcements, the (US$199) WX80 reduces the price of Sony’s Exmor R sensor-equipped entry model.

The 16-megapixel sensor enables multishot shooting modes for improved low-light and backlit photos, 1080/60i AVCHD movie capture, 10fps burst shooting, and high-resolution, 360-degree panoramas.

The WX80 has faster autofocus speeds and improved optical image stabilisation, and built-in Wi-Fi so it can be connected to Android or iOS devices to send images from the camera to the device, or use the device to remotely operate the camera.

The other new Sony cameras use Sony’s Super HAD CCD sensor rather than the superior Exmor R technology.

The Cyber-shot TF-1 ditches the sliding lens panel - always a questionable design feature in a 'rugged' camera.
The Cyber-shot TF-1 ditches the sliding lens panel – always a questionable design feature in a ‘rugged’ camera.

There’s the (US $139) 16-megapixel W730, the CCD-version of the WX80; the W710, a 5x zoom version of the W730 (US$99); an outdoors 16-megapixel compact, the TF1 (US$199); and the 20-megapixel H200 featuring a 26x 22.3-580mm lens and AA batteries (US$249).

All of these models essentially have the same shooting options, including 360-degree panoramas, 720p movie capture, beauty effects like teeth whitening, skin smoothing, and shine removal, more intelligent flash performance, and the option to use Sony’s picture effects with panoramas and videos.

Sony is also enhancing its Handycam camcorder lineup with the ‘Balanced Optical SteadyShot’ feature. The new camcorder models (HDR-PJ790V, HDR-PJ650V, and HDR-PJ430V) are equipped with a built-in projector and can be Wi-Fi enabled with the addition of an optional accessory, so users can upload images to social networking sites via a smart phone or tablet.

Sony Xperia smartphones

Sony highlighted its new Xperia Z and Xperia ZL smartphone models with full 1080p HD, 5-inch screen for superior viewing, and a 13-megapixel camera with HDR video.

The flagship Xperia Z model ‘delivers the best camera experience available on a smartphone’ according to Sony. It features Exmor RS for mobile, with High Dynamic Range (HDR) video so consumers can take good videos as well as stills even in strongly backlit conditions.

In addition, the new phone is dust-resistant and water-resistant to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes.

The Xperia ZL model is smaller and will be available only in select (and unspecified) markets.

No local release details ($ and date) are available at time of publication.

Click here for a short and informative video overview of the new Cyber-shots.

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