Sony is very shortly releasing two updates to the W- series of digital cameras: the W-30 and W-50. Both cameras feature new “anti-blur” technology which leads to sharper action shots in lower light settings and negates the need to use the flash. This technology works by allowing ISO settings of up to 1000, and the Sony ClearRAW feature helps limit the picture noise normally associated with such a high setting.
Both cameras sport 6.1 mega-pixel sensors, and a Carl Zeiss 3x optical lens. There is a 6x digital zoom and 13x “VGA Smart Zoom” which allows for better focusing on close and far away objects. The only real difference between the two cameras is the LCD screen size: the W-30 has a 2 inch screen whilst the W-50 has a 2.5 inch screen.
Both cameras have Sony's new beginner friendly approach to menus, an “icon and function” guide that explains clearly the purpose of each setting or one of the seven included scenes. This can later be turned off once the buttons are understood.
Bundled with the cameras is the new Cyber-shot Viewer software, which claims to be a fast solution to getting photos off the camera and sharing them, boasting a unique calendar utility for browsing through them and some basic photo editing like cropping and red-eye removal.
The cameras both have Sony's high standard of design, being available in brushed steel or black. Interestingly the cameras have a viewfinder as well, going against the growing trend in compacts to completely forget about them.
Both cameras will be available across Europe from early March 2006.
For more information on Sony click here.
