Sony Cyber-shot digicams add 4GB, anti-blink, more

Sony on Thursday launched its Cyber-shot DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 digital cameras with what it claims are more "intelligent" shooting functions. The 10-megapixel T77 camera is Sony's thinnest model at less than 5/8 of an inch with a 3-inch, 16x9 touch panel LCD screen. It features updated intelligent scene recognition technology, Smile Shutter and face detection technologies (with child and adult priority), as well as high sensitivity shooting (up to ISO 3200), eleven scene modes, and in-camera image management. The slightly thicker T700 -- measuring just over 5/8 of an inch -- model offers all the features of the T77 unit plus 4GB of internal memory (nearly 1,000 full-resolution photos) along with a larger 3.5-inch, wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD screen for photo-like viewing (210 pixel-per-inch resolution).

Both cameras feature a newly-developed Carl Zeiss lens that integrates a 4x optical zoom and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and will also be available in a wider selection of color options than previous T-series cameras. In addition, the new digicams feature updated intelligent scene recognition technology that can now select up to eight different scene modes, including macro, portrait and landscape modes.

Sony's new digital cameras also bring a new anti-blink function in portrait mode that it says will "virtually make closed-eyed photos an 'old school' memory." The cameras will automatically take two shots and then determine whether the subject(s) have closed eyes using their advanced face detection technology and will only record images with open-eyed subjects (or will record one and display a warning).

The company also said that it has improved the Smile Shutter technology by offering a "smiley face" icon on the camera's LCD screen in record mode that can be toggled off/on at the touch of a finger. The technology automatically shoots when the subject laughs, smiles, and even grins. The updated Smile Shutter allows users to use auto focus and zoom functions during smile capture along with the ability to take a "limitless number of shots."

Using an internal database, the T700 camera, allows users to search in-camera content by event, date, smile or face, including children and infants. Photos can be displayed in calendar or chronological views; organized in folders; or even shared as slide shows. Unlike previous models, it can store and manage images on both its 4GB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick media card. Users can transfer pictures to the built-in memory using the bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software application and its new PC Synch feature, which can downsize images from full-resolution to VGA and export them back to the camera's internal photo album.

The embedded PMB Portable software can upload photos or videos to pre-programmed social networking sites such as YouTube using an internet connection (and a connected PC via the supplied USB cable). The camera also has a scrapbook function that automatically creates simulated scrapbook pages.

Like the previous generation cameras, the new generation also features 9-point auto-focus, up to eight post-shot effects, simple on-screen icons and an an interface that can instantly focus on part of the screen by touchn any point on screen or can zoom on any part of image during playback. In addition, Sony's Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces in a photo and automatically controls focus, exposure, color and flash as well as reduces red-eye with pre-strobe flash. Also direct HD output and in-camera editing/retouching features allow photos to viewed on compatible HD televisions and cropped, resized, painted, bordered, and "stamped" for optimal viewing. The cameras also captures VGA (640x480) audio/video clips at up to 30 fps.

The DSC-T77 camera replaces the former T70 model and will be available in brown, green, pink, black and silver in late September for about $300. The new DSC-T700 cameras ships at the same time in red, gold, pink, dark gray and silver for about $400.