Sony US introduces Cyber-shot WX300, HX300 and TX30 compact cameras

Sony has announced the Cyber-shot DSC-WX300, DSC-HX300 and DSC-TX30 compact cameras in the US market. The HX300 is a 20MP 50x superzoom with a 24-1200mm equiv. lens. Meanwhile the WX300 is an 18MP Wi-Fi compact superzoom with a 25-500mm equiv. lens. The tough, waterproof, card-style TX30 offers a 26-130mm equiv zoom. The WX300 will cost around $330, while the HX300 and TX30 will have retail prices of $500 and $350 respectively.

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Press Release:

Sony Launches Three Powerful New Cyber-shot™ Cameras for Capturing all the Action 

Sony Cyber-shot TX30

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2013 – Sony is expanding the range and versatility of its Cyber-shot™ compact camera line with the introduction of three new “Exmor R” CMOS sensor equipped models – the WX300, HX300 and TX30 cameras.

Each of the new models features a unique, innovative design and a range of improved imaging technologies that make is easier than ever to capture the decisive action in all types of shooting environments ranging from low-light to outdoor scenes, underwater adventures and  everything in between.             

Give your photography a serious boost with the stylish, feature-packed new Cyber-shot™ WX300, HX300 and TX30 compact digital cameras from Sony.

With newly-refined optical image stabilisation and faster autofocus, the WX300 and HX300 are more effective than ever at grabbing those fleeting moments… even when you're zoomed in close.

Cyber-shot WX300 Ultra-Compact Camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300

The slim, super-stylish Cyber-shot WX300 camera is the world’s smallest and lightest digital still camera that packs a powerful 20x optical zoom range1.

A perfect pocket-sized travel partner, the WX300 camera features a high-quality Sony G Lens that handles wide-angle landscapes, portraits and dramatic close-ups with ease.  It also has Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, which dramatically reduces the effect of hand shake and ensures crisp, blur-free still images.  Image stabilization during zoom has been greatly improved and is about twice as effective² compared to previous 20x optical zoom Sony cameras. It’s enhanced by Active Mode, which ensures that handheld movies look smooth and steady at all zoom ratios.

Autofocus on the new WX300 camera has also been improved compared to its predecessors, and is now about 3.6x³ faster than previous models.  Battery life has also been boosted, as the new model packs enough stamina to shoot up to 500 photos (CIPA measurement) from a single charge.

The new WX300 camera has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, utilizing Sony’s PlayMemories™ Mobile application, available for both Android and iOS app platforms, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos to a connected smartphone or tablet.  It also allows a connected device to be used as a handy wireless remote to control the camera – ideal for self-portraits and group shots where the photographer wants to be included. Still images stored in the camera can also be viewed wirelessly on a networked TV.

Cyber-shot™ HX300

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300

With a stylish DSLR-style design and handling, the power-packed Cyber-shot HX300 offers photographers long-zoom capabilities in a compact, versatile package.  Featuring a huge 50x optical zoom range (24mm-1200mm equivalent) – among the highest for any compact camera – the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens covers a wide range of shooting possibilities, from holidays and safari trips to sports and outdoor concerts. The T* coating on lens surfaces cuts reflections and ‘flare’, while Super ED and ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration for satisfyingly sharp, high-contrast images.

In a first for the Cyber-shot line, the HX300 camera features newly-enhanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization that improves framing and composition at high zoom settings.   This is made possible by a second zoom group of lens elements that shifts rapidly to correct for the slightest of hand movements.  The HX300 model also has new and improved high-speed autofocus at telephoto settings that locks onto subjects about twice 2 as fast as its predecessor, the HX200V model.  This makes it easier than ever to grab those spontaneous moments with crisp, blur-free images.

The new camera has a balanced DSLR-style body and molded ergonomic grip that ensure comfort during shooting.  There’s also a full range of intuitively-placed controls including manual ring, custom button, jog dial and Memory Recall mode, as well as the new Multi-Terminal that allows intelligent communication between the camera and compatible accessories.. 

Cyber-shot™ TX30

Great for swimming, snorkeling, skiing or any other kind of outdoor activity, the Cyber-shot TX30 is the world’s slimmest waterproof digital compact camera4  (as of Feb 2013).  The chic, stylish camera features 5x optical zoom and is waterproof to a depth of 10m (33 ft), dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof 5.

New to the Cyber-shot line, the TX30 model features a Magnifying Glass Plus mode that zooms in for a fascinating super-size, magnification (up to 15x 6 of close objects such as fish, plants, insects and more.  There is also a powerful LED light surrounding the lens for adding light to close up shots. 

Sparkling picture quality made simple

Each of the new models features a new and improved Superior Auto Mode that automatically adjusts camera settings for the ideal composition in all lighting situations - , even if a subject is moving.

The three new cameras all come equipped with Picture Effect settings that make it easy to spice up photos, movies and panoramas instantly and automatically with a range of fun, impressive artistic treatments like Toy Camera, Pop Color, Soft High Key and Partial Color. 

On the WX300 and TX30 cameras, Beauty Effect mode lets users automatically re-touch photos after shooting to remove skin blemishes, widen eyes and whiten teeth as needed.

All new models feature Advanced Flash that boosts the camera's sensitivity, effectively extending the flash range to make further-away subjects appear brighter in the shot. It’s ideal for party photos and other dimly lit situations where built-in flashes typically struggle to reach all the action.

Also featured on all new Cyber-shot cameras, Triluminos™ Color gives a rich, vivid palette of supremely natural colors when viewing photos on your compatible BRAVIA TV with support for Triluminos Display.

Pricing and Availability

The new Cyber-shot WX300 compact camera will be available this April for about $330.  The HX300 and TX30 cameras will both be available this March for about $500 and $350, respectively.

The cameras and a range of compatible Cyber-shot accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

1. Among digital compact still cameras with optical zoom of 20x or higher. Based on internal Sony survey, as of Feb. 25, 2013

2. CIPA standard, internal measurement.  Compared with DSC-HX30 at telephoto.  Approximate figure: actual value depends on shooting conditions

3. Compared with DSC-HX30. Shutter speed comparison at telephoto end of zoom range; Based on Sony internal testing

4. As of announcement date. Among waterproof compact digital cameras with optical zoom. Based on Sony survey

5. Waterproof equivalent to IEC60529 IPX8. The camera is operable up to a water depth of 10m for 60 minutes.

Dust-proof equivalent to IEC60529 IP6X.

Freeze-proof to -10 degrees C.

Shock resistance conforms to MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock standards. This product has passed testing when dropped from a height of 1.5m above a 5-cm thick plywood board. Depending on use conditions and circumstances, no guarantee is made regarding damage to, malfunction of, or waterproof performance of this camera.

Battery life may decrease at low temperatures.

6 Maximum magnification ratio, 35 mm equivalent; with digital zoom and lens-subject distance of 1 cm. Due to the nature of digital zoom, image quality is degraded.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300, WX300 and TX30 specifications

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Comments

Total comments: 16

By Ben O Connor (7 months ago)

The United Nations, NATO and Pre-Cold War Soviet orginasations should get together and declare this;

"From this on, we forbid all the electronic companies all around the world, no matter what they would ever producing, the new models should come ealiest in every 3 even 4 years!! We declare war on companies who just put a new jacket to their old technology and put it to market in every 11 moths !!!

We Especially forbid the production of photo sensors smaller than 2/3" sensors for any telephones and 1" sensors for P&S cameras !!! "

Now, that would be the new world order in my definations :D

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (8 months ago)

Most confusing press release ever conceived by human mind. I have really no idea which one is what, what it does, and what it costs.

3 upvotes

By wb2trf (8 months ago)

It will be interesting to see how the image quality and handling of the HX-300 compares to the Canon SX-50. Both are 1200mm max. I tested the SX-50 vs. the HX-100 and the SX-50 had an IQ advantage but also had some handling disadvantages in burst mode that were serious problems for me.

0 upvotes

By Joe Ogiba (8 months ago)

Sony launches Cyber-shot WX300, HX300 and TX30 compact cameras

Feb 20, 2013 at 04:00:00 GMT

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/02/20/Sony-launches-Cyber-shot-WX300-HX300-and-TX30-compact-cameras

Why re-posting this again ?

1 upvote

By BorisK1 (8 months ago)

The F:2.0 aperture + optical stablilization + backlit sensor is the new standard in tough cameras. Olympus TG-1/2 and Pentax WG-3 have it. F:3.5 on the wide end just doesn't cut it anymore.

5 upvotes

By ozturert (8 months ago)

Sony, listen to me: 18 and 20MP sensors are rubbish! They create the worst images I've seen. Blown highlights, noise even at base ISO, terrible per pixel details... Please stop cheating the users with these useless sensors and continue to develop 12MP sensors.

4 upvotes

By rowlandw (8 months ago)

The Panny FZ200 f/2.8 thru 600mm still looks pretty good...

1 upvote

By Travolta (8 months ago)

I don't get it. When will the successor to HX20V be announced? Have I missed it or will there not be a new one? Is the WX300 the successor?

0 upvotes

By Beckler8 (8 months ago)

I believe it is. It's called WX, has features of HX, but looks like RX. Go figure!

It does have a nice feature set tho...I don't think it lacks anything the HX30 had.

0 upvotes

By Travolta (8 months ago)

I guess you're right. Hope it will perform at least as good as the HX20V and that no compromises has been been even it it's really slim.

0 upvotes

By mpgxsvcd (8 months ago)

1200mm F6.3. That is what every novice user needs. It appears that Sony thinks the bigger they make the camera the better people will think it is. Apparently uninformed consumers think that as well since these slow super zooms seem to be all the rage.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

By Cy Cheze (8 months ago)

Two zoom models for sale: one with 1,200mm F/6.3 for $500, the other 600mm f/5.0 for $450. Both cost about the same to manufacture. Which is more likely to sell and return a profit?

Meanwhile, a 500mm DSLR lens (also about F/5.0) costs over $2,000 and is as big as an RPG launcher.

Uninformed consumers may be under-rated.

3 upvotes

By mpgxsvcd (8 months ago)

I would much rather see a 600mm F2.8 lens like the Panasonic FZ200 has. 1200mm is just ridiculous.

2 upvotes

By wb2trf (8 months ago)

1200mm is actually very nice for wildlife and bird photography in open areas. There is no reason to suppose this is aimed soley at novice users. Anyone who doesn't want to fool around with suitcase size glass costing 10x, and hauling a tripod, might be interested.

1 upvote

By mpgxsvcd (8 months ago)

You don't need 1200mm in something you carry around every day. You can't effectively hand hold that.

2 upvotes

By wb2trf (8 months ago)

You certainly can hand hold it. There is no problem hand holding the HX-100 at 810mm equv and no problem hand holding the Canon SX50 at 1200mm. Given that it would be extremely surprising if you couldn't hand hold this new one. Based on lots of handheld 810mm shots with the HX-100 I'll guess you can hand hold this at 1200mm at 125th.

1 upvote

Total comments: 16