13:00 CET: Sony has today announced the ultra-compact and stylish Cybershot DSC-U50. This $250 compact digital camera has a rotating lens element with a fixed focal length lens and a two megapixel CCD. The DSC-U50 is the first Sony Cybershot to record images to the smaller MemoryStick Duo format, so far only used on PDA's and mobile phones. The press release also makes note of a new 'Memory Stick Duo Pro', something we've not heard of before.

Press Release:

SONY'S NEW DIGITAL CAMERA LETS 'U' BE A PART OF THE PICTURE

Cyber-shot U50 Camera is a Fun Addition to Back-to-School Gear

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 15, 2003 - Just in time to capture quick photos of the kids leaving for school or for the students themselves as they gear up for a memorable academic year, Sony's new pocket-size Cyber-shotR DSC-U50 digital camera is being introduced to make it easier to capture the memories in stylish fashion. Engineered for quick start-up time and ease-of-use, the new camera has a carry-anywhere size, making it convenient to take pictures whenever the moment strikes. Available in three eye-catching colors (black, silver and metallic orange), the new digital camera features a 180-degree rotating lens that makes it easy to take self-portraits with friends. Its two-megapixel CCD lens and quick power-on capability ensure that both candid and framed shots can be captured and printed with confidence or shared via e-mail. Priced at about $250, the U50 digital camera that is designed for fun will be available online at SonyStyle.com and at retailers nationwide in early October. "With the new Cyber-shot U50 camera, students and parents can recall that between the lectures and the exams, life happens," said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronics' Personal Mobile and Imaging Division. The new camera is the first to accept both the new ultra small Memory Stick PRO Duo* and Memory Stick Duo* flash memory cards. As with other Cyber-shot U-series cameras, the U50 model has a simple-to-use interface. But behind-the-scenes, advanced photographic features work invisibly to allow users to concentrate on capturing the moment without being distracted by camera settings. Pre-Flash Metering: For capturing a subject with a scenic background under low-light conditions, the camera illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction insure great flash shots.

MPEG Movie Mode (Video only): For those moments when a simple still picture doesn't capture the entire mood, DSC-U50 camera captures up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution) that are perfect for emailing to family and friends.

Bright LCD Monitor: For framing a picture accurately, the reflective LCD absorbs and reflects the ambient light through the LCD to improve brightness outdoors.

Supplied Rechargeable NiMH Batteries: The unit come supplied with Sony's Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina batteries with external charger.

Print Directly to Printers: Via a USB connection, users can print their images directly any PictBridge* compatible printer.