Sony has today announce two new U-series ultra-compact digital cameras. The DSC-U30 (available in three colors) is essentially an update to the DSC-U20, it has a two megapixel CCD sensor and fixed lens. The 'new feature' for the DSC-U30 is a convex mirror on the front of the camera so that you (or your friends) can see yourselves before taking a shot. The DSC-U60 is Sony's first ruggedized and waterproofed model, it has a rubber body and is waterproof in up to 1.5 m (5 ft) of water. Both cameras should be available in July at $200 and $250

Press Release:

SONY'S NEW DIGITAL CAMERAS PROMOTE SPORTS AND FASHION

Latest Additions to Cyber-shot U-series Designed to Capture Moments as They Happen

SAN DIEGO, May 28, 2003 — Capturing summer memories on the beach or at a nightclub just got more fun with the new Cyber-shot® U-series digital cameras from Sony.

The Cyber-shot DSC-U60 digital camera's ruggedized and waterproof design brings picture taking to places users would be cautious in taking a conventional camera: the ski slope, the beach, the side of a mountain, even up to 5 feet underwater.

The Cyber-shot U30 model has a compact, fashionable design that turns it into an attention-grabbing, wearable accessory that is light enough to hook to a belt loop, drape around the neck or carry in a pocket.

Both models will be available in early July, and will sell for around $250 and $200, respectively.

"Because so much of life's greatest moments occur at the most unexpected times and in unexpected places, we designed our new Cyber-shot U-series to accompany the user on any adventure," said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging Products Division.

Finally, a Camera for the Sport Utility Lifestyle

Fully weatherproofed with O-ring sealing closures, the new Cyber-shot U60 unit is a digital camera designed to meet the rigors of an active lifestyle.

Its unique vertical orientation (designed for one-handed operation) and fast start up time (less than a second) ensure that the user remains a part of the activity even when taking a picture.

Adding to that experience, the Cyber-shot U60 model's buttons are laid out to be easily accessible with the thumb. With a few clicks of the Scene button, users can switch between seven different scene modes, including an underwater setting (noted by a fish icon) to adjust for the blue hue of water and an action setting (noted by a running man icon) to capture fast moving subjects.

Style-Cubed: You, Your Friends and `U'

If the ideal setting for the Cyber-shot U60 camera is the great outdoors, then its sibling, the Cyber-shot U30 camera, could easily be seen at parties, nightclubs and other urban activities.

Small enough to wear and hip enough to flaunt, the new camera comes in three different colors (blue, silver and charcoal grey) to match any outfit or mood. And because of its size, users will find that they will always have a camera on-hand to capture spontaneous and candid moments.

For those instances when the user wants to be a part of the picture, the Cyber-shot U30 model features a circular mirror on the sliding lens cover to ensure that the picture is properly framed.

Both of the new cameras are designed with a simple-to-use interface, but behind-the-scenes, advanced photographic features work to ensure the user 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, both new digital cameras capture 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: Both units come supplied with Sony's Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina® batteries with external charger.

Sony DSC-U30 and DSC-U60 specifications

 
Sony DSC-U30
Sony DSC-U60
Sensor 1/2.7" 2.0 Megapixel CCD
Image sizes • 1632 x 1224
• 640 x 480
Lens • Fixed 33 mm equiv.
• F2.8 max aperture.
Focus • Auto
• 4-step manual
Focus distance 0.1 m - Infinity (3.9 in - Infinity)
Macro • Auto
• Manual
Shutter speed 1/8 - 1/2000 sec
LCD monitor • 1.0" TFT Reflective LCD
• 64,000 pixels		 • 1.0" Hybrid LCD
• 64,000 pixels
Flash • Built-in
• ModeS: Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction
• Range: 0.5 - 1.8 m (1.6 - 6.0 ft)
White balance Auto
ISO Auto
Scene modes • Soft Snap
• Illumination Snap
• Twilight
• Active Outdoor
• Vivid Nature
Self-Timer 10 secs
Movie clips 160 x 112, 15 secs max, no audio
Connectivity USB 1.1
Storage • Memory Stick
• Memory Stick Pro (up to 1 GB tested)
• 8 MB Memory Stick included
Dimensions 85 x 40 x 29 mm (3.3 x 1.6 x 1.1 in) 60 x 117 x 43 mm (2.4 x 4.6 x 1.7 in)
Weight (inc batt) 123 g (4.3 oz) 191 g (6.7 oz)