EXCLUSIVE: Once more we can bring you the inside information on a new digital camera release, this time the much awaited Sony DSC-F505. Loosely based around the DSC-F55 this digital camera has had an interesting marketing campaign over the last few days, just a few minutes ago I received a confirmation of specifications and the name DSC-F505 for the camera.

The Sony DSC-F505

Specifications

  • 2.1 Megapixel CCD (1600 x 1200)
  • Carl Zeiss Zoom Lens (5 x)
  • Digital Zoom (2 x)
  • 2" Hybrid LCD Screen (122,000 pixels) - very sharp
  • LCD switchable backlight (with hybrid "sunlight" portal at top)
  • No optical viewfinder
  • Auto or Manual focus
  • Aperture and Shutter priority
  • Spot metering mode
  • Manual "hold" whitebalance
  • Macro mode
  • Rotating lens assembly (-50 degrees to +90 degrees)
  • Internal pop-up flash (top of lens assembly)
  • MemoryStick storage (only)
  • MPEG movie ability
  • InfoLithium batteries
  • USB and Serial connectivity
  • Video out (switchable)
  • Price: (not confirmed) US$950
  • Availability: (not confirmed) October 1999

There we are, everything but shutter speeds and apertures, looks like an interesting camera, with a 5 X zoom and the same imaging engine from the F55. My only worries are the lack of viewfinder (objective) and use of MemoryStick for storage (again, objective). Look out for a review of this camera on this site soon.

Some of Sony's pictures of the camera:

Click for larger image
(Click for larger image)