Pre-PMA 2008: Too many grumpy facial expressions in your family snaps? Do not despair! Sony has today announced 4 new models in its W-series of digital compact cameras, all of which are featuring Sony's 'smile shutter' mode. When set to this shooting mode the camera automatically releases the shutter when the subject smiles. The DSC-W170 and DSC-W150 (available in April) sport a 5x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens while the smaller sister models DSC-W130 and DSC-W120 (available in March) come with a 4x zoom. All cameras will be offered in a range of colors.

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Press Release (US):

Sony adds “Smile Shutter” function to Cyber-Shot W-Series digital camera

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008Sony is introducing a line of colorful W-series Cyber-shot® digital cameras with new imaging technologies for easier photo capture.

The 10.1-megapixel DSC-W170 and 8.1-megapixel DSC-W150 models feature Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lenses with wide angles of view, 28 mm – 140 mm and 30 mm – 150 mm, respectively, and 2.7-inch LCD screens along with eye-level viewfinders. Rounding out the series are the 8.1-megapixel DSC-W130 models and 7.2-megapixel DSC-W120 units with 4x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screens.

The lineup features a wider range of color choices than previous models – from playful pink and blue to sophisticated champagne gold and red.

Newly-available on the W-series cameras is Sony’s “smile shutter” mode, which automatically captures an image when your subject smiles – without having to press the shutter. This function even lets you prioritize adult or child faces to capture photos only when the intended subjects smile.

Smart Technology to Capture Better Photos
Each of the new W series models includes Sony’s improved face detection technology, which, like the smile shutter technology, can now distinguish between the faces of children and adults. You can select “child priority” or “adult priority” and the camera will detect up to eight faces in the camera frame and optimize focus, exposure, white balance, and flash control.

The W170 and W150 cameras feature new intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) technology, which allows the camera to automatically select the optimal scene mode for a variety shooting situations.  In advanced iSCN mode, the camera will take a photo based on the user’s settings. If the camera determines that another setting would yield better exposure, it will automatically take a second photo with that setting. The user ultimately has two images to choose from.

Powerful Features for Outstanding Images
The series features a number of powerful features, including: Sony’s D-Range Optimizer to retrieve picture detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark shadows; semi-manual focus that allows you to select the focusing distance based on your subject’s location; an improved auto focus system that includes macro ranges; Super SteadyShot image stabilization; high sensitivity settings up to ISO 3200; and in-camera editing functions such as “unsharp mask” to sharpen images.

Enhanced Playback Options
The W170 and W150 units are equipped with advanced image management functionality. Filtering options allow you to search for photos by date and smile. Images can be viewed by date or in a helpful calendar view, and organized in the cameras’ “favorites” folder for quick retrieval of beloved images.

The slideshow function of W170 and W150 has also been upgraded. Photos can be selected using the same advanced filtering options available in playback mode and transitions have been improved through the application of face detection technology. Now your subjects can take center stage as the slideshow moves through sophisticated pans, fades and wipes. Improvements to the background music function include a choice of more tracks, longer tracks, and multiple tracks for longer slideshows.

Price and Availability
In pink, blue, black and silver, the DSC-W120 camera will be available for about $200 in March.  The DSC-W130 model will be offered in pink, black and silver for about $230 that same month. The DSC-W150 model will hit retail in sophisticated champagne, red, black and silver for about $250 in April. The DSC-W170 model will also be available then in those same colors for about $300.

The new models can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges, and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Jan. 31 at www.sonystyle.com.

Sony DSC-W120 / DSC-W130 specifications

DSC-W120
DSC-W130
Sensor • Super HAD CCD1/2.5 type(7.20mm)
• 7.4 million total pixels
• R,G,B primary color mosaic filters
• 7.2 million effective pixels
• Super HAD CCD 1/2.5 type(7.18mm) • 8.3 million total pixels
• R,G,B primary color mosaic filters
• 8.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes • 7M (3,072 x 2,304)
• 5M (2,592 x 1,944)
• 3M (2,048 x 1,536)
• VGA (640 x 480)
• 3:2 mode 16:9 mode
• 8M (3,264 x 2,448)
• 5M (2,592 x 1,944)
• 3M (2,048 x 1,536)
• VGA (640 x 480)
• 3:2 mode
• 16:9 mode
Movie clips

• 640 x 480, Approx.30fps
• 640 x 480, Approx.16.6fps
320 x 240, Approx.8.3fps

• 640 x 480, Approx.30fps
• 640 x 480, Approx.16.6fps
• 320 x 240, Approx.8.3fps
File formats • JPEG(Exif Ver.2.21)
• MPEG1
Lens • Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
• 4x
• 6 elements in 5 groups( including 3 aspheric elements )
• F2.8(W)-5.8(T)
• 5.35-21.4mm
• 32-128mm (35mm equivalent)
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
• 4x
• 6 elements in 5 groups( including 3 aspheric elements )
• F2.8(W)-5.8(T)
• 5.35-21.4mm
• 32-128mm (35mm equivalent)
Image stabilization Yes
Conversion lenses • Wide:VCL-D0746
• Tele:VCL-D2046(with Adapter)
Digital zoom Yes, up to 2x
Focus

• Multi Point AF
• Center Weighted AF
• Spot AF
• Semi Manual

AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance W:4cm, T:.50cm
W:4cm, T:.50cm
Metering

• Multi Pattern
• Center Weighted
• Spot

ISO sensitivity Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200
Exposure compensation • Plus / Minus 2.0EV
• 1/ 3EV step
Exposure bracketing No
Shutter speed

• Auto 1/4 - 1/1,600
• Program Auto 1" - 1/1,600

Aperture F2.8/F7.1(W), 2 steps with ND Filter
Modes • Auto
• Programme automatic
Scene modes • Easy Shooting
• Movie
• High Sensitivity
• Twilight
• Twilight Portrait
• Soft Snap
• Landscape
• Beach
• Snow
• Fireworks
• Smile Shutter
White balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Fluorescent 1(White Fluorescent Lighting)
• Fluorescent 2(Natural White Fluorescent Lighting)
• Fluorescent 3(Day White Fluorescent Lighting)
• Incandescent
• Flash
Self timer Yes
Continuous shooting Approx.1.5fps(100shots) Approx.2.0fps(100shots)
Flash Auto / Flash On / Slow Syncro / Flash Off
Flash range

• ISO Auto: Approx.0.2-Approx.3.9m(W) / Approx.0.5-Approx.1.9m(T)
• ISO3200: up to Approx.7.1m(W) / Approx.3.9m(T)"

Viewfinder Optical Viewfinder
LCD monitor • TFT LCD
• 6.2cm (2.5 type)
• Approx.115.000 pixels
Connectivity

• DC input
• USB 2.0 compatible
• HD(1080i) (with optional accessory)/ SD
• All integrated in a Multi-Use terminal

Print compliance • EXIF
• PIM III
• PictBridge
• DPOF
Other features

• Face Detection
• Smile Shutter
• Adult/Child Face Detection
• Easy Shooting Mode
• Auto Macro

• Face Detection
• Smile Shutter
• Adult/Child Face Detection
• Easy Shooting Mode
• Auto Macro
• Unsharp mask retouch
Storage • Memory Stick Duo
• Memory Stick PRO Duo
• Memory Stick PRO Duo(High Speed)
• Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
• Approximately 15MB internal memory
Power • LITHIUM ION / InfoLITHIUM G type 3.6V
• AC Adapter (optional)
Weight (no batt) 123 g (4.3 oz)
Dimensions 88.2mm x 57.2mm x 22.9mm (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.9 in)

Sony DSC-W150 / DSC-W170 specifications

DSC-W150
DSC-W170
Sensor • Super HAD CCD1/2.5 type(7.20mm)
• 8.3 million total pixels
• R,G,B primary color mosaic filters
• 8.1 million effective pixels
• Super HAD CCD 1/2.3 type(7.70mm)
• 10.3 million total pixels
• R,G,B primary color mosaic filters
• 10.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes • 8M (3,264 x 2,448)
• 5M (2,592 x 1,944)
• 3M (2,048 x 1,536)
• VGA (640 x 480)
• 3:2 mode
• 16:9 mode
• 10M (3,648 x 2,736)
• 5M (2,592 x 1,944)
• 3M (2,048 x 1,536)
• VGA (640 x 480)
• 3:2 mode
• 16:9 mode
Movie clips

• 640 x 480, Approx.30fps
• 640 x 480, Approx.16.6fps
• 320 x 240, Approx.8.3fps

• 640 x 480, Approx.30fps
• 640 x 480, Approx.16.6fps
• 320 x 240, Approx.8.3fps
File formats • JPEG(Exif Ver.2.21)
• MPEG1
Lens • Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
• 5x
• 9 elements in 7 groups (including 1 ED glass element and 3 aspheric elements)
• F3.3(W)-5.2(T)
• 5-25mm
• 30-150mm (35mm equivalent)
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
• 5x
• 9 elements in 7 groups (including 1 ED glass element and 3 aspheric elements)
• F3.3(W)-5.2(T)
• 5-25mm
• 28-140mm
Image stabilization Yes
Conversion lenses • Wide:VCL-D0746
• Tele:VCL-D2046(with Adapter)
Digital zoom Yes, up to 2x
Focus

• Multi Point AF
• Center Weighted AF
• Spot AF
• Semi Manual

AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance W:10cm, T:50cm
Metering

• Multi Pattern
• Center Weighted
• Spot

ISO sensitivity Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200
Exposure compensation • Plus / Minus 2.0EV
• 1/ 3EV step
Exposure bracketing AE(Plus / Minus0.3EV / 0.7EV / 1.0EV)
Shutter speed

• Auto 1/4 - 1/1,600
• Program Auto 1" - 1/1,600

Aperture F3.3/F8.0(W), 2 steps) with ND Filter
Modes • Auto
• Programme automatic
Scene modes • Auto Adjustment
• Easy Shooting
• Program Auto
• Movie
• High Sensitivity
• Twilight
• Twilight Portrait
• Soft Snap
• Landscape
• Beach
• Snow
• Fireworks
• Smile Shutter
• Underwater
White balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Fluorescent 1(White Fluorescent Lighting)
• Fluorescent 2(Natural White Fluorescent Lighting)
• Fluorescent 3(Day White Fluorescent Lighting)
• Incandescent Flash One Push
• Underwater Auto
• Underwater1
• Underwater2
• Underwater Flash
Self timer Yes
Continuous shooting Approx.2.0fps(100shots) Approx.1.6fps(100shots)
Flash Auto / Flash On / Slow Syncro / Flash Off
Flash range

• ISO Auto: Approx.0.2-Approx.4.2m(W) / Approx.0.5-Appro2.7(T)
• ISO3200: up to Approx.8.4m(W) / Approx.5.3m(T)

Viewfinder Optical Viewfinder
LCD monitor • TFT LCD
• 6.7cm (2.7 type)
• Approx.230K dots
Connectivity

• DC input
• USB 2.0 compatible
• HD(1080i) (with optional accessory)/ SD
• All integrated in a Multi-Use terminal

Print compliance • EXIF
• PIM III
• PictBridge
• DPOF
Other features

• Face Detection
• Smile Shutter
• Adult/Child Face Detection
• Easy Shooting Mode
• Auto Macro
• DRO Plus
• Intelligent Scene Recognition
• Favorites
• Face Search
• Slide Show
• Unsharp mask retouch
• Retouch: Happy Face

Storage • Memory Stick Duo
• Memory Stick PRO Duo
• Memory Stick PRO Duo(High Speed)
• Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
• Approximately 15MB internal memory
Power • LITHIUM ION / InfoLITHIUM G type 3.6V
• AC Adapter (optional)
Weight (no batt) 142 g (5.0 oz)
Dimensions 93.7mm x 58.0mm x 24.0mm (3.7 x 2.3 x 0.9 in)

Additional images