Pre-PMA 2008: Sony today announced the latest models in its entry-level S-Series - the Cyber-Shot DSC-S750 and S780. 3x zoom and sensors featuring 7.2 and 8.1 megapixels respectively are pretty standard fare but crucially, Sony has dropped AA batteries and fitted these new models with a lithium power source. Besides promising improved performance - particularly flash recycle time which generally suffers when using AAs - the move allows a slimmer design much more in keeping with Sony's image. Expect to see the S750 hitting the shelves toward the end of February with the S780 following around a month later.

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Press Release (Europe):

TWO SLIM NEW ADDITIONS TO CYBER-SHOT S SERIES: NOW WITH ADDED FACE DETECTION

  • 8.1 effective megapixels (S780) / 7.2 effective megapixels (S750)
  • Face Detection adjusts exposure and focus for clearer portraits
  • Large 2.5-inch LCD screen with wide viewing angle
  • High Sensitivity ISO 1250 for reduced camera shake
  • 3x optical zoom lens
  • Slim, light new design with lithium ion battery


The new Cyber-shot S-Series expands with two new models that deliver great-looking pictures plus smart features without breaking the bank.

Attractively priced to appeal to entry-level photographers, the slim new Cyber-shot S780 and S750 put amazing images within everyone’s reach.

With a high-quality Sony 3x optical zoom lens and a high resolution of 8.1 effective megapixels, the range-topping Cyber-shot S780 produces detail-packed images that look amazing blown up as A3 sized prints. Even more affordably priced, the Cyber-shot S750 offers a resolution of 7.2 effective megapixels.

In an S-Series first, both cameras now feature Face Detection. This powerful Sony-developed technology can track up to three faces in the frame at a time, adjusting focus and exposure for clear, beautifully exposed portraits of friends and family.

They’re also the first Cyber-shot S-Series models to use a high-capacity Sony lithium ion battery instead of standard alkaline cells. This ensures a thinner, lighter profile than previous S-Series cameras. In addition, the slim-line battery takes up less space than conventional cells when you’re carrying spares in a pocket or bag: great when you’re away from home for longer periods and don’t want to run out of power.

The Cyber-shot S780 and S750 let you capture clear, blur-free pictures without the aid of flash if you’re shooting in low light or on cloudy days. Selecting ‘High Sensitivity’ mode on the easy-to-adjust mode dial boosts sensitivity to ISO 1250. This allows shooting at faster shutter speeds to reduce the risk of camera shake, even with moving subjects.

A new multi-point autofocus mode ensures sharp, accurately focused images, even when your subject is moving or isn’t in the centre of the frame.

Pictures and camera settings can be viewed clearly on the large, high resolution 2.5-inch LCD screen. It’s great for composing and viewing shots as well as reading menus and camera settings. With a wide display viewing angle, everyone can get a clearer picture of your memories, too. Touching a button switches instantly to Playback mode, making it quick and easy to check pictures during shooting. There’s also an on-screen Histogram mode that displays image brightness in graphical form – useful if you’re fine-tuning exposure settings for the best possible results.

Digital camera newcomers will appreciate the handy display of functions like flash, macro and self-timer settings. There’s also on-screen advice to help you select the right settings for your chosen subject as selected with the Shooting Mode dial.

Both cameras can even help beginners pick the optimum image size for shooting, depending on your preferred printing paper size and the amount of memory space remaining.

The Cyber-shot S750 and S780 will be available throughout Europe from end February and end March 2008 respectively.

- ENDS -

DSC-S780 and DSC-S750 key features

Cyber-shot S780

  • 8.1 effective megapixels
  • 3x optical zoom lens
  • 2.5-inch LCD
  • Face Detection
  • Compact, ergonomic body
  • Up to ISO 1250
  • Available in Silver

Cyber-shot S750

  • 7.2 effective megapixels
  • 3x optical zoom lens
  • 2.5-inch LCD
  • Face Detection
  • Compact, ergonomic body
  • Up to ISO 1200
  • Available in Silver

Sony DSC-S750 / S780 specifications
DSC-S750
DSC-S780
Sensor

• Super HAD CCD 1/2.5 type(7.18mm)
• Approx. 7.4 million total pixels
• R,G,B primary color mosaic filters
• Approx. 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

320 x 240, Approx.30fps
File formats • JPEG(Exif Ver.2.21)
• AVI (Motion JPEG)
Lens • 3x
• 6 elements in 5 groups (including 3 aspheric elements)
• F2.8(W)-4.8(T)
• 5.8-17.4mm
• 35-105mm (35mm equivalent)
Image stabilization No
Conversion lenses No
Digital zoom Yes, up to 2x
Focus

• 5 Point Multi AF
• Center Weighted AF
• Focus preset
AF assist lamp No
Focus distance Standard: W:50cm, T:.50cm
Macro: W:5cm, T:35cm
Metering

• Multi Pattern
• Center Weighted
• Spot

ISO sensitivity Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1250
Exposure compensation • Plus / Minus 2.0EV
• 1/ 3EV step
Exposure bracketing No
Shutter speed

• Auto: 1/8 - 1/2000
• Program Auto 1" - 1/2000
Aperture • Auto: F2.8-F9.7
• Program Auto: F2.8-F9.7
Modes • Auto
• Programme automatic
Scene modes • Movie
• High Sensitivity
• Twilight
• Twilight Portrait
• Soft Snap
• Landscape
• Beach
• Snow
White balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Fluorescent 1(White Fluorescent Lighting)
• Incandescent
• Flash
Self timer Yes
Continuous shooting Approx.0.8fps Approx.1.1fps
Flash Auto / Flash On / Slow Syncro / Flash Off
Flash range

• ISO Auto: 0.5-3.5m(W) / 0.5.-2.0m(T),
• ISO1250: 6.9m(W) / 3.9m(T)
Viewfinder No
LCD monitor • TFT LCD
• 6.2cm (2.5type)
• 153,000k pixels
Connectivity

• DC input
• Combined USB 2.0/AV out terminal
Print compliance • EXIF
• PIM III
• PictBridge
• DPOF
Other features

Face Detection
Storage • Memory Stick Duo
• Memory Stick PRO Duo
• Memory Stick PRO Duo(High Speed)
• Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
• Approximately 22MB internal memory
Power • LITHIUMION K type 3.6V
• AC Adapter (optional)
Weight (no batt) 128 g (4.5 oz)
Dimensions 90.8mm x 56.0mm x 26.5mm (3.6 x 2.2 x 1.0 in)