Click on the W200 for a 360° QTVR tour

At the top of Sony's "W" series of point-n-shoot models is the DSC-W200, the most compact 12-megapixel camera in the industry (as of 8/2007). It is followed by the 8-megapixel DSC-W90 unit and the 7.2- megapixel DSC-W80 model. All sport Carl Zeiss® 3x optical zoom lenses; traditional, eye-level viewfinders; and large, 2.5-inch LCD screens wrapped in sleek metal bodies. All of these new cameras are also powered by the Bionz™ processing engine, first used in Sony’s Alpha digital SLR camera system. This newly-added circuitry delivers the fast image processing speeds needed to produce color rich, detailed pictures for true high- definition photo viewing.

Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization helps safeguard against blur caused by camera shake and subject-movement. Their high sensitivity (up to ISO3200 or 6400 on the W200) settings can help to fight blur associated with fast- moving subjects. Sony's Clear RAW ™ noise reduction technology will minimize picture noise common to images shot at high ISO levels. All incorporate Sony’s new face detection technology, which can identify up to eight faces in the camera’s LCD frame, and automatically adjust white balance and flash as well as focus and exposure.

The new W-series models incorporate selectable in-camera editing functions that can save you from hours of post-editing time at the computer. Equipped with Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer, the cameras can analyze captured image data and instantly determine the best exposure and tonality of each picture before JPEG compression. Other helpful in-camera functions include red-eye correction and retouching effects. You can create artistic photos with the soft edge filter that emphasizes a focused subject by blurring the background. The partial color filter highlights the subject by letting it remain in color while making the background black-and-white. Photos can be enhanced with the cross filter that adds four-point star effects to the light in an image, and enlivened with the fish-eye filter for an amusing fishbowl effect.

Sony is offering three accessory options to begin enjoying high-definition photo viewing. The new cameras are compatible with the Sony VMC-MHC1 high-definition component cable for simple connection to an HDTV set. The cameras can also be used with the new Sony CSS-HD1 high-definition Cyber-shot Station®, which comes with the component cable. You can connect the cameras to the station just one time, and it will also work as a charger for the camera.

For complete integration into your home theater system, there is the DSC-W80HDPR kit, which bundles a DSC-W80 camera and Sony’s DPP-FPHD1 printer package. This package consists of the VMC-MHC1 high- definition component cable, a Cyber-shot cradle, a remote commander, and a digital photo printer with high-definition component output.

Cyber-shot W200 Major Features:

• Sony 12.1 Megapixel effective CCD image sensor
• Carl Zeiss 3x Zoom (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
• MPEG Movie: 640x480 VX Fine w/audio at 30fps (Memory Stick Duo Pro required)
• Auto, Program AE, Manual, plus 9 Scene modes
• 100-shot Burst at 2.0fps (12MP resolution)
• Live histogram display in capture and playback
• 9 Area Multi-point AF; auto or selectable Spot AF point
• Face Detection technology
• 2.5" TFT color (115,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 (6400 at 3MP only)
• Noise Reduction: Automatically cleans up long exposure images
• Adjustable Contrast, Sharpness as well as Color Modes
• Built-in flash with Auto, Fill, Red Eye Reduction and Slow Synch
• USB 2.0 Auto-Connect to host computer
• Powered by Li-ion rechargeable battery
• 31MB internal memory plus Memory Stick Duo / Duo Pro compatible (up to 8GB)
• DPOF and PictBridge direct-print USB compatible

The Cyber-shot DSC-W200 is available now with a suggested retail of US$399. See our Buy Box below for current pricing at various online vendors.