SONY CAMERA ACCESSORIES MAKE CAPTURING EVERYTHING FROM MARINE LIFE TO FAMILY LIFE SIMPLE

LAS VEGAS (PMA #F171), March 2, 2009 - Whether snapping photos of brightly colored fish just beneath the surface or recording snippets of the kids on safari in the backyard, the new additions to Sony's line of Cyber-shot and Handycam accessories will ensure that consumers are equipped for any moment worth capturing.

From the great outdoors to the family great room, Sony is offering shutterbugs and videographers practically everything they need to get the perfect shot, including new underwater housing devices, high-definition (HD) lenses and output cables, tripods and accessory packs for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a full line of fashionable and functional cases and camera bags.

Sony's new marine packs for the Cyber-shot W (model MPK-WE for about ) and T-series digital still cameras (model MPK-THH, MPK-THGB for about ) will enable eye-popping underwater photography and movie clips of both marine life and life in the pool this summer, down to 132 feet (40m.) The packs are designed to work seamlessly with the DSC-T900, DSC-T90 and other W-series Cyber-shot cameras.

The Sony SPK-WB sports pack for the Cyber-shot DSC-W290 lets snorkelers and swimmers take shots in up to 10 feet (3m) of water and also acts as a scratch-resistant silicon jacket when the waterproof adaptor is removed--all for about .

For Handycam camcorder usage in wet conditions, the SPK-HCE sports pack consists of a hard-plastic housing that shields the camera from rain, snow and other moisture. It can also be submerged for underwater video capture of watery worlds up to 17 feet (5m) deep for about .

The Sony APK-WB and APK-THAB Aqty packs for Cyber-shot DSC-T90 and W-series cameras protect the cameras from splashes near the pool and offer waterproof protection in up to 5 feet (1.5m) of water. The APK-WB pack will be available for about and the APK-THAB pack for about . Power and Protection for Cameras and Camcorders On-the-Go

Protecting footage and memories and making sure the fun never stops due to a rundown battery is the sole purpose of the additions to the full line of accessory kits that include cases and extra batteries for both Cyber-shot and Handycam models. The Sony ACC-CBK accessory kit includes a battery (NP-BK1) and case (LCS-CSQ), and works with the Cyber-shot S-series models, and with the brand new Webbie HD camera (model MHS-PM1), retailing for about .

For the Cyber-shot W series models, the ACC-CMFG accessory kit, which includes an NP-FG1 battery, LCS-CSQ case and convenient Memory stick Duo reader/writer, is also available for about .

The ACC-HDH6 camcorder accessory case protects Handycam models by shielding them from rain or snow and facilitates capturing great footage. The ACC-HDH6 kit, which will be available for about , comes with an extra battery, carrying case and HDMI cable, and may save consumers up to when purchased as a kit.

Help protect your Handycam camcorder in your bag, backpack or purse by using the snug-fitting LCS-BBD "bag-in-bag" carrying pouch. The scratch-resistant case provides an added layer of protection for Handycams, and comes in black, red and blue allowing easy access to the camera and a useful built-in strap, and is available now for about .

Various cases are available for Sony Cyber-shot cameras as well as Webbie HD cameras.

Sony introduces additions to its line of tripods and lenses - plus a telephoto lens (VCL-DH1757, retailing for about ) designed exclusively for the brand new Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera. The high-grade 1.7x tele-angle conversion lens offers increased detail even at the far edges of an image. Also new for the HX1 is the premium soft carrying case (product LCS-HE, retailing for about ) that helps protect it from dust and scratches and comes equipped to hang from a belt loop or backpack strap and also has a pouch for a spare battery.

Also new to the existing line is the lens adaptor for the Cyber-shot DSC-H20 (model VAD-HA, retailing for about ) and the high-grade wide conversion lens (model VCL-HGA07) for Handycam products which allows video capture at angles that are 40 percent wider than the supplied lens and offers certified HD picture quality.

Keeping video steady and allowing for hands-free shooting are two attributes that are central to the Sony tripod line, including the VCT-50AV audio/video tripod with remote control. The remote offers easy access to major camcorder functions. The Guide Frame feature helps to position subjects correctly, while the Slow Zoom feature also holds the camcorder steady while zooming. The VCT-50AV tripod is available now for purchase at about .

All of the new products announced compliment and supplement Sony's existing lines of DI accessories including the indispensible Sony Bluetooth microphone (model ECM-HW2) for recording audio from up to 300 feet away. It is compatible with Sony camcorders with AIS (active interface shoe). The ECM-HW2 also allows for two-way communication through the headphone jack on both the microphone and receiver units.

Effortless geo-tagging is also available through the Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS unit kit, which allows camera and camcorder users to display their current position and tag photos taken in any location worldwide. The unit also has a built-in Memory Stick and SD card slot for simple photo date synchronization with all compatible DI devices, and the supplied Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software offers easy upload of information onto online map album services.

The ECM-HW2 is available now for about and the GPS-CS3KA can also be found for on sonystyle.com and at Sony Style retail stores.

Pricing and Availability

All new Sony accessory models will be availabile for spring 2009 online at sonystyle.com and at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pricing on Sony's new and existing line of accessories can also be found on sonystyle.com. Presales will begin for the new line of Sony DI accessories online at www.sonystyle.com.

SONY ADDS INTELLIGENT AUTO TECHNOLOGY TO CYBER-SHOT CAMERAS FOR PICTURE-PERFECT SHOTS

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 17, 2009 - Sony today announced five new Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-T900, DSC-T90, DSC-W290, DSC-W230 and DSC-H20) that make it easier to take the best pictures without changing settings. The intelligent auto mode, available on the T900, T90, W290 and H20 models helps "think" for you and detect scene conditions then adjust settings, especially in difficult lighting scenarios.

"This camera provides a seamless experience," said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging Division. "You can go from a walk in the park to taking pictures of a flower and then back to beautiful landscapes or indoor birthday parties, and the camera will know what to do to get the best shot."

Additionally, intelligent auto mode enhances pictures of faces to capture natural skin tones, identifies when your subject has closed eyes, and helps reduce blur without damaging image quality.

Sony has combined three key technologies to make these cameras smarter.

Intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) detects up to eight scenes, recognizing objects, faces and lighting conditions (e.g. low light and backlight). Then, in one-thirtieth of a second, it changes the setting to get the best shot.

Face detection registers up to eight faces; adjusts focus, exposure, white balance and flash; and detects motion. This intelligent camera combines face detection with iSCN, featuring blink detection. It takes two pictures and saves the one in which the subject's eyes are the least shut.

The W290 and H20 cameras also have selected-face memory, allowing you to zero in on the main subject's face. The next time the camera detects the priority face in the frame, it will automatically focus on that person.

The W230 model has iSCN that detects up to five scene conditions, face detection with child and adult priority, and the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature. You can turn on these features in auto mode to make the W230 camera intelligent.

All of the new cameras have the Optical SteadyShot feature and Smile Shutter technology. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature helps prevent blur due to camera shake without impacting image quality. Equipped with Sony's Smile Shutter technology, these cameras automatically capture a smile the moment it happens.

Another advanced feature that sets these cameras apart from most digital still cameras is iSCN advanced. Noblecilla said the iAuto feature increases the chances of getting a great shot. You can also set up iSCN advanced as a permanent feature. When the scene has difficult lighting such as backlight or low light, the camera will take two shots within a fraction of a second using two alternative settings, so you can select which picture you prefer. HD Movies

The W290, H20, T90 and T900 cameras feature wide and full-screen 720p movie recording at 30 frames per second in fine, standard and VGA recording modes. The 720p movie resolution is three times higher than VGA movies.

The movie function is based on the MPEG4 codec for video compression. Plus the T900 has a stereo microphone. Benefits of the format include high-quality video as well as PC-friendly files that are easy to download, upload and share. Style and Color

With a compact design for easy on-the-go portability, the DSC-T90 and DSC-T900 cameras are 15 millimeters and 16.3 millimeters thin, respectively. 2009 line of W and T colors come in a pallet of colors to match your unique style.

Powerful Core Features

The W230 camera has 12.1 megapixels, 4x (30mm) Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom lens and 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen. The W290 model adds a 5x wide (28mm) optical zoom lens.

The T90 camera also has 12.1 megapixels and a 4x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom and 3-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch-panel LCD screen. The T900 camera adds a larger 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen that delivers high resolution images (921,600 dots), which is approximately four times higher than conventional LCD screens.

The H20 model features 10.1 megapixels, a 10x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen.

Easy navigation

Sony has simplified the display of options on most of these cameras to make it easier for customers to use them. The most commonly used features include shooting mode, zoom, play, delete and Smile Shutter. These are available at a click or touch of a button. More sophisticated users can select other shooting modes or change the settings using the menu button.

Tools to Edit, Archive and Share

These cameras are equipped with tools to edit, archive and share. They have in-camera retouch features like red-eye correction and image management to easily sort through thousands of photos in calendar view or album view. You can group favorites and filter by baby, adult, all faces or smiles. The PhotoMusic feature offers an HD slideshow mode with transitions and music for viewing on the camera or television.

The HD output feature lets you view images in high-defintion, although HDMI and component cables are not included. The T900 camera is bundled with a camera stand that allows HDMI connectivity, but the cable is not included.

Bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly organize images on a compatible PC and upload images to the Web. You can search and organize images by event, smile or face, including children and infants. Then you can display them in calendar or chronological views organized into folders.

Pricing and Availability

Consumers can start pre-ordering these cameras in March at www.sonystyle.com. They will be available for purchase in April online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

• The T900 camera will be available in silver, black, red and bronze for about .
• The T90 model will be available in silver, black, pink, blue and brown for about .
• The W290 model will be available in silver, black, blue and bronze for about .
• The W230 camera will be available in silver, black, blue and red for about .
• The H20 camera will be available in black for about .

Polaroid Introduces the Polaroid PoGoTM Instant Digital Camera

Digital version of the company's iconic instant camera

LAS VEGAS (January 8, 2009) - Today Polaroid announces the launch of the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera, the first digital camera and instant printer combination available in the U.S. and Europe that is portable enough to take anywhere. With the push of a button, consumers can select from among the digital photos on the camera, crop or edit them and in less than 60 seconds, print full-color, 2x3-inch prints - all with a single device.

"This is the digital version of our traditional instant camera, which consumers have loved since the 70s," says Jon Pollock, vice president and general manager, Digital Imaging. "With this product, Polaroid will bring the magic of instant photography to a whole new generation. It's what consumers have told us they want - a fun, easy way to use a digital camera to print photos and share their memories instantly."

The Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera is the second product in the Polaroid PoGo family of products. Like the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer, which hit store shelves in July 2008, the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera uses the same ZINK Photo Paper and ZINKTM Zero Ink Printing Technology from ZINK Imaging. ZINK Zero Ink is an ink-free printing technology which replaces ink cartridges or ribbons with ZINK Photo Paper - a composite material that has embedded, heat-activated dye crystals. Before printing, ZINK Photo Paper appears white like regular photo paper. Once the pictures are printed, they are immediately dry to the touch, durable and smudge and water resistant.

The Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera offers a full-feature digital camera with 100 percent inkless printing, 2x3-inch sticky-backed photos with or without fun borders and the advantage of reviewing the captured photos on a three-inch color LCD screen before printing. The instant digital camera measures 4.7- inches wide by 3-inches tall and weighs only 10 ounces.

"Unlike traditional instant film, photos from the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera emerge fully developed," Pollock says. "While many of our most passionate customers tell us "shaking" a Polaroid photo is part of the fun, with any Polaroid photo, the "shake" is totally optional."

The Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera will be available beginning in March 2009 at major retailers for a suggested retail price of . Ten-packs of ZINK Photo Paper, which can be used in both the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera and the Polaroid PoGoTM Instant Mobile Printer, retail for .99 and 30-packs for .99, and are widely available at national retailers everywhere.

The History of the Polaroid Corporation (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Polaroid Corporation was founded in 1937 by Edwin H. Land. It is most famous for its instant film cameras, which reached the market in 1948, and continued to be the company's flagship product line until the February 2008 decision to cease all production in favor of digital photography products. The company's original dominant market was in polarized sunglasses, an outgrowth of Land's self-guided research in polarization after leaving Harvard University after his freshman year �" he later returned to Harvard to continue his research.

After Polaroid defeated Kodak in a patent battle, Kodak left the instant camera business on January 9, 1986.

Polaroid developed an instant movie system, Polavision, based on the Dufaycolor process. The product arrived on the market when videotape based systems were rapidly gaining popularity. As a result, Polavision was unsuccessful and most of the manufactured product was sold off as a job lot at immense cost to the company.

The company also was one of the early manufacturers of digital cameras, with the PDC-2000 in 1996, however they failed to capture a large marketshare in that segment.

On October 11, 2001, Polaroid Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Almost all the company's assets (including the "Polaroid" name itself) were sold to a subsidiary of Bank One. They went on to form a new company, which also operates under the name "Polaroid Corporation". It stopped making Polaroid cameras in 2007 and will stop selling Polaroid film after 2009, to the consternation of some users.

The renamed "old" Polaroid now exists solely as an administrative shell. Its bankruptcy was widely believed to be the result of the failure of its senior management to anticipate the effect of digital cameras on its film business.

On December 18, 2008, the post-reorganization Polaroid Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota. The bankruptcy filing came shortly after the criminal investigation of its parent company, Petters Group Worldwide, and the parent company founder, Tom Petter.

The original Polaroid Corporation filed for federal bankruptcy protection on October 11, 2001. The outcome was that within ten months, most of the business (including the "Polaroid" name itself[8] and non-bankrupt foreign subsidiaries) had been sold to Bank One's One Equity Partners (OEP). OEP Imaging Corporation then changed its name to Polaroid Holding Company (PHC). However, this new company operates using the name of its bankrupt predecessor, Polaroid Corporation.

. As part of the settlement, the original Polaroid Corporation changed its name to Primary PDC, Inc. Having sold its assets, it was now effectively nothing more than an administrative shell. Primary PDC received approximately 35 percent of the "new" Polaroid, which was to be distributed to its unsecured creditors (including bondholders.[11]) As of late 2006[update], Primary PDC remains in existence under Chapter 11 protection, but conducts no commercial business and has no employees.

Significant criticism surrounded this "takeover" because the process left executives of the company with large bonuses, while stockholders, as well as current and retired employees, were left with nothing.

Since the bankruptcy, the Polaroid brand has been licensed for use on other products with the assistance of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. In September 2002, World Wide Licenses, a subsidiary of The Character Group plc, was granted the exclusive rights for three years to manufacture and sell digital cameras under the Polaroid brand for distribution internationally. Polaroid branded LCDs and plasma televisions and portable DVD players have also appeared on the market.

On April 27, 2005, Petters Group Worldwide announced its acquisition of PHC. Petters has in the past bought up failed companies with well-known names for the value of those names. The same year, Flextronics purchased Polaroid's manufacturing operations and the decision was made to send most of the manufacturing to China. The "new" Polaroid Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 18, 2008.

In summer of 2008, Polaroid released the PoGo, a credit-card-sized instant photo printer. It uses the ZINK ("zero ink") technology which is similar to dye sublimation but has the dye crystals embedded in the photo paper itself.

Kodak expands its line of Smart Capture enabled digital cameras

New models include Powerful 24x zoom and sleek compact with 5x zoom

Rochester, N.Y., January 8 -- Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today announced new additions to its digital camera line, led by the high-zoom KODAK Z980 Digital Camera, featuring outstanding control and Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature that consistently delivers high quality images.

Featuring a wealth of power and versatility, the KODAK Z980 Digital Camera offers a 26 mm wide angle, professional quality, 24X image stabilized optical zoom lens, a vertical shutter release and a hot shoe, all at an affordable price.

The Z980 enables serious photographers to easily handle both long-distance and wide-angle shots, and boasts Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature, which automatically adjusts the camera's settings to deliver brilliant images automatically.

"The Z980 is an ideal camera for photographers looking to do more and get more from their digital camera," said John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "The versatile lens, combined with our exclusive Smart Capture feature, lets consumers shoot great pictures in any setting -- from daylight to night or from close-ups to landscapes, the camera makes adjustments automatically."

The new KODAK Z980 Digital Camera offers:

• Kodak's exclusive Smart Capture feature, which analyzes scenes and adjusts camera settings to deliver beautiful pictures more often;
• 26 mm wide angle/24X Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Lens;
• HD picture and video capture;
• Vertical shutter release and detachable vertical grip, for greater comfort and control when shooting scenes vertically;
• Hot shoe for the optional KODAK P20 flash;
• 12 MP for prints up to 30"x40";
• Bright and detail-rich 3-inch indoor/outdoor color display;
• Compatible with new KODAK WI-FI Memory Cards and KODAK SDHC/SD Memory Cards;
• Available at US.95 MSRP from Spring, 2009.

Kodak also introduced new models to its M-Series Digital Camera line, led by the KODAK EASYSHARE M380 Digital Camera. A sleek but powerful digital camera for style-savvy consumers, the M380 delivers an innovative feature package led by Kodak's Smart Capture feature, and also boasts a 10MP sensor, 5x optical zoom, and 3" LCD. The M380 will be available in black, red and teal, and retail at US MSRP from March, 2009;

Also new to the KODAK M Series Digital Cameras are:

• KODAK EASYSHARE M340 Digital Camera, offering Smart Capture, 10MP sensor, 3x optical zoom, 2.7" LCD, in a slim body design; available in blue, blue-green, silver, and red, and retailing at US MSRP from March, 2009;
• KODAK EASYSHARE M320 Digital Camera, featuring Kodak Perfect Touch technology providing automatic red-eye reduction, shadow lightening and more, 9MP sensor, 3x optical zoom, 2.7" LCD; available in black, silver, red and blue, and retailing at US MSRP from February, 2009.

Accessories

A range of accessories will be available for the new KODAK Digital Cameras includingKODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Batteries and battery charger kits; KODAK SD and SDHC High Performance Memory Cards; KODAK Camera Bags and much more.

About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives