Sony has just released their most powerful W-series models to date, with the all new Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. This compact powerhouse is packed full of Sony's latest technologies, like their new 3D Sweep Panorama mode, Superior Auto exposure mode, Background Defocus, a 12-megapixel CMOS Exmor R sensor, and AVCHD video at 1920x1080 @ 60i.

This unit replaces the WX1 as their top of the line W-series camera, and is scheduled to start shipping in September (2010) with a suggested retail price of $299 US.

Cyber-Shot DSC-WX5 key features:

• Durable metal chasis in two colors (Dark Grey and Silver)
  
• 12-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor
• Fast Sony G F2.4 5x optical zoom lens with 24mm field of view
• 2.8-inch LCD with 460k dots of resolution
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
• New Superior Auto exposure mode
• Intelligent Auto, plus 8 scene mode settings
  
• Sweep Panorama mode, including new 3D Sweep
  
• Records AVCHD video at 1920x1080 (60i) or MPEG-4 (.MP4) movies at 1440x1080 (30p) with stereo sound
• MS Duo Pro and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots (Eye-Fi compatible)
• Li-ion rechargeable battery pack
• HDMI output

For more information about the DSC-WX5 and Sony's other Cyber-Shot models that were announced along with the WX5, please read the full Sony Cyber-Shot press release here.