Sony launch Cyber-shot N1 digital camera

8.1 megapixels, 3in touch screen and a 3x optical zoom

4 October 2005 10:22 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Sony has launched its latest ultra slim digital camera, the Cyber-shot N1 that offers an 8.1 megapixel resolution, a 3.0 inch touch-screen LCD and ZEISS 3x Optical Zoom all packaged in a compact aluminium body that's only 22.7mm slim.

The addition of the touch screen allows the user to operate various functions when shooting and playing back by simply touching the LCD screen. For example with the Free Spot AF function, photographers can focus on an object directly just by touching it on the LCD screen. Likewise, functions like menu, playback, forward and reverse can be controlled by just touching or tracing a finger across the LCD screen.

The camera also features a system called "paint and stamp" that allows users to use the supplied stylus, to add artistic and decorative final touches to photos.

The camera also offers a separate, internal memory which is dedicated to holding 500 pictures in VGA size thumbnails, which means you can view them whenever you want. In addition to sharing on the large LCD screen, images can be viewed on a connected TV screen. When the maximum capacity is reached, the oldest images are automatically deleted to make space for new ones (individual images can be protected from deletion).

Of course, images are also stored in full high resolution on optional Memory Stick Duo™ or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ for you to save on a PC or print out.

In addition, the Cyber-shot N1 features a Slideshow with Music function allowing users to play them back in a variety of slide show styles: select from 'Active', 'Simple', 'Stylish' and 'Nostalgic' modes and your pictures will be shown at random accompanied by a choice of four pre-set background music melodies to complement the mood. the camera even lets users add background music from MP3 to the camera's internal memory to further personalise your slide shows.

The Cyber-shot N1 finished in silver aluminium will be available throughout Europe from late November 2005.