Sony revamps DSC-W50 digital camera

Sony has re-engineered its W-series of top-performing Cyber-shot digital still cameras

13 February 2006 11:40 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Sony has re-engineered its W-series of top-performing Cyber-shot digital still cameras.

In addition to sporting eye-level viewfinders in the fashion of traditional cameras, the new DSC-W50 and DSC-W30 models have large LCD screens and are significantly more compact than previous W-series models.

Both new cameras offer six-megapixel image resolution for high-quality prints, high-light sensitivity for fast-action shooting and more natural-looking pictures in low-light conditions, precision Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lenses, and MPEG1 movie recording.

Available in silver, the DSC-W50 model features a 2.5-inch, easy-to-view LCD screen wrapped in a metal-alloy body with sophisticated etching and details. The DSC-W30 model also comes in silver with a two-inch LCD.

"These new models will be attractive to people who prefer the look and feel of a traditional camera, but without the bulk," said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. "We've also increased the light sensitivity, which minimizes the need for flash photography, and improved the cameras' user interface for better photography results and
overall camera experience."

The Cyber-shot DSC-W50 will be available in early March for about $250, and the DSC-W30 is available this month for about $230.

Pocket-lint is awaiting confirmation as to when and how much the new models will cost when they come to the UK.