Digital Camera News

January 23, 2008

Sony Unveils Entry-Level S750 and S780

Jan. 23, 2008 - Sony today unveiled two additions to its S-series: the DSC-

Sony S-series Photo Tour

S750 and DSC-S780. These entry-level point-and-shoots offer updated specs, including an increased ISO range, basic face detection, and larger LCD screens. The S750, which will replace the S700, will retail for $149 when it ships in early March, and the S780 will retail for $179 when it ships in mid-April.

The S750 has 7.2 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens, the same specs found on its predecessor, the S700. The S750 upgrades its LCD screen in size and resolution, up to 2.5 inches and 153,000 pixels from the S700’s 2.4-inch, 115,000-pixel screen.

The S780, which doesn’t replace a previous model, features 8.1 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens. Like the S750, it features a 2.5-inch, 153,000-pixel LCD screen. Both models’ LCD screens have resolutions lower than the current industry-standard 230,000 pixels, which may lead to a fuzzier view.

The cameras differ only in their megapixel counts – both cameras feature a high ISO 1250 sensitivity setting, basic face detection technology, Movie modes, and a slide show feature. Each camera includes seven preset Scene modes, as well as Auto and Program Auto modes. Both have 22 MB of internal memory and shoot with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Neither, however, have image stabilization, a popular feature found on many modern digital cameras that helps reduce image blur due to camera shake. While rare on inexpensive entry-level cameras, optical image stabilization isn’t impossible to find – the 7.2-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 features optical image stabilization and can currently be found for a little more than $150 online. Both models are also lacking the more advanced face recognition features on other Sony models, such as the smile recognition and child or adult face priority present on models such as the W120 and W150.

The new models follow the release of the S730 in late December, a replacement for the S650. The 7.2-megapixel S730 features the same megapixel count and 3x optical zoom lens found on its predecessor, but bumps the ISO sensitivity to ISO 1250, as found on the S750 and S780. It has a 2.4-inch, 112,000-pixel LCD, bigger than the 2-inch screen on the S650 but with a lower pixel count.

Besides the LCD, it features the same specs as the other new S-series models, except it runs on two AA batteries, rather than a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It has a function guide for beginners and a 5-point autofocus system. The S730 will begin shipping at the end of this month for $129.

Camera Model	Sony DSC-S700	Sony DSC-S750	Sony DSC-S780
Introductory Price	$180	$149	$179
Announcement Date	January 2007	January 2008	January 2008
Sensor	7.2 MP	7.2 MP	8.1 MP CCD
Lens	3x optical zoom	3x optical zoom	3x optical zoom
Monitor	2.4-inch, 115,000-pixel	2.5-inch, 153,000-pixel	2.5-inch, 153,000-pixel
Key Features	Anti-blur technology ISO 1000 Function Guide	ISO 1250 Face Detection Slide Show	ISO 1250 Face Detection Slide Show
News Article Link	Sony Launches Cyber-shot S700 and S650	--	--
Review Link	--	- -	- -

 

Camera Model	Sony DSC-S650	Sony DSC-S730
Introductory Price	$180	$129
Announcement Date	January 2007	January 2008
Sensor	7.2 MP	7.2 MP
Lens	3x optical zoom	3x optical zoom
Monitor	2-inch, 115,000-pixel	2.4-inch, 112,000-pixel
Key Features	Anti-blur technology ISO 1000 Function Guide	ISO 1250 Face Detection Slide Show
News Article Link	Sony Launches Cyber-shot S700 and S650	--
Review Link	--	- -