Digital Camera News

Sony Updates T-Series with HD Viewing

February 27, 2007 – In an announcement of their new spring product line, Sony updated their ultra-compact T-series models with the addition of both the Cyber-shot DSC-T100 and T20. Like the other models that Sony launched today, the T100 and T20 come with a features-packed list of upgrades including a higher megapixel count, a Bionz processing engine, face detection, and HD viewing capabilities. The Sony T100 will retail for $400 in March, and the T20 will be priced at $330 when it is released in April.

Geared for the "fashionista," according to a company press release today, the new T-models measure less than an inch thick and come in various color options. The new camera style and feature set is designed primarily for a female target audience and the millennial generation, said Sony senior product manager Kelly Davis in an interview with DigitalCameraInfo.com.

Sony updated the Cyber-shot T100 and T20 with new Cyber-shot features, that are also included on the entire spring line of the H9, H7, W200, W90, and W80 that were also launched today. The new T100 and T20 include Sony’s new face detection that automatically focuses and exposes up to 8 faces in a scene, but unlike other manufactures, the Sony face detection system adds auto white balance and auto flash abilities.

On the T100 and T20, Sony has implemented features that are normally found on their higher-end cameras. Both the T100 and T20 include Sony’s Bionz processing engine, that is currently featured on Sony's Alpha DSLR and a Dynamic Range Optimizer. DRO is making its Cybershot debut on these spring models.

Like all the Sony models introduced today, both the Cyber-shot T100 and T20 will include full high definition 1080i output.

"Our customers want to bring their photos into their living rooms," said Davis. Users will be able watch photo slideshows on a HDTV via a Sony VMC-MHCI HD accessory cable or through a CSS-HD Cyber-shot Station cradle. Users can also opt to purchase the packaged DPP-FPHD1 bundle that includes the cable, dock, and a remote controlled high-def printer for $399.

Other upgrades include a new maximum sensitivity of up to 3200 ISO, 9-point auto focus, new menu user interface, and built-in retouching functions, including red-eye correction, soft edge filter, cross filter, partial color filter, and fish-eye filter.

The Cyber-shot T100, according to Davis, will act as a replacement to the T50, that was introduced in September for nearly $100 more. The T100 carries a higher 8.1-megapixel count over the T50's 7 megapixels. The Sony T100 has also extended its zoom capabilities to a 5x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens, up from 3x optical zoom on the T50. The Sony T100 still has a 3-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD. The T100 promises up to 380 shots per charge on a Li-ion battery and will be available in red, black, and silver.

The Sony T20 replaces the T10, introduced in August at nearly $70 more than the newer version. The Cyber-shot T20 adds a higher 8.1-megapixel count, up from 7 megapixels on the T10. The T20 maintains the 3x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens and 2.5-inch, 230,000 LCD display. The T20 promises 340 shots per battery charge. The Cyber-shot T20 will be available in pink, white, black, and silver.

Although the cameras will not hit store shelves until the spring, interested customers can pre-order the new models through the Sony online store starting tomorrow.

Sony Cyber-shot T100 Key Features:
8.1 megpixel count
3.0-inch LCD
New Face detection
New HD viewing
New Built-in Retouching
New Dynamic Range Optimization (in Cyber-shot)
New High sensitivity at 3200 ISO
New 9-point AF
New cross-media user interface
Bionz processor (new to Cyber-shot line)
Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization
Clear RAW noise reduction

Sony Cyber-shot T20 Key Features:
8.1 megpixel count
2.5-inch LCD
New Face detection
New HD viewing
New Built-in Retouching
Dynamic Range Optimization (new to Cyber-shot line)
New High sensitivity at 3200 ISO
New 9-point AF
New cross-media user interface
Bionz processor ( new to Cyber-shot)
Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization
Clear RAW noise reduction