Sony Memory Stick Gets a Speed Boost of Up to 50 MB/sec

Sony Europe announced today that the well known and preferred media by Sony is getting even faster in transferring and recording your AVCHD videos and what not. This new Memory Stick is getting a longer title (PRO-HG Duo HX) it seems like every time we see a new evolution. I guess by the time we see a 128 GB Memory Stick it will have quite a title (how about this one Sony – Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX HD Super HighVision XGX).

Joking aside, the memory media will be suitable for the upcoming 3D camcorders as well as new NEX  as well as Cybershot cameras.

Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX with up to 50MB/sec transfer rates

· New HX Engine technology for fast, reliable data transfers

· Faster than UHS-I SD cards used with devices by Sony

· Available in 8/16/32GB capacities

· Ideal for high-speed burst shooting with DSLR, Full HD movies and 3D imaging

· High reliability with 10 year warranty

· Includes free File Rescue and x-Pict Story™ software

· Same price as previous Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX models

Press Release:

Now photographers can fully exploit the high-speed, high-resolution shooting potential of the latest digital cameras and camcorders from Sony.

The range-topping Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX now boasts blazing data transfer speeds of up to 50MB/sec¹. 1.6x faster than previous Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX cards – and available at the same price – it’s quicker than today’s fastest commercially available UHS-I SD cards when used with devices by Sony.

This phenomenal performance makes new Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX an ideal shooting, storage and data transfer solution for demanding digital imaging users.

Available in capacities from 8GB to 32GB, the fastest-ever Memory Stick is optimised for sustained burst shooting with today’s high-resolution DSLR, SLT and interchangeable lens cameras.

Teamed with the NEX-5 ultra-compact camera by Sony, the card can capture 190 JPEG images in one minute in high-speed burst shooting mode. That’s well over double the rate of 80 images/minute using a standard Class 4 SD card. The high performance of Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX also makes it ideal for recording Full HD and 3D movies with the latest Handycam® camcorders. For more information please see the HX Memory card file which is attached to this release.

Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX makes post-shooting file transfers and back-ups faster, too. Copying a 32GB AVCHD movie file to your PC² takes just 11 minutes. That’s more than twice as quick as transfers using today’s fastest SDHC cards.

These significant improvements are made possible by new HX Engine that’s been specially developed by Sony. This intelligent flash memory controller enhances data transfer efficiency and error handling for quicker, more stable read/write performance with large files.

For maximum peace of mind, the card’s high reliability is backed by a 10-year warranty by Sony.

Available from www.sony.net/memorycard for registered Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX owners, File Rescue recovers accidentally damaged or deleted files. With a 90% successful recovery rate³, it’s an essential utility to help restore precious data including JPEG photos, MPEG or AVCHD video and MP3 music files⁴.

Also available as a free download to registered owners, x-Pict Story™ software helps anyone create memorable photo slideshows. This friendly package combines your favourite photos and music with beautiful visual effects to create professional-looking presentations. Integration with Picture Motion Browser software makes it quick and easy to upload slideshows to sharing sites like YouTube™.

HALCALI Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX7 Camera Commercial

“The Red Balloon” Sony PMW-F3 Demo Video

Sony Corporation YouTube (Japan) posted a PMW-F3 demo video shot in Los Angeles called “The Red Balloon.” The $16k camera body is a stunning hand held 35mm option, and can shoot some pretty incredible footage. Examples include daytime, night time, aerial, low noise, high sensitivity shooting situations. 

The Sony Alpha A55 DSLR Camera Is Made Out Of Recycled Plastics

The Sony α55 is a midrange-level camera, released in August 2010. It is a breakthrough in camera design due to its being the first digital single-lens translucent camera, (along with the Sony α33). As an SLT, it features phase detection auto focus in live view along with an electronic viewfinder, due to usage of a half-mirror instead of a standard, solid mirror. Because its translucent mirror does not have to flip up to take a shot, the camera is able to take up to 10 frames per second while continuously focusing – a feat that is a first in its class. It’s also one of the first four Sony Alpha reflex cameras with video mode included, capable of 1080i. It is also the first DSLR camera capable of using phase-detection autofocus during video recording. The A55 has body-integrated image stabilization, and a 16.2 MPx APS-C CMOS sensor.

Did you know that the Sony Alpha A55 is one of the company’s greenest products yet? During CES 2011, Sony revealed waste plastic from optical disc manufacturing are converted into recycled plastic for use in Alpha cameras. A total of 21 different exterior parts of the Sony A55 series uses recycled plastics.

Sony uses over 15,000 tons of this material annually in various products, including TVs, PCs and cameras.

Hands-on With Sony’s Computerless Blu-ray Disc/DVD Recorder

Sony debuted a new product in their line of direct disc burning devices at CES 2011. The new burner on the block is set for release this March for $300 and is named VBD-MA1. Its primary use is to save videos and photos onto a Blu-ray or DVD disc without a PC. It is compatible with Handycam, Cyber-shot, alpha, many non-Sony camcorders, and nearly all video tape devices (VHS, miniDV and Hi8). There are five quality modes that you can record in, allowing up to 19 hours and 20 minutes of HD video on one 50GB double layer BD disc.

It record on just about anything, with support for BD-R, BD-R DL, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, BD-RE DL, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW. There’s also a 2.7 inch color LCD screen which allows you to watch video or look at 6 photos at a time. You can even connect it to a PC via USB2.0 and use it as an external Blu-ray writer.

Sony boasts that titling, menus and chapters are easy to create. There is four preset menu designs, and the ability to program automatic chaptering every 5, 10 or 15 minutes.

Recording features include 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio support, Dolby Digital 2 channel, and the ability to record from a USB DV/Analog sources. There are also composite video, L/R audio, and 4-pin i.LINK connection (IEEE1394) inputs.

Memory card support is pretty standard on this burner, including the MemoryStick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo series and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

There are several exceptions to this device worth nothing though, such as:

“AVCHD video cannot be previewed on the LCD. You cannot record High Definition and Standard Definition video onto the same disc. The USB connection not supported for non-Sony cameras and camcorders.”

Here are some additional angles of the VBD-MA1 and its settings menus:

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Hands-on With Sony’s External LCD Viewing Monitor For Cameras With HDMI (mini) Output

At CES 2011, Sony was showing off a new $399 external display for DSLR’s or any other camera with a HDMI (mini) output, which includes many Sony models. The CLM-V55 is a 5″ External LCD Viewing Monitor for live view video and stills, and a perfect compliment to a tripod setup and many other situations.

Other key features include:

The LCD has a 16:9 aspect ratio, but can display 4:3. Overall resolution is pegged at 800×460. It is powered by a M Type Sony battery, which could differ from your DSLR’s battery meaning you’ll need two chargers. Here is some photos of the CLM-V55 that we took at the show, including the peak view:

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There is an incredible gallery of the CLM-V55 in action at DC Watch.

Sony Launches Handycam Camcorders With Built-in Projector

Sony has debuted a radically different HD Handycam compared to years past – it has a built-in video projector. Known as the PJ series, the camcorders, launched at CES 2011, will carry the HDR-PJ50V, HDR-PJ30V, and and HDR-PJ10 model names.

Before you laugh off a tiny projector built on the opposite side of the LCD screen, check out these specifications. The PJ series can actually project an video and images up to 60 inches (when standing 18 feet away). The camcorder, like other 2011 Handycam models, has stereo speakers built in with S-Master digital amplifier and Clear Phase technologies. Talk about a unique way to share the family outing!

Other features include large hard drive capacities, 1080/60p video recording (up to 24mbps), Exmor-R image sensors, built-in GPS, built-in USB, great optics, and other favorable options. Prices aren’t really that bad considering everything you get, with the highest model (PJ50V) costing about $1,000.

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Sony HDR-PJ50V High-Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder w/ Built-
in Projector
Available in April for about $1000

• Built-in video projector and speakers enable a whole new way to enjoy playback without needing to plug into an HDTV
• Projector is integrated into the flip-out 3.0” Wide Clear Photo Plus touch panel LCD screen, capable of projecting images up to 60” onto walls, ceilings, etc.
• Built-in audio system and stereo speakers with S-Master digital amplifier and Clear Phase correction, wind noise reduction, and mic/HP jack
• Full 1920×1080 HD video recording at up to 24Mbps and 7-megapixel still image capture
• 220GB hard disk drive, 1080/60p playback w/ Optical SteadyShot™ w/ Active Mode
• “Exmor-R” CMOS sensor and Wide Angle G Lens w/ 12x optical and 17x Extended Zoom
• Built-in GPS receiver w/ NAVTEQ® maps geo-tags content
• Event Browse for automatic grouping of content by events and Highlight Playback & Share to create highlight reels automatically
• Built-in USB cable and software for easy web upload and quick charge

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Sony HDR-PJ30V High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder w/ Built-
in Projector
Available in March for about $950

• Built-in video projector and Clear Phase stereo speakers enable a whole new way to enjoy playback without needing to plug into an HDTV
• Projector is integrated into the flip-out 3.0” Wide Clear Photo Plus touch panel LCD screen, capable of projecting images up to 60” onto walls, ceilings, etc.
• Built-in Clear Phase stereo speakers with S-Master digital amplifier, wind noise reduction, and mic/HP jack
• Full 1920×1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps and 7-megapixel still image capture
• 32GB flash memory, 1080/60p playback w/ Optical SteadyShot™™ w/ Active Mode
• “Exmor-R” CMOS sensor and Wide Angle G Lens w/ 12x optical and 17x Extended Zoom
• Built-in GPS receiver w/ NAVTEQ® maps geo-tags content
• Event Browse for automatic grouping of content by events and Highlight
• Playback & Share to create highlight reels automatically
• Built-in USB cable and software for easy web upload and quick charge

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Sony HDR-PJ10 High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder w/ Built-in
Projector
Available in March for about $700

• Built-in video projector and speakers enable a whole new way to enjoy playback without needing to plug into an HDTV
• Projector is integrated into the flip-out 3.0” Wide Clear Photo Plus touch panel LCD screen, capable of projecting images up to 60” onto walls, ceilings, etc.
• Full 1920×1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps and 3-megapixel still image capture
• 16GB flash memory, 1080/60p playback w/ Optical SteadyShot™ w/ Active Mode
• “Exmor-R” CMOS sensor and Wide Angle G Lens w/ 30x optical and 42x Extended Zoom
• Event Browse for automatic grouping of content by events and Highlight Playback & Share to create highlight reels automatically
• Built-in USB cable and software for easy web upload and quick charge
• Built-in microphone with wind noise reduction and mic/HP jack

Sony’s Tiny WX Series Point And Shoot Cameras Refreshed With 3D

The tiny Sony WX series of point and shoot cameras got an overhaul at CES 2011, with two new models, the DSC-WX9 and DSC-WX10.

Despite the small size of the WX10, it packs a 16.2 megapixel Exmor R sensor, a 7x F2.4 lens that is 24mm wide angle. The camera also includes Optical SteadyShot and 10fps image capture. HD Video capture capability maxes out at 1080@60i, with the option to dual record movies and take pictures at the same time.

There’s also an interesting improvement as to the way the WX10 focuses. Sony notes, “Instead of having a mechanical gear to drive the AutoFocus, the DSC-WX10 camera has a magnetic coil (like those used in an audio speaker) to move the lens linearly and achieve AutoFocus in a straight back-and-forth motion—not rotationally.”

Other notable features include 3D still image capture and 3D sweep panorama, which are found on many other 2011 Sony Cyber-shot cameras. Camera enthusiasts will also enjoy the manual operation found on the WX10, which allows you to fully control the shot the way you want it. The DSC-WX10 will hit the market with one color, black, this March for $280.

We noticed both models have Backlight Correction HDR, and Background Defocus modes to optimize your photography. I love background defocus mode, as it really adds a professional touch to portraits and other types of pictures.

The WX9 differs slightly in comparison to the WX10. It has a 10fps 16.2 megapixel Exmor R sensor, and a 5x 24m wide angle lens. Like the WX10, the WX9 captures HD movies at 1080/60i, and can shoot 3D photos and 3D panoramic shots. The camera also features a 921,000 Xtra-Fine LCD with an improved Control Wheel. The WX9 will be available in black, silver, and red this March for $220.

Sony’s Affordable W-Series Point And Shoot Cameras Have Four Options Under $200

Continuing with the plethora of digital imaging announcements at CES 2011, Sony has refreshed its affordable W-series range of point and shoot cameras under $200. The cameras feature popular features Sony is known for are found in these cameras, including Sweep Panorama mode, Steadyshot, iAuto, Face Detection and Smile Shutter.

Here is the full list of models, which include the DSC-W510, DSC-W530, DSC-W560, and DSC-W570. Prices between the low to high end models range from $110 to $180, offering four options in the precious sub-$200 price range.

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The DSC-W510 camera will be available in silver, black, pink and red this February for about $110. Features include:

• 26mm equivalent lens with 4x optical zoom
• Capture breathtaking images in Sweep Panorama mode
• SteadyShot image stabilization reduces blur
• 12.1-megapixel 2.7-inch LCD screen for easy viewing
• iAuto mode automatically optimizes camera settings

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The DSC-W530 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, green and blue this February for about $130. Features include:

• 26mm wide Carl Zeiss® lens with 4x optical zoom
• Capture breathtaking images in Sweep Panorama mode
• SteadyShot image stabilization reduces blur
• 14.1-megapixel 2.7-inch LCD screen for easy viewing
• iAuto mode automatically optimizes camera settings

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The DSC-W560 camera will be available in silver, black, red and blue this February for about $160. Features include:

• 26mm wide angle lens with 4x optical zoom
• Capture your videos in HD Movie mode (720p)
• Take breathtaking images in Sweep Panorama mode
• 14.1-megapixel 3-inch LCD screen for easy viewing
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization reduces blur

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The DSC-W570 camera will be available in silver, black, pink and violet this February for about $180. Features include:

• 25mm wide lens with 5x optical zoom
• Take breathtaking images in Sweep Panorama mode
• 16.1-megapixel 2.7-inch LCD screen for easy viewing
• Capture your videos in HD Movie mode (720p)
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilization reduces blur

Sony’s Refreshes Indestructible DSC-TX10 Point And Shoot Camera

My favorite Sony point and shoot camera of 2010 had to be the DSC-TX5, which was a waterproof, freeze-proof, shockproof and dust-proof camera. Sony is refreshing this series at CES 2011 with the introduction of the DSC-TX10. The newest version has several advantages over last year’s model and seems once again like the perfect point and shoot.

Once again the camera retains all of the features that make it indestructible, but can now go to a depth of 16 feet underwater (for up to a hour) instead of the 10 on the TX5. There are also some imaging improvements, as the TX10 has a 16.2 megapixel Exmor R sensor, which is a big upgrade from the 10 megapixel sensor in the TX5.

The TX10 also has the exclusive new feature found in several 2011 Sony Cyber-shot cameras: 3D still photo capability and 3D Sweep Panorama.

Colors include silver, black, green, blue and pink, all of which will be available this March. Price is about in line with what we expect at $330, which means it will have a more conservative price by the holidays.

There’s also the addition of 1080i HD movie mode, which is yet another upgrade from the 720p resolution video capability the TX5 had last year. A nice wide 3 inch LCD is on the back of the camera, and we hope the screen’s responsiveness has been improved. It was slightly irritating on the TX5, with the included stylus/fingernail only providing the best results.

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