Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170

Sony's new 10.1-megapixel DSC-W170 and 8.1-megapixel DSC-W150 models feature Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lenses with wide angles of view, 28 mm – 140 mm and 30 mm – 150 mm, respectively, and 2.7-inch LCD screens along with eye-level viewfinders. Other feathers include Face Detection AF technology, Sony's Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization, D-Range Optimizer, "Smile Shutter", etc.

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Newly-available on the W-series cameras is Sony’s “smile shutter” mode, which automatically captures an image when your subject smiles – without having to press the shutter. This function even lets you prioritize adult or child faces to capture photos only when the intended subjects smile.

Each of the new W series models includes Sony’s improved face detection technology, which, like the smile shutter technology, can now distinguish between the faces of children and adults. You can select “child priority” or “adult priority” and the camera will detect up to eight faces in the camera frame and optimize focus, exposure, white balance, and flash control.

The W170 and W150 cameras feature new intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) technology, which allows the camera to automatically select the optimal scene mode for a variety shooting situations. In advanced iSCN mode, the camera will take a photo based on the user’s settings. If the camera determines that another setting would yield better exposure, it will automatically take a second photo with that setting. The user ultimately has two images to choose from.

The "W" series models offer a number of powerful features, including: Sony’s D-Range Optimizer to retrieve picture detail in photos with harsh highlights or dark shadows; semi-manual focus that allows you to select the focusing distance based on your subject’s location; an improved auto focus system that includes macro ranges; Super SteadyShot image stabilization; high sensitivity settings up to ISO 3200; and in-camera editing functions such as “unsharp mask” to sharpen images.

The W170 is equipped with advanced image management functionality. Filtering options allow you to search for photos by date and smile. Images can be viewed by date or in a helpful calendar view, and organized in the cameras’ “favorites” folder for quick retrieval of beloved images.

The slideshow function has also been upgraded. Photos can be selected using the same advanced filtering options available in playback mode and transitions have been improved through the application of face detection technology. Now your subjects can take center stage as the slideshow moves through sophisticated pans, fades and wipes. Improvements to the background music function include a choice of more tracks, longer tracks, and multiple tracks for longer slideshows.

To view your images in 1080 high-definition resolution, you can connect each of the cameras to a compatible HDTV sets via HD component cable or Sony’s HD Cyber-shot Station® cradle (both sold separately).



Cyber-shot W170 Major Features:

* Sony 10.1 Megapixel effective Super HAD CCD image sensor
* Carl Zeiss 5x Zoom (28-140mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
* Zoom-coupled optical viewfinder
* Sony BIONZ high-speed image processing engine
* MPEG Movie: 640x480 VX Fine w/audio at 30fps (Memory Stick Duo Pro required)
* Auto, Program AE, plus 11 Scene modes
* Burst at 1.6fps (up to a max of 100 frames)
* Live histogram display in capture and playback
* 9 Area Multi-point AF system with 3.9 in. minimum focus distance
* Face Detection and Intelligent Scene (iSCN) technology
* "Smile Shutter" mode
* 2.7" Clear Photo (230,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness
* ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
* Noise Reduction: Automatically cleans up long exposure images
* Built-in flash with Auto, Fill, Red Eye Reduction and Slow Synch
* USB 2.0 Auto-Connect to host computer
* Powered by Li-ion rechargeable battery
* 15MB internal memory plus Memory Stick Duo / Duo Pro compatible (up to 16GB)
* DPOF and PictBridge direct-print USB compatible



The DSC-W170 model is available in four color schemes (sophisticated champagne, red, black and silver) with a MSRP of US$299, and ships with NP-BG1 Lithium-ion battery, BC-CSG charger, A/V and USB multi-connector cables, wrist strap, and software CD-ROM. See our Buy Box below for current pricing at various online vendors.