Sony has announced the feature-laden Sony Cyber-shot HX5 digital compact camera featuring a 25-250mm equivalent lens and a 10.1-megapixel, back-illuminated EXMOR R CMOS sensor, plus integrated GPS and compass. The wide 25-250mm equivalent superzoom lens bears the prestigious G designation, while the EXMOR R CMOS sensor can capture 1080i full-HD video clips as well as ten-megapixel stills. Videos are stored in AVCHD format. Optical SteadyShot with new Active Mode cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video, allegedly providing up to 10x more shake correction than conventional cameras. Intelligent Sweep Panorama enhances the unique feature first introduced on last year’s Cyber-shot HX1, TX1 and WX1 models: the camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera, using new algorithms to compensate for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together. The Sony HX5 integrates GPS and Compass functions to enhance your enjoyment of travel photography. Your location is displayed in real time on the 3” LCD screen as you’re shooting. When you’re back home, see where geotagged images and video clips were shot as on-line maps with supplied Picture Motion Browser PC software. As an extra refinement, a new Compass function shows which direction you were pointing when the picture was taken. Like the other Sony compacts unveiled at CES 2010, the camera takes both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards. The Sony HX5 is expected to be available later this month, priced at $349.99 in the US (where it is apparently called the HX5V).

Sony Press Release

Cyber-shot HX5: Compact high-zoom with AVCHD and GPS

Inside its compact, purposefully styled new body, the Cyber-shot HX5 houses an incredible wealth of cutting-edge imaging innovation by Sony.

With twice the sensitivity of conventional sensors, the advanced Exmor R CMOS Sensor assures beautifully detailed, low-noise images, even when you’re shooting in low light. It’s a perfect complement for the premium G Lens by Sony with powerful 10x optical zoom. Covering a generous 25-250mm range (35mm equivalent) within a compact body, the high-zoom lens is ideal for any shooting situation from wide-angle landscapes and group shots to dramatic close-ups.

Left your camcorder behind? No problem: as well as brilliant 10.1 megapixel stills, the HX5 captures smooth, brilliantly detailed Full HD video clips for easy sharing. Just touch a button and start recording crisp 1920 x 1080i video footage using the highly efficient AVCHD format. After shooting, connect Cyber-shot to your BRAVIA™ TV and enjoy the show. Alternatively, slip the camera’s Memory Stick™ into the optional DVDirect MC6: you don’t need a PC to burn HD footage onto a DVD to enjoy on your PS3 or Blu-ray Disc™ player.

Optical SteadyShot with new Active Mode cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video. Providing up to 10x more shake correction than conventional cameras, Active Mode gives the clearest, steadiest handheld clips yet – even while you’re walking along.

In a world first, Intelligent Sweep Panorama enhances the unique feature first introduced on last year’s Cyber-shot HX1, TX1 and WX1 models. It’s now easier than ever to create seamless extra-wide angle views, even with moving objects. The camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera, using powerful new algorithms to compensate for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together.

The HX5 is also the world’s first camera that integrates GPS and Compass functions to enhance your enjoyment of travel photography. Your location is displayed in real time on the large 7.6cm (3”) Clear Photo LCD screen as you’re shooting. When you’re back home, see where geotagged images and video clips were shot as on-line maps with supplied Picture Motion Browser PC software. As an extra refinement, a new Compass function shows which direction you were pointing when the picture was taken.

Making its Cyber-shot debut, HDR (High Dynamic Range) Backlight Correction produces natural, balanced results with high contrast and strongly backlit scenes – a tough test for any camera. The HX5 automatically shoots two frames of the same scene in quick succession, with exposure values optimised for highlights and lowlights respectively. Powerful algorithms then combine the two frames, producing a single, detail-packed HDR image with bright, evenly-exposed highlights and deep shadow detail.

A brand new Portrait shooting mode takes the guesswork out of grabbing beautifully-framed self portraits when you can’t see the LCD screen. Just hold the camera at arm’s length and press the shutter button. Using Face Detection, Cyber-shot detects when you’re framed correctly and fires the shutter automatically. There’s also a 2-person setting that ensures you and a friend are both in shot before firing the shutter.

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