Sony DSC-W5 and Sony DSC-W7 Introduced

February 20, 2005 | Mark Goldstein | Digital Compact Cameras | 7 Comments |

Sony DSC-W7Sony DSC-W5 and Sony DSC-W7 are both announced today. The Sony DSC-W5 and Sony DSC-W7 are 5 and 7 megapixel models respectively that have 2.5 inch LCD screens. The DSC-W7 and DSC-W5 both offer battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory.

Sony Press Release

ORLANDO (PMA 2005, Booth 3032), Feb. 19, 2005 — Sony is redefining what a digital camera should be with the introduction of two W series models: the 5.1-megapixel DSC-W5 and the 7.2-megapixel DSC-W7.

The new models combine the some of the most desirable characteristics of a fully-featured camera in a compact metal-alloy body wrapped around an impressive, 2.5-inch LCD.

Powered by Sony’s Real Imaging Processor™ circuitry, the cameras deliver extraordinary performance, including lightning-fast camera response times and extended battery life with approximately 380 shots between power charges.

Both models come with a full 32 megabytes of internal memory (30 megabytes available). As a result, these cameras are bringing new meaning to the term “worry-free” digital photography. Even if you forget to bring a memory card, or your Memory Stick® media card runs out of capacity, you can still take great pictures thanks to the cameras’ built-in memory.

“Our aim is to make digital photography as exhilarating as possible, yet simple and straight-forward,” said Hiro Takahashi, vice president for Sony Electronics’ digital imaging products. “The new W series embodies this philosophy, offering the most sought-after features in a sophisticated yet efficient package.”

Sony DSC-W7More Bang for the Buck
Available in March for about $450, the DSC-W7 is one of the most competitive 7-megapixel cameras on the market. The camera sports a Carl Zeiss® Vario Tessar® 3X optical zoom lens that fully extends in about a second, as well as large 2.5-inch color LCD screen for optimal picture taking and viewing.

The 5-megapixel DSC-W5 will be available in March for about $350. This camera also features a Carl Zeiss® 3X optical zoom lens and a generous 2.5-inch LCD screen.

Both the Cyber-shot® W5 and W7 cameras shoot full-resolution images in just over one-second intervals. Moreover, they offer MPEG-VX Standard/Fine mode, which enables recording of MPEG video with up to 640x480 pixel resolution at 30 frames per second.

With the optional Cyber-shot Marine Pack (MPK-WA), the Cyber-shot W models become underwater cameras with water resistance to a depth of up to 132 feet. For those who want greater flexibility, the W5 and W7 models can both be used with optional telephoto and wide-angle conversion lenses.

Prints at Your Fingertips
Printing just one or several images is a snap with the new W series because these models are PictBridge™ compatible. Connect the cameras to a PictBridge enabled printer, such as Sony’s new PictureStation™ DPP-FP50, and great prints appear with just a push of the button.

The DSC W-Series has a host of other appealing features, including:

Sony DSC-W5Five-area Multi-Point Auto Focus: The camera evaluates five separate areas of the frame and intelligently focuses on the subject, displaying the selected focus point.

Manual Exposure Controls: Flexible exposure control in which shutter speeds from 30-1 1/1000 seconds and apertures of f2.8 - 5.2 can be selected.

Preset Scene Modes: With seven scene modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions, including: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach and Candle.

Sony DSC-W5Cyber-shot W Series Accessories
New optional accessories will maximize your capturing experience and include:

Marine Pack Model MPK-WA: Water-proof housing made of high-quality polycarbonate plastic and glass enables basic camera functions at up to a 132 foot depth. The marine pack includes a hand strap and is available next month for about $200.

Optional Lenses and Adapter: A high-grade telephoto lens (VCL-DH2630), wide angle lens (VCL-DH0730) and lens adapter (VAD-WA) will also be available next month for about $130, $100 and $30 respectively.

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A portion of the available storage capacity is used for data management functions. Actual available memory is 30MB.

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7 Comments | Newest Oldest First | Post a Comment

#1 pete

apart from the onboard memory does the w5 offer any improvement over the old w1 as it seems identical/

3:40 pm - Sunday, February 27, 2005

#2 ahch

yep, is the same. I got a W1, great camera :D

9:56 pm - Friday, March 4, 2005

#3 Nuke

The W5 has better power management and can take a lot more photos on a single charge. The 32 megs of starter memory is built in, not on a memory stick. All else is the same as the W1.

7:31 pm - Wednesday, March 23, 2005

#4 Renato

I read the W5 has an even faster startup time -1.3 sec- than the W1 (which was already fast).

2:44 pm - Thursday, April 14, 2005

#5 graham lindsay

well after reading all about this camera i was fortunate to borrow one for my trip to lanzarote. i have as usual purchased these so called 10 mp cameras at about 100 pounds-the crap on ebay to be honest, and as usual the battery door falls off.the print quality absolute rubbish .(i will learn) causing problems.i cannot say enough of this camera i was that impressed i just bought one.the picture quality is excellent, its so easy to use. it is just what i was looking for. and the depth of field is great. what you see is what you get . well done sony .

9:56 pm - Tuesday, January 31, 2006

#6 George

Bought a DSC W7 and have a few lenses of the 37mm outside thread variety. I wondered if there is an adaptor to fit these to the W7 in place of the inside 37mm to 30mm outside thread that is offered as an accessory?

9:40 pm - Tuesday, March 28, 2006

#7 Shwetabh Sinha

I just bought this new imaging wonder a few days back as a preparatory-must for my trip to France, and I must say, the Sony DSC-W5 rules! It packs a host of amazing features and a picture quality that just makes it difficult to keep your hands off the capture button, all in a shiny silver, classic, yet chic metal body that assures you of a quality build. Considering the price I picked it up for ($233) or INR 10990, the camera is a bundle of values. I'd recommend this camera to anyone looking for a decently priced, yet high quality camera to capture all those moments that you'd cherish forever. I'm just beginning to get the hang of all the exciting features and different scene modes; and its super user-friendly interface has me making rapid progress. And yes- it's large 2.5" display is something I can get used to! :-)

2:59 pm - Monday, April 3, 2006