In all of the hulabaloo surrounding yesterday’s Sony DSC-f828 announcement, I completely missed this second digital camera from Sony. The new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U50 is aimed squarely at the hip ‘n’ trendy student market:

“Just in time to capture quick photos of the kids leaving for school or for the students themselves as they gear up for a memorable academic year, Sony’s new pocket-size Cyber-shot? DSC-U50 digital camera is being introduced to make it easier to capture the memories in stylish fashion.

Available in three eye-catching colors (black, silver and metallic orange), the new digital camera features a 180-degree rotating lens that makes it easy to take self-portraits with friends. Its two-megapixel CCD lens and quick power-on capability ensure that both candid and framed shots can be captured and printed with confidence or shared via e-mail.”

Here is Sony’s breakdown of what the Cyber-shot DSC-U50 has to offer:

- Pre-Flash Metering: For capturing a subject with a scenic background under low-light conditions, the camera illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction insure great flash shots.

- MPEG Movie Mode (Video only): For those moments when a simple still picture doesn’t capture the entire mood, DSC-U50 camera captures up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution) that are perfect for emailing to family and friends.

- Bright LCD Monitor: For framing a picture accurately, the reflective LCD absorbs and reflects the ambient light through the LCD to improve brightness outdoors.

- Supplied Rechargeable NiMH Batteries: The unit come supplied with Sony’s Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina batteries with external charger.

- Print Directly to Printers: Via a USB connection, users can print their images directly any PictBridge? compatible printer.

Priced at about $250, the U50 digital camera that is designed for fun will be available online at SonyStyle.com and at retailers nationwide in early October.

Website: Sony Press Release