Sony DSC-T700 compact digicam has 3.5-inch LCD

Sony introduced two new digital cameras today: the DSC-T700 and DSC-T77.

The DSC-T77 is a very compact 10 megapixel camera with a thickness of less than 5/8 of an inch with a 3" touchscreen. The DSC-T700 on the other hand has a 3.5" LCD display and 4GB of integrated storage memory. Both units feature 4x optical zoom, image stabilization and various other features.

The 10-megapixel T77 camera is Sony's thinnest model at less than 5/8 of an inch with a 3-inch, 16 x 9 touch panel LCD screen. It features updated intelligent scene recognition technology, Smile Shutter(TM) and face detection technologies with child and adult priority, as well as high sensitivity shooting (up to ISO 3200), eleven scene modes, and in-camera image management.

The T700 model earns extra points as a "photo album in your pocket." It has all the features of the T77 unit plus 4GB of internal memory that can store nearly 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos; a 3.5-inch, wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD(TM) screen for photo-like viewing (210 pixel-per-inch resolution) with high contrast and wide-angle viewing; and a thin profile (slightly more than 5/8 of an inch) so it can easily slip into a pocket or purse.

While rich in technologies, style was a key factor in the development of both cameras, said Lubell. They feature a newly-developed Carl Zeiss(R) lens that integrates a 4x optical zoom and Optical SteadyShot(TM) image stabilization, yet achieves a slim form factor. They will also be available in a wider selection of color options than previous T-series cameras.

Both cameras feature updated intelligent scene recognition technology that can now select up to eight different scene modes, including macro, portrait and landscape modes.

This technology also includes a new anti-blink function in portrait mode that will virtually make closed-eyed photos an "old school" memory. The cameras will automatically take two shots and then determine whether the subject(s) have closed eyes using their advanced face detection technology. They will only record images with open-eyed subjects. If both pictures have subject(s) with closed eyes, the cameras will record one and display a warning so you can try again.

Sony's Smile Shutter technology has also been improved. It is easily accessible as a "smiley face" icon, which is now a permanent fixture on the camera's LCD screen in record mode, and can be toggled off and on at the touch of a finger. And during smile capture, auto focus and zoom functions are available, as well as the ability to take a limitless number of shots.

The DSC-T77 will be available in late September for $300 while the DSC-T700 will retail for $400 around the same time.