Sony Announces a6000 and Five Additional Cybershot Cameras

Sony Electronics Introduces the Versatile α6000 Interchangeable Lens Camera with World’s Fastest Autofocus System¹

New Mirrorless Camera Features Impressive AF, 24 MP APS-C Sensor, BIONZ® X Processor, OLED Tru-Finder™ and more

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2014 – Sony Electronics’ new α6000 camera pushes the limits of mirrorless camera innovation, boasting the world’s fastest AF performance¹ at just 0.06 seconds.

The speedy new camera (model ILCE-6000) is also equipped with a high-resolution 24.3 MP image sensor and powerful BIONZ X processor. This powerful combination of features ensures that still images, full HD videos and all fleeting moments are captured in sharp focus and incredible detail.

“With the world’s fastest autofocus system¹, the ability to capture a blazing 11 frames per second and a 24.3 MP sensor, the new α6000 rivals even the best DSLRs in the market today in terms of performance, and does this in half of the size and weight at an extremely attractive price point,” said Neal Manowitz, director of the alpha interchangeable lens camera division at Sony.  “It’s an ideal choice for photo enthusiasts eager to ‘go light’ and take their photography to the next level.”

Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics, added “The new α6000 camera is simply the latest in a recent line of awe-inspiring product introductions from our digital imaging group – one of the key pillars of our core electronics business.   As a leader in the imaging industry, we’re continuing to push the limits of innovation, offering products and experiences that only Sony can deliver.”

New ultra-fast AF system

Even quicker than most professional DSLRs, the phenomenal autofocus speed of the α6000 camera is powered by Sony’s advanced Hybrid AF system.  The new model features a focal plane phase-detection AF sensor with an extremely wide autofocus coverage area – 179 focal points– that is teamed with high-precision contrast-detection AF.  This potent combination allows the camera to accurately track and respond to a subject moving through nearly the entire frame, and to shoot at an eye-popping speed of up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus.  It’s an unprecedented combination of speed and frame coverage in today’s market.

Design and Controls

The new camera’s clear, bright OLED Tru-Finder lets you see a live preview of all setting adjustments before the shot is taken, so what you see is exactly what you get.  Conveniently placed mode and control dials on top of the camera give easy access to commonly used settings.  Additionally, a ‘Function’ button and two additional customizable buttons give quick access to any one of 47 assignable functions.  There’s also a built-in flash for extra flexibility in any shooting situation.

Wi-Fi® and PlayMemories™

The α6000 camera has built-in Wi-Fi, giving consumers one-touch connection with Xperia® or NFC-compatible Android™ smartphones or tablets for instant image transfer and sharing².  A single touch also activates Smart Remote Control, linking the camera with a smartphone or tablet for a live image preview, to fire the shutter from a distance and to review shots instantly.

For devices without NFC one-touch capabilities, users can wirelessly transfer images and videos and activate Smart Remote Control through Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile™ application, available for the iOS and Android platforms.

The camera is also compatible with downloadable Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps, adding a range of exciting and creative capabilities.  Currently there are a total of 10 different applications available with several others to be released this spring.  Learn more atwww.sony.net/pmca .

Pricing and Availability

The Sony α6000 compact interchangeable lens camera will be available in April 2014 in black and silver in a kit with a compact, versatile 16-50mm motorized zoom lens (model SELP1650) for about $800.   It will also be offered separately as a body for about $650.

Sony has also announced the price of its previously announced full frame E-mount 70-200mm F4 G OSS telephoto zoom lens (model SEL70200G).   This lens will be available in March for about $1500.

The new camera and all compatible lenses and accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony α Lenses Assortment

The α6000 camera is compatible with Sony’s ever-growing assortment of E-mount interchangeable lenses, and uses the same Sony E-mount as the α3000, α5000 and acclaimed α7 and α7R models, as well as all the previous α ‘NEX’ cameras.  All Sony ‘FE’ and ‘E’ lenses are compatible with all E-mount cameras.

Outlined below, the E-mount family now includes 20 different models with several premium models from Carl Zeiss® and G Series Lenses:

·        E 16mm F2.8
·        E 20mm F2.8
·        E 35mm F1.8 OSS
·        E 50mm F1.8 OSS
·        E 30mm F3.5 Macro
·        E 24mm F1.8 ZEISS
·        E 10-18mm F4 OSS
·        E PZ 16-50mm F3.5 – F5.6 OSS
·        E 18-55mm F3.5 – F5.6 OSS
·        E 18-200mm F3.5 – F6.3 OSS
·        E 18-200mm F3.5 – F6.3 OSS LE
·        E PZ 18-200mm F3.5 – F5.6 OSS
·        E 55-210mm F4.5 – F6.3 OSS
·        E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS
·        E 16-70mm F4 ZEISS OSS
·        FE 28-70mm F3.5 – 5.6 OSS
·        FE 35mm F2.8 ZEISS
·        FE 55mm F1.8 ZEISS
·        FE 24-70mm F4 ZEISS OSS
·        FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS

For a full video preview of the new Sony α6000, visit www.sony.com/blog and please follow #SonyAlpha on twitter for the latest α camera news.

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¹ Amongst interchangeable-lens digital cameras equipped with an APS-C image sensor as of February 12, 2014. Determined with internal measurement method with E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lens mounted, Pre-AF off and viewfinder in use.

² Only for smartphones or tablets with Android OS (Version 4.0 or later). The latest PlayMemories Mobile application must be installed on the mobile device.

 

Sony Electronics Announces Range of Impressive New Cyber-shot^® Cameras

Five New Models include World’s First Camera with 63x zoom (H400) ¹ and World’s Smallest and Lightest 20x zoom Compact (WX350) ² 

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2014 – Sony Electronics – a leader in the consumer and professional digital imaging markets – has today introduced a variety of exciting Cyber-shot cameras that pack an extraordinary amount of imaging power and range into compact, travel-friendly packages.

The new line-up features the high-zoom H400 model, which is the world’s first compact camera with a long-reaching 63x optical zoom lens¹, as well as the HX400V and H300 models, which boast 50x and 35x optical zoom, respectively.

It also includes the new WX350 camera – the world’s smallest and lightest camera with a 20x optical zoom lens² – and the competitively priced W800 model.

“High zoom continues to be one of the key priorities for our Cyber-shot camera line, in both the compact segment as well the larger, more traditional ‘bridge’ models,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot camera business. “With far-reaching zooms, extremely portable bodies and a series of competitive price points, this new crop of cameras offers advanced imaging performance to travel enthusiasts, weekend shooters, family photographers and more.”

Powerful New Imaging Features

New to the Cyber-shot camera line in 2014, Sony has utilized its powerful BIONZ^® X processor – the same processor used in the award-winning Cyber-shot RX10 and the α7/7R full-frame mirrorless cameras – in the new HX400V and WX350 cameras.  This powerful allows the new cameras to deliver richly detailed images and HD videos with exceptionally low noise.

The new HX400V and WX350 cameras are also Wi-Fi^® and NFC enabled for instant transfer and sharing with compatible smartphones, and feature improved optical image stabilization technology with new Intelligent Active mode for smooth, blur-free images and full HD videos at all focal ranges.

Additionally, these two cameras offer “Motion Shot” video, which creates a sequence of fast-action, superimposed images to demonstrate motion of a subject or object through the frame.  They also have 4K still image output for viewing images in full 4K resolution on compatible televisions.

Unique to the new HX400V high-zoom model, Sony has added full HD video shooting at a frame rate of [email protected] for a more “cinema-like” feel to movies.  The HX400V is also compatible with the popular platform of downloadable PlayMemories Camera Apps™, adding a range of exciting and creative capabilities.  Currently there are a total of 10 different applications available, with several others to be released this spring.  Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca .

Key Product Information

High-Zoom Models

Cyber-shot HX400V High-Zoom Camera with 50x optical zoom lens

Available in black in March for about $500

•                  Exmor R^® CMOS sensor with approximately 20.4 effective megapixels and BIONZ^® X image processing engine

•                  50x optical zoom ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens (100x Clear Image Zoom) to get incredibly close to the action

•                  Optical SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode for smoother, more stable HD movies

•                  Professional DSLR-style handling and manual controls in a compact body

•                  Wi-Fi and NFC allows instant connection with smartphone for easy image sharing between devices and remote control from phone

•                  Full HD video shooting (1080p) with ability to shoot at 60p, 60i and now 24p frame rates

•                  Compatible with Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps platform

 Cyber-shot H400 High-Zoom camera with 63x optical zoom lens

Available in black in March for about $320             

•                  World’s first 63x optical zoom lens with Optical SteadyShot for improved image stabilization at all focal lengths

•                  Class-leading 20.1 megapixel CCD sensor for detail-packed still photos and HD video (720p)

•                  Easy to use with DSLR-style body, electronic viewfinder, Intelligent Auto and dedicated movie button

Cyber-shot H300 High Zoom Camera with 35x optical zoom

Available in black in February for about $220

•                  Versatile 35x optical zoom lens

•                  Class-leading 20.1 megapixel CCD sensor for detail-packed still photos and HD video (720p)

•                  Easy to use with DSLR-style body, electronic viewfinder, Intelligent Auto and dedicated movie button

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Ultra-Compact Models

Cyber-shot WX350 Ultra-Compact with 20x optical zoom

Available in black and white in March for about $320

•                  World’s smallest and lightest compact camera with 20x optical zoom lens (40x Clear Image Zoom)

•                  Exmor R^® CMOS sensor with approximately 18.2 effective megapixels and BIONZ^® X image processing engine

•                  Optical SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode for smoother, more stable HD movies

•                  Wi-Fi and NFC allows instant connection with smartphone for easy image sharing between devices and remote control from phone

•                  Full HD video shooting (1080p) with ability to shoot at 60p, 60i frame rates

 Cyber-shot W800 Compact with 5x optical zoom

Available in black and white in March for about $80

•                  5x optical zoom lens

•                  20.1 megapixel CCD sensor for detail-packed still photos and HD video (720p)

The new range of Cyber-shot cameras will be sold at Sony retail stores, online at www.store.sony.com and all authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.

Please follow #SonyCamera on twitter for all the latest camera news from Sony.   

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1. As of Feb. 11, 2014. Based on Sony survey

2. As of Feb 11, 2014.  Among digital still cameras equipped with 20x or greater optical zoom.  Based on Sony survey

3. Motion Shot content can be played back within the device however cannot be directly exported from the camera(s).