Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX5 and DSC-H55 Announced

Sony [SNE] have announced a couple of new cameras called the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 and the DCS-H55.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX5

The Sony DSC-TX5 is a waterproof camera that is also described as Sony as being the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof camera. It can be dropped in up to 10 feet of water without suffering any damage. Features on the TX5 include Optical SteadyShot that stabilises images. The camera has a 10.2 megapixel sensor and is the first Sony camera to use a new CMOS sensor called Exmor R that is certified to be freeze proof down to 14 degrees F. As well as being waterproof, the camera can also withstand dust and shock from a drop of about 5 feet.

Video on this camera can be captured in HD at 720p format and as it’s waterproof it also allows you to capture HD video and pictures in 10 feet of water for up to an hour at a time.

The new Exmor R sensor is capable of capturing photos at a rate of 10fps allowing action shots to be captured more easily. The sensor also works well with low-light situations allowing you to still capture good shots when conditions aren’t perfect.

The lens on the TX5 is a 25mm equivalent wide-angle lens that has an optical zoom of 4x. The optics are created with a Carl Zeiss lens. On the back of the camera is a 3 inch touchscreen that can display 230,400 pixels. Photos can be scrolled through by swiping your finger across the screen.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55

As well as introducing the TX5, Sony have also introduced the Sony DSC-H55 camera that has a larger 10x optical zoom by using a Sony G lens that has a 25mm wide-angle equivalent. The CCD sensor on this camera allows it to capture pictures at 14.1 megapixels. Just like the TS5, the H55 has a three inch LCD screen showing the same amount of pixels. The camera can capture in 720p HD and features such as Optical SteadyShot are also included.

Both of the cameras have memory card slots that can accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo cards as well as class-four and above SD/SDHC format cards.

When launched in April the TX5 will cost $350 and be available in several colours. The H55 will also be launched in April and cost $250. Details here.