DSC-WX5 | Cyber-shot® Digital Camera WX5 | Sony

Cyber-shot Digital Camera WX5

Model number: DSC-WX5/B

Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars

Model Highlights: 12.2-megapixel back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor, Superior Auto Mode, Background Defocus, 3D Sweep Panorama, iSweep Panorama Mode, 1080i AVCHD movie mode, Backlight Correction HDR

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Position 1 Overview
Position 2 Features
Position 3 Specifications
Position 5 Reviews
Position 6 Accessories

Sophistication made simple.

Pictures that you could only imagine are now possible with the Cyber–shot DSC–WX5 digital camera. It starts with the outstanding low–light performance of an "Exmor R" CMOS sensor. Plus, amazing features like Superior Auto and Background Defocus make it easy to get the best shot. There's even 3D Sweep Panorama¹⁰ and Full HD 1080/60i AVCHD movies².

As seen on the TODAY Show's Modern Love Wedding

Great Low-light Shots Without a Flash

Sometimes a flash can wash out the scene making it hard to capture the mood of the moment. For low–light environments, the back–illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor delivers stunning performance and increases sensitivity by 2x to reduce noise. Shots around the campfire never looked better.
- exmor
A Smarter Point-and-Shoot

Building on Intelligent Auto mode found in most Cyber–shot cameras, the WX5 features Superior Auto mode to effortlessly capture the perfect shot. This digital camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range and lower image noise.
Background Defocus Made Easy

Take beautiful pictures with a blurred background and an emphasis on your subject. Equipped with Background Defocus, the WX5 delivers this signature DSLR benefit. The system takes two shots, identifies the background and applies a digital defocus keeping your subject crisp and clear.
Stunning Panorama Shots in 3D

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right–eye and left–eye images that make landscapes come alive on your compatible 3D television.
- 3D Sweep Panorama
Ultra-wide, 295-degree Panoramic Shots

Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode (iSweep) reaches beyond the traditional wide angle lenses to let you capture expansive, breathtaking shots of landscapes or skyscrapers. Just press the shutter and shoot the scene with a sweeping motion. The camera does the rest.
- isweep
Shoot Your Movies in HD

Enjoy simple, one-touch recording of superb Full HD videos (1920 x 1080, 60i) using AVCHD format. Transfer your videos to disc and play it on a Blu-ray Disc™ player or PlayStation®3 system. You can even use the HDMI™ output to view movies on your compatible big screen TV (HDMI cable sold separately).
- AVCHD

Pictures that you could only imagine are now possible with the Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 digital camera. It all starts with the outstanding low-light performance of Sony's "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for dramatic results. There are also amazing features like Superior Auto and Background Defocus that make it easy to crystal clear shots with a more sophisticated look. There's even 3D Sweep Panorama for breathtaking 3D wide scenes and Full HD 1080/60i AVCHD movies that look incredible on your compatible HDTV.

12.2 Megapixel Back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS Image Sensor

The DSC-WX5 features a 12.2 megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor that brings out the full resolving power of the camera’s Sony G� Lens F2.4 bright lens to deliver extremely fast speed, high resolution, and stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain. In addition, the combined “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and BIONZ^® image processor delivers extremely fast 10fps, Anti Motion Blur, Hand-held Twilight and 1080i movie modes⁹.

3D Sweep Panorama� Mode

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television.⁸

Backlight Correction HDR

Shooting high-contrast scenes can often lead to washed out backgrounds and/or details lost in shadow. Backlight Correction HDR helps correct for this by taking two pictures at different exposure settings and processing the best elements of both into a single image for more natural looking shots.

Soft Skin mode

Your portrait subjects will thank you for this. Soft Skin mode recognizes skin tones and reduces the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles without affecting the rest of the shot.

Sweep Multi Angle

In Sweep Multi Angle mode the camera takes 15 images at different angles as you sweep across the scene. By tilting the camera during playback, the camera’s Gyro Sensor detects motion and displays the image in a 3D-like view on the camera’s LCD.

HD MP4 Movie Mode⁸

In 1080p MP4 movie mode the camera shoots 1440x1080 high definition movies at 30 fps, which is the format when working with a PC. Users will create high quality movies with full use of optical zoom in their Cyber-shot DSCs in files small enough to transfer to compatible PC or Mac^®. Once transferred to your computer you can effortlessly upload your media to popular photo and video-sharing websites such as Photobucket^® and YouTube^TM,Dailymotion.

Smile Shutter™ technology

Smile Shutter™ technology captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply press the Smile Shutter™ button and the camera does the rest. You can also select adult and child priority and indicate the degree of Smile Detection Sensitivity. Intelligent Scene Recognition can be used together with Smile Shutter™ mode. This means that beautiful smiles can be captured with settings optimized for the particular scene, even in difficult conditions such as twilight and backlighting.

Motion Detection

Motion Detection, along with Face Motion Detection adjusts ISO sensitivity and increases the shutter speed when movement is detected, reducing blur in moving subjects and faces.

2.8" Clear Photo™ LCD Plus display (460k pixels)

Compose and show off your images on the large 2.8” (460K) Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display, which features a special anti-reflective coating for sharp visibility, even in bright sunlight.

Easy Shooting Mode

With Easy Shooting Mode, even beginners can take great photos. In Easy Shooting Mode, easy-to-understand basic instructions are displayed on the LCD screen and the camera switches to all automatic settings, removing several function choices and allowing you to focus on just your subject. Since this mode works together with Intelligent Scene Recognition, the camera selects the optimum setting for each scene. In addition the easy mode simplifies preview mode.

Viewing modes

Find your photos using the simple folder or calendar viewing modes.

PHOTOMUSIC

PHOTOMUSIC combines images with music (4 tracks, 5 minutes per track) to produce fun and entertaining slide shows with standard visual effects (Simple, Nostalgic, Active, and Stylish). Select from pre-loaded tracks on the camera or transfer your own from your compatible computer.⁷

Custom Background Color

Express yourself and personalize your camera with your choice of black, white or pink background colors for the on-screen menus.

Includes Sony^® PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Software ver. 5.32

Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC.� In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD using and external DVD burning device (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (such as Facebook and Sony’s Personal Space). Using the new 5.3 version also enables playback of 3D images taken on the Cyber-shot^® camera. With a simple mouse click on the 3D image it will shift to show different angles within the image, creating a deep, interactive experience.

Background Defocus

DSLR photographs are often beautiful because they blur the background, putting the emphasis on your subject. Now our point-and-shoot cameras can deliver this signature DSLR benefit. The system takes two shots, identifies the background and applies a defocused background while keeping your subject crisp and clear.

1080i AVCHD Movie Mode⁸

Record movies in 1080i AVCHD high definition at 60i. With HDMI^® connectivity you may enjoy instant playback on compatible HDTV or LCD of the camera. The AVCHD format captures a high degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to disc, can be played back on Blu-ray Disc™ players, Sony^® PlayStation^®3 systems and compatible PCs and HDTVs.⁷ The convenient Movie start/stop button makes it easy to access this mode.

HDMI^® Output (type C)

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface^® (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. Easily connect your Cyber-shot^® camera via HDMI cable to any compatible HDMI compatible device to easily enjoy and upload your content. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc™ player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV).

Natural Flash

Conventional point-and-shoot camera flash shots just don't capture colors the way the eye sees them. Natural Flash mode takes a reference shot without flash and then uses that reference to correct the color, for far more lifelike images.

DVDirect^® DVD recorder Compatible

With AVCHD capabilities the WX5 is compatible with the DVDirect^® DVD recorder, allowing automatic playback of high definition footage. Simply insert your Memory Stick^® media into the DVDirect^® DVD recorder and enjoy your movies shot in high definition. (Recorder and media sold separately)

Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode

Unlike traditional auto mode, Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode thinks for you, recognizing scenes, lighting conditions, and faces, and adjusts settings resulting in clearer images, faces with more natural skin tone, and less blur. By incorporating advanced features such as Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, iAuto mode lets you take advantage of the latest Cyber-shot^® technology without leaving auto mode. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, capturing a beautiful flower, or taking pictures at an in-door birthday party or wedding shower, iAuto mode will optimize your camera’s settings to help ensure you come away with a great shot.

Self-Portrait Timer

Self-Portrait Timer helps take the guesswork out of self portraits by utilizing Face Detection technology to recognize when your face enters the frame. Once the camera detects your face, it triggers a 2-second timer, and then snaps a picture.

Intelligent AF

Thanks to Intelligent AF technology, capture fleeting moments like a child’s adorable expression with the ultra-quick AF which locks focus in as little as 0.3-sec.

Face Detection technology

Sony’s Face Detection technology can automatically distinguish between children and adults. Face Detection technology detects up to eight individual faces and adjusts flash, focus, exposure, and white balance to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends.

Function Guide

This beginner-friendly optional function helps navigate through the various functions and settings displaying the description of chosen functions or settings on the LCD screen.

High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200)

High ISO allows for faster shutter speed, so you can take photos indoors or in low light without the need for a flash. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can select up to seven ISO settings (Auto, 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions.

TransferJet™ technology

TransferJet™ technology, developed by Sony and advanced and promoted by consortium of 18 other companies, allows you to transfer files between two TransferJet enabled devices just by touching them together, without the hassle of hunting for cables or the complication of pairing.⁹

Media card slot

For convenient storage and sharing of your images, the DSC-WX5 accepts Memory Stick Duo™/Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ media (sold separately) or SD/SDHC/SDXC media (sold separately).

Colors Available

The Cyber-shot^® DSC-WX5 camera is available in black and silver.

Superior Auto mode

Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. The camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using backlight correction HDR technology and lower image noise using 6 shot layering technology.

Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode

Capture expansive landscapes with Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode. Press shutter and sweep and the camera does the rest, continuously, shooting images and in one second stitching them together. This model even detects faces and moving subjects to stitch intelligently different widths to help avoid subject distortion.

5x (24mm-equivalent) Professional-quality F2.4 bright G-Lens

G lenses are used in top of the line digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and advanced pro-sumer HD camcorders. Capture the action up close with the 5x optical zoom, and with the 24mm equivalent wide angle lens the WX5 even allows you to capture more of the scenes in landscape or group portraits. This F2.4 bright lens, combined with the camera’s ‘Exmor R’ CMOS technology makes stunning low light images possible. Additionally, Optical Steady Shot� Image Stabilization minimizes blur.

Tracking Focus

Keep even fast-moving subjects in precise focus. Just select your subject in the LCD monitor and the camera will keep focus even as the subject moves closer or further away.

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically compensates to help prevent blur without sacrificing image quality.

Compatible with PC and Mac^® Systems

The high definition, AVCHD/MP4, video captured with the DSC-WX5 can be used with the provided Picture Motion Browser software for PC and iMovie^®(sold separately) for Mac systems.²

Anti-blink Function

It’s frustrating to think you’ve captured that perfect shot, only to review it later and discover one of your subjects blinked just as you pressed the shutter. When the camera is set to Soft Snap, the Anti-blink function captures two images, recording only the photo with less squinting or blinking. If a blink is detected in other shooting modes, a warning will be displayed after you take the shot.

Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode

Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode automatically detects eight different types of scenes and, within just 1/30th of a second, selects the appropriate camera settings: Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight using a tripod, Portrait, Landscape, and Macro. iSCN has two modes: Auto and Advanced. In Auto Mode, the camera takes a single shot using the optimal settings. In Advanced Mode, the camera takes a photo with the optimal settings and, if in difficult lighting (low light or back light) immediately takes a second photo with another optimized setting so you can choose which to keep.

Scene modes

The DSC-WX5 features 11 convenient scene modes: High Sensitivity / Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Soft Snap / Landscape / Beach / Snow / Fireworks / Gourmet / Pet / Soft Skin.

BIONZ^® Image Processor

The BIONZ^® image processor delivers the high resolution and fast performance you expect from a Sony^® digital camera. Fast processing enables unique Sony features such as Intelligent Sweep Panorama� mode, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, HDR, etc to take and combine multiple images in less than a second to create wide panoramic images. Images have reduced grain and appear less washed out.

In-Camera Retouching Tools

Retouch and enhance your photos on the go with in-camera Trimming, Red-Eye Correction, and Unsharp Masking functions

PhotoTV HD

Bring your photos to life and enjoy highly detailed, high definition images with PhotoTV HD-capable Sony^® BRAVIA^® HDTVs.6 PhotoTV HD fine tunes settings on your PhotoTV HD enabled BRAVIA HDTV, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to display images that look more like printed photos.

Lithium-ion battery

Included lithium-ion battery provides added convenience with longer lasting power than alkaline batteries (capacity of supplied battery is 230 images or 115 minutes for shooting still images.⁴

Includes Sony^® PMB Portable software³

With the pre-installed Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable 5.2 software³ the DSC-WX5 makes it easy to pre-select images in the camera and conveniently upload them from the camera to a compatible PC and popular Internet sharing sites⁴without the need for any additional software or install.

Product Specifications

Recording

Media Type : 32MB internal Flash Memory, optional Memory Stick Duo™ Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (High Speed), optional Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo™, optional SD/SDHC/SDXC media¹³
Still Image Max Effective Resolution : Approx. 12.2 Megapixels
Still Image Size 16:9 : 9M( 4,000 x 2,248) / 2M(1,920 x1,080)
Still Image Size 4:3 : 12M (4,000x3,000), 8M (3,264x2448), 5M (2,592x1,944), VGA (640x480)
Panorama Still Image Size : 2D Panorama (size:Max. degrees of sweep angle) 7,152 x 1,080(295deg) / 4,912 x 1,080(202deg) / 4,912 x 1,920(203deg) / 3,424 x 1,920(142deg); 3D Panorama (size:Max. degrees of sweep angle) 7,152 x 1,080(295deg) / 4,912 x 1,080(202deg) / 4,912 x 1,920(203deg) / 3,424 x 1,920(142deg) / 1,920 x 1080(79deg)
Sweep Multi Angle Image Size : 1,920 x 1,080(15views)
Video Format : AVCHD, MP4
Video Mode : AVCHD 1920x1080 (59.94i, Interlace)(Approx.17Mbps) / 1440x1080 (59.94i, Interlace)(Approx.9Mbps) MP4 1440x1080 (29.97fps, Progressive)(Approx.12Mbps) / 1280x720 (29.97fps, Progressive)(Approx.6Mbps)/VGA (640x480)(29.97fps, Progressive)(Approx.3Mbps)
Video Resolution : AVCHD 1920x1080 (59.94i, Interlace)(Approx.17Mbps) / 1440x1080 (59.94i, Interlace)(Approx.9Mbps) MP4 1440x1080 (29.97fps, Progressive)(Approx.12Mbps) / 1280x720 (29.97fps, Progressive)(Approx.6Mbps)/VGA (640x480)(29.97fps, Progressive)(Approx.3Mbps)
Microphone/Speaker : Stereo / Mono

LCD Display

LCD Type : 2.8"Clear Photo LCD Plus (460K pixels)
Histogram : Yes
Grid Display : Yes
Customization : No

Drive System

Drive Mode : Normal / Hi-Speed Burst (High/Mid/Low)
Self-timer : Off / 10sec. / 2sec./ portrait1 / portrait2
Shutter Speeds : iAuto(2" - 1/1,600) / Program Auto(1" - 1/1,600)
Burst Mode : Approx 10 fps at 12.2MP (Maximum 10 shots)

Advanced Features

Anti Motion Blur : Yes
Embedded GPS : No
Sweep Panorama : Intelligent Sweep Panorama / 3D Sweep Panorama
Face Detection : 8 Faces (Auto / Off / Child Priority / Adult Priority)
Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes
Image Stabilization : Optical SteadyShot™ Image Stabilization
In-Camera Editing : Trimming / Red Eye Correction / Unsharp Masking
Intelligent Auto : Yes
NightFraming System : No
NightShot® Infrared System : No
Background Defocus : Low / Mid / High
Waterproof : No
Dustproof : No
Freezeproof : No
Shockproof : No
Superior Auto : Yes
Tracking Focus : Yes
Blink Detection : Yes

Power

Battery Type : LITHIUM ION N type 3.6V
Battery Capacity : Approx. 115 minutes / Approx. 230 images (when shooting still images)
Power Consumption (in Operation) : Approx. 1.0W

Operating Conditions

Flash Mode(s) : Auto / On / Slow Syncro / Off

Camera

Camera Type : Compact high performance

Optics/Lens

Lens Type : Sony G-lens
Aperture : iAuto(F2.4/F7.1(W), 2 steps with ND Filter) / Program Auto(F2.4/F7.1(W), 2 steps with ND Filter)
Optical Zoom : 5x
Digital Zoom : Smart Zoom / Precision Digital Zoom / Off
Total Zoom : Approximately 10x with Precision Digital Zoom
Smart Zoom® Technology : 8M:Approx.6.1x(Total), 5M:Approx.7.7x(Total), VGA:Approx.31x(Total), 16:9(2M):Approx.10x(Total)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : Still shots: 24-120mm / Movie 16:9: 28-140mm / Movie 4:3: 34-170mm
Lens Construction : 6 elements in 5 groups (including 5 aspheric elements)
Focal Distance : 4.25-21.25mm
Macro Mode : W:Approx.5cm(0.16') to Infinity, T:Approx.90cm(2.95') to Infinity

Focus Control

AF Modes : 9 points AF / Center Weighted AF / Spot AF
AF Illuminator : Auto / Off

Flash

Flash Modes : Pre-Flash / Auto Daylight Synchro / Natural/ Auto / On / Slow Syncro / Off
Flash Coverage : ISO Auto: Approx.0.2-Approx.5.1m(Approx.0.66'-Approx.16.73')(W) / Approx.0.9-Approx.2.1m(Approx.2.95'-Approx.6.89')(T), ISO3200: up to Approx.10.0m(Approx32.81')(W) / Approx.4.1m(Approx13.45')(T)

Interface

Memory Card Slot : MS Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC Compatible
SD Output : Yes
HD Output : HDMI / Component (1080i)
USB Port(s) : Yes - USB2.0 Hi-Speed
BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes
PhotoTV HD : Yes
DVDirect : Yes
Party Shot Compatible : Yes
TransferJet : Single / Select
PictBridge Compatible : No

Software

Supplied Software : Picture Motion Browser Ver 5.3, PMB Portable 5.2 (for Windows), PMB Portable 1.2 (for Macintosh), Music Transfer
Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft^® Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7, Macintosh^® OS X(v10.4-v10.6)

Imaging Sensor

Imaging Sensor : 1/2.3" (7.81mm) "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor
Processor : BIONZ™
Pixel Gross : 12.8MP
Effective Picture Resolution : 12.2MP

Viewfinder

Type : None

Exposure System

Metering Modes : Multi Pattern / Center Weighted / Spot
Exposure Compensation : Plus / Minus 2.0 EV, 1/3 EV step
Scene Mode(s) : High Sensitivity / Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Soft Snap / Landscape / Beach / Snow / Fireworks / Gourmet / Pet / Soft Skin
D-Range Optimizer : Standard
ISO : Auto / 125 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200
Noise Reduction : Clear Raw N/R
White Balance Mode : Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Fluorescent 1(White Fluorescent Lighting) / Fluorescent 2 (Natural White Fluorescent Lighting) / Fluorescent 3 (Day White Fluorescent Lighting) / Incandescent / Flash / One Push.

Convenience Features

Red-Eye Reduction : Auto / On / Off
Date / Time Stamp : Available in the included PMB software.
Media/Battery Indicator : Yes/Yes
Power Save Mode : Standard / Stamina /Off

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : 3 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 7/8" (91.7mm x 51.9mm x 21.5mm )
Weight (Approx.) : Body: Approx. 4.6oz. (130g), With battery and Memory Stick media:; Approx. 5.2oz. (146g)

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & Labor

In the Box

Multi-connector cable
CD-ROM

Rechargeable Battery (NP-BN1)
wrist Strap

Battery Charger
Paint Pen

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty

Rechargeable Battery Pack

$49.99

DSC-WX5/B 4.4 5 18 18

Amazing Camera One of the best cameras I've ever purchased. Images are very crisp. Since I hate using a flash if I can help it, I especially like its capability of taking high quality low light pictures. HD movie recording look incredible, panorama is easy, and the 3D feature is neat - lots of fun especially showing it off to friends and family who are equally impressed. The one big issue I have with it is that I noticed that there was significant distortion (stretching) of the object being taken if it was close to the edges and particularly the corners of the shot. In other words, a picture of someone's head would look oblong if it was near one of the edges. It only occurs during regular picture taking and not during panarama shots or movie recording. I returned the first camera as I thought perhaps it was defective, but the second one had the same problem. Big dissapointment and I am pondering whether I should try to exchange for another yet again in hopes that it is defective since I like this camera so much. Currently, I just try to center the image. Perhaps Sony could fix this issue. February 8, 2011

Swiss Army knife of compact digital cameras Well I thought it was about time that I write a review for my Sony DSC-WX5..in short I love the little thing..it is small and has surpassed all my expectations of what I expected..did my homework before purchasing and read several on line experts reviews and have "no" regrets with the purchase. Pictures turn out sharp and clear and vibrant..find the Superior Auto Adjustment is suitable for about 50 of the pictures I take. Have read about where some people will complain about lack of manual adjustments...well heck I am 64 and this is far from my first digital camera (1999 Kodak) and if I have to take the time to adjust this and that I probably missed the moment. Night time shots and very low light are spectacular..much better than some I have taken with my DSLR. Fits in a shirt or inside jacket pocket with no problem. The background defocus is a great feature and have captured some interesting pictures..the panoramic mode is fantastic as you can capture from left to right and right to left and vertical and horizontal also. Then this little gem takes really great video..you will get a slight motor noise when zooming..but not objectionable in my opinion and the results in 1080i are remarkable for a sub $300 camera..not as good as my Panasonic HDC-TM700K..but it did not cost $999 either and the Panny will not fit in my shirt pocket. The supplied software is great for editing pictures, I prefer Picasa 3 myself (FREE) and again the supplied software makes burning AVCHD videos a snap and they play back with no problem in my Blu Ray player. This is just one of 5 digital still or video camera I own and has turned out to be the first one I reach for anymore when heading out the door which at first surprised me..but it continuously gives me results that please me and have had several people comment on how they have liked the pics and videos I have shared with them...I like to think of this camera as the SWISS ARMY KNIFE of cameras for me as just an all around great do anything camera that has not let me down..that is my opinion and frankly that is all that matters to me...I like it and have since bought 4 more for birthday or anniversary gifts..take a chance and see what you have been missing..enjoy as I have. February 2, 2011

Small Size, Wide Angle, Love the Panaroma Feature First the issure of battery life. Yes it burns the battery quicker than most point and shoot camers. Look at the battery and it is approximately 60% as large as most batteries. Everyone loves the small size of this camera. Well to make it small and handy to carry this is one of the tradeoffs. I just make sure I pop the battery out of the charger and into the camera before I take off on a day of shooting. My favorite feature is the panorama mode. I use to take a series of 2, 3 or 4 pictures then stitch them together in my computer. With the Sony Panorama feature these shots are a cinch! It does take a little practice to get the speed you need to pan to get the optimum image but you can always erase your mistakes. I also enjoy the self timer one or two people portrait option. With this setting you turn the camera around, point it at you and a friend and when the camera detects 2 facts it goes off automatically, no button to push so it makes holding the camer very easy! The superior auto feature will amaze your friends as it does a rapid fire, 2 to 5 pictures, and sounds like a machine gun. The good news is it combines this series of pictures into one with the correct exposure, very nice. The AVCHD feature is nice, with a seperate movie button no less, no need to turn the dial, just push the button and it starts taking movies. I like the fact the when the camera is off you can just push the > view pictures and it doesn't extend the lens. I carry this camera on my motorcycle rides because it is compact, ruged and takes good pictures. I still don't think the new G lens takes as clear a picture as the old Sony Carl Zeiss lenses but that is progress? Overall I am pleased with this camera and give it a very positive recommendation. January 30, 2011

HORRIBLE BATTERY LIFE Yes this camera has great HD video, amazing crisp and clear picture quality, and some amazing features that would have been nice to play around with.. But the battery life was one of the worst I have ever seen. I was only able to take less then 20 photos (with flash), and 2 short videos (about 5 minutes combined) and the battery life dropped down to 50%. This is horrible. I should have read more about this before I bought this camera. I had no choice but to return it the next day. It was usable. If I was only able to get less then 5 minutes of HD video. I can only think of what the 3D would have been. January 20, 2011

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

2. Files compatible with iMovie® '09 or later on Mac. Software not compatible with Mac OS® X.

3. For firmware update on Mac OS® X go to www.esupport.sony.com.

4. Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. Battery capacity decreases over time and use.

5. Requires compatible BRAVIA^® HDTV and cable sold separately.

7. Play back AVCHD™ media on Blu-ray Disc™ players, PlayStation^®3 systems or PC with supplied software. AVCHD media should not be used in standard DVD players because it may fail to eject disc or erase its contents without warning.

8. Requires 3D HDTV, HDMI cable (at least 10.2 Gbps) and active 3D glasses sold separately.

9. Requires TransferJet enabled media and technology in both devices

© 2010 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, Cyber-shot, Optical SteadyShot, BIONZ, Clear Photo Plus LCD Plus, Smile Shutter, TransferJet, Exmor R, Sweep Multi Angle, Smile Shutter, DVDirect, BRAVIA, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Duo and the Memory Stick logo are trademarks of Sony. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Blu-ray Disc is a trademark. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. iMovie, Mac, and the Works with iMovie logo and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.