Sony announces new high-zoom travel cameras – the Cyber-shot HX90/HX90V and the Cyber-shot WX500
Sony has just announced the launch of two new travel and selfie-friendly cameras – the Cyber-shot HX90/HX90V and the Cyber-shot WX500, with both models set to arrive in selected countries in the Asia Pacific around June. Just in time for the holidays perhaps?
Sony’s new travel and selfie-friendly cameras look to put better holiday photos within reach, thanks to the quality ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 30x zoom lens that gives you the equivalent of 24-720mm reach (35-mm format equivalent). Backing that up is Sony’s BIONZ X image processor, and a 18.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor that gives you great images from ISO 80 all the way to ISO 12800.
Both models have a 180-degree tilt LCD screen that allows for easy selfies, and integrated Wi-Fi so that you can easily apply retouching effects using the “My Best Portrait” feature found in the PlayMemories Camera App. Also available directly in camera are functions to aid composition and retouching – like the Photo Creativity function and the Beauty Effect function.
Both cameras also feature a Fast Intelligent AF system that has been derived from the A7 series of cameras and uses an improved spatial object detection algorithm to optimise lens drive for faster autofocus. If movies are more of your thing, you’ll also be pleased to note that the cameras support Full HD 60p/50p recording using XAVC S at 50 Mbps with P/A/S/M modes available to extra creative control.
The HX90 is only available in black, but features a precision electronic viewfinder.
The WX500 comes in a choice of black, white and red.
If you’re wondering what the difference between the cameras is, the HX90 features a pop-up OLED Tru-Finder EVF, and a Control Ring that can be assigned functions such as manual focus or step zoom while being slightly heavier. There’s also a HX90V variant that adds GPS to automatically add location information to your images, and the WX500 is available in black ,white and red while the HX90/HX90V is only available in black.
Both cameras will be available from all major authorised Sony retailers (in selected countries in the Asia Pacific) from June 2015, but pricing information has yet to be released.
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