Sony introduces new W, S series Cyber-shots

Sony offers an update to the popular W and S series Cyber-shots on the eve of CES 2010. The new Cyber-shot DSC-W370 and DSC-W350 offer 14 megapixel CCD sensors. These two models will feature Sony's Sweep Panorama function, previously available in only higher priced Cyber-shots. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330, DSC-310 and DSC-S2100 round out the bunch.

Each of the five cameras in this combined weight class will feature iA intelligent Auto shooting mode, Sony's rendition of the popular scene recognition technology. And Sony is starting off a new year with a new foot forward - all of their latest Cyber-shots are compatible with both SD/SDHC memory cards and their proprietary Memory Stick cards. The cameras are equipped with a single card slot that reads both formats.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W370 and Cyber-shot DSC-W350
The top two models feature-wise, the Cyber-shot W370 and W350, offer 720p HD video recording and optical image stabilization. The 14 megapixel W370 is physically a little larger, with a 3.0 inch LCD and a stronger 7x optical zoom range. The W350, also at 14 megapixels, cuts down on size with a 2.7 inch screen and a 4x optical zoom starting at an equivalent 26mm wide angle.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W370

Both models are equipped with the Sweep Panorama function (for a demo, check out our review of the Cyber-shot HX1), which records stitches together one 7152x1080 image (in horizontal mode) in-camera. All the user needs to do is press the shutter button once and pan across the scene. With a wider angle lens, the W350 will capture an image up to 268 degrees; the W370 captures a 243 degree image.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330, Cyber-shot DSC-W310, and Cyber-shot DSC-S2100
The step-down Cyber-shot W330 doesn't skimp on sensor resolution - 14 megapixels - but offers a more basic feature set. It includes a 3.0 inch LCD and 4x optical zoom lens covering a wide angle of 26mm. The W310 will offer a slightly smaller 2.7 inch LCD, a 12 megapixel sensor, and 4x zoom with a wide angle at 28mm. The AA-powered Cyber-shot S2100 is the most basic of the trio, with a 12 megapixel sensor, 3.0 inch LCD and a 3x zoom.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W330

Pricing and availability
Pre-sales for all five cameras will begin in January. The Cyber-shot W370 will be available in March for $230, and the Cyber-shot W350 will retail for $200 beginning in January. The W330 and S2100 are scheduled for February availability, costing $170 and 120 respectively, and the W310 will be available in March for $150.