Sony shows off 3D Cyber-shot cameras

As promised, Sony is now promoting the Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 and DSC-WX5 digital cameras that offer point-and-shoot capabilities to capture 3D panorama images.

The new TX9 digital camera will replace the TX7. The TX7 model has been available for just six months.  Sony’s WX5 is a 12-megapixel camera with 5X optical zoom, and includes a variety of different shooting modes unavailable in previous Sony Cyber-shot models.  Sony plans to release the WX5 this September for around $300.

The TX9 is a 12-megapixel camera that offers 4X optical zoom, 3.5-inch touchscreen, and records 1080i AVCHD video clips.  Sony will release the TX9 this September for around $400.

Both cameras include automated processes so owners can take pictures with blurred backgrounds, but the camera will fix the image without manual setting changes.

Using either the TX9 or WX5, users are able to turn on the 3D Sweep Panorama setting, press shutter, and then capture a scene.  The camera is able to automatically put the images together and show them in a fully 3D panoramic picture with nothing else required of the user.

The Sony 2010 Cyber-shot line of digital cameras makes it even easier to point-and-shoot images in 3D, and use a single lens to create the image.

Manufacturers are releasing a wider variety of 3D digital cameras and video cameras, but the cost and real-world functionality of these devices leaves a lot of room for improvement.  Sony announced its interest in 3D digital cameras earlier in the year, with several company executives confirming Sony would enter the market at some point in 2010.

DXG is developing an expensive 3D camcorder, while Sharp has a small high-definition 3D camera ideal for mobile phones.