Hi Tech / Lo Tech
Sony's latest addition to their T-series ultracompact cameras is the Cyber-shot DSC-T30B, and what a great one it is. This digital camera is Sony's sleekest ultra-slim design, only about the size of a credit card, and it stands out as being an all-around superior product. Sometimes smaller cameras will give fuzzy shots in unsteady hands, but this camera's Super SteadyShot system reduces blur. While low-light camera work is usually tricky and often disappointing, the Cyber-shot DSC-T30/B is a champ at taking amazing pictures at low light levels- which makes it great for taking shots of performances. Even in situations where flash photography is not permitted, the High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 1000) will compensate. The Cyber-shot's 7.2 megapixel resolution shows clear, rich shots that can be viewed on the extra large 3.0" LCD screen, and still have great detail when made into large prints or shown on a TV screen. The 14X Smart Zoom Feature allows you to magnify your subject beyond the 3x optical zoom, to 3.6x (5MP), 4.5x (3MP), even 14x (VGA). After taking your pictures, the Slide Show with Select Music Playback feature allows viewing in-camera images in slide show sequence with a one button operation. Share the memories with selectable transition effects and up to four music background tracks. Use the included Picture Package Music Transfer software to add your own favorite music. To add a creative touch to your shots, adjust the color mode; there's a Natural setting for subtle colors and Vivid setting for more intense colors, in addition to Standard, Monochrome and Sepia color settings. With all of these terrific features, the Sony Cyber-shot also boasts an ability to capture great video. The MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode collects audio/video clips at a high frame rate, up to 30 frames per second. The length is limited only by the capacity of your media. This remarkable camera is small but amazing. Get the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30/B at your local electronics retailer, or on www.sony.com
If you like handy little gadgets that your friends will notice and ask "wow, what's that?" get the Sony Visual Voice Recorder ICD-CX50 to start lots of conversations. This fun device combines a 256MB flash memory digital audio voice recorder with a 1.2 megapixel camera that allows for up to 4,000 pictures (640 x 480 JPG). Capture up to 93 hours of audio recording time in LP mode. Get your audio and shots simultaneously and they'll be saved in a synchronized file. You can record lectures and meetings, save inspired ideas while in the run, make to-do lists and lots of other things you can dream up. This gadget has a 1.2" color LCD screen, a 4X Digital Zoom and more. The Digital Voice-Up Function increases the volume of the person speaking even at a distance while retaining sound quality. The External Microphone Jack allows you to connect a microphone for special recording applications, and USB 2.0 Compatible function permits the high speed transfer of audio and images to a PC from the device. With all of these features and more, the Sony Visual Voice Recorder ICD-CX50 will be an ice-breaker wherever you go. Get this item at your local electronics retailer, or on www.sony.com.