Hasta La Gadget!

Sony is releasing 2 new Handycam models for serious sports or outdoor activities. The models are dustproof, shockproof, 10m waterproof and -10℃ low-temperature resistant.

Release date is June 21.

They feature the CMOS image sensor “Exmor R”, image processor “BIONZ”, high-performance “G lens”, and “Optical image stabilizer (active mode)”.

“HDR-GWP88V”
(Pictures 1-2)
It has a slim body that weights only 210g. It also has a cool “Projector” function, so you can project movies you recorded on a screen or wall and enjoy watching them without having to connect the unit to a PC or TV. If you set “HDR-GWP88V” 5m away from the wall or screen, it will project to a 100 inch screen. If the distance is closer than 5m, it is capable of projecting to a well-lighted wall or area. It incorporates a stand to keep the body positioned when it’s used as a projector.

The interesting “Omakase Auto” function distinguishes between 99 different scenes including under-water mode and takes clear bright movies. Other good functions include “Smile Shutter” that detects smiles and catches the moment that the subject is smiling, and “Photo Simultaneous Record” that takes photos while taking a movie.

Estimated price: 60,000 yen
Color: black

“HDR-GW66V”
(Pictures 3-7)
The body is lighter than “HDR-GWP88V”: 188g. And just like “HDR-GWP88V”, “HDR-GW66V” has useful functions to help your filming such as “Omakase Auto”, “Smile Shutter” and “Photo Simultaneous Record”.

Estimated price: 45,000 yen
Colors: white and blue

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is releasing a new compact digital camera with a clean retro design – PENTAX MX-1 – on May 3.

It’s a digital camera with an optical 4X zoom lens featuring a large maximum aperture of F1.8 to F2.5 and 28mm wide-angle coverage (in the 35mm format) and works well in low light situations. A back-illuminated CMOS image sensor is built-in to ensure low-noise characteristics and high-definition images with a sensitivity of ISO 12800 and approximately 12.0 effective mega pixels. Minimum object distance is 1cm away from the lens. It has a 3 inch monitor with adjustable angle.

With “Mode dial” to set 10 different shooting modes, changing settings is fast and easy.

Size: 122.5 x 60 x 51.5 mm
Weight: 391g (including battery and SD card)
Battery: Rechargeable　lithium-ion battery, AC adapter kit (sold separately)