SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2002 -- For people who want to take the most attractive pictures possible and be fashionable at the same time, Sony Electronics today announced its next generation of the diminutive P-series Cyber-shot(R) digital still camera -- the new DSC-P9 model.

Instead of capturing images to cumbersome rolls of film, Cyber-shot cameras record to very small and reusable Memory Stick(R) media cards. Data stored on Memory Stick media can be shared with hundreds of high-tech products made by various manufacturers. In fact, images taken with this new camera can be displayed on virtually any PC with a USB interface. Using the removable Memory Stick cards, they can also be transferred to other digital devices like TVs, PDAs and printers.

Offering four megapixels of resolution, the new DSC-P9 model combines high quality picture-taking with a sophisticated body that makes the most of miniaturization. But, beyond outward appearances, the camera comes packed with professional-level features combined with point-and-shoot simplicity.

The camera's AF Illuminator mode briefly illuminates the subject of a picture with an infrared light for an accurate focus lock in total darkness. Multi-point auto focus allows the camera to intuitively choose between three separate focus areas within the frame and automatically select the best setting.

Additionally, the DSC-P9 camera makes it easy to get the right exposure when lighting is irregular. The multi-pattern metering feature divides the scene into a matrix of 49 independently metered cells. The camera calculates exactly the right exposure for each cell so that a brightly lit portion of the picture doesn't cause the camera to leave a dimly lit subject in the dark.

In low or no light conditions, the new Cyber-shot camera seamlessly employs built-in pre-flash exposure metering to calculate the right exposure with light from the flash itself. The flash strobes twice with every shot ­ once to illuminate the subject and work out proper exposure, and again to capture the moment without washed-out faces or unexpected shadows. The camera not only takes high-resolution digital images, but also comes with features that blur the boundaries between still photos and motion pictures.

With multi-frame burst mode this Cyber-shot camera can capture fluid movement by taking 16 rapid-fire sequential pictures at any of three selected intervals. Saved as a single digital file, these images can be used to analyze a golf swing. The camera also features Sony's new MPEG Movie HQX video mode that records non-stop, full-screen, high-resolution MPEG videos with audio up to the capacity of the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media in 16MB, 32MB, 64MB and 128MB capacities are available for around $25, $35, $50 and $90, respectively at retailers nationwide and at www.sonystyle.com.

The new P-series Cyber-shot DSC-P9 ships with a 16MB Memory Stick card and will be available in May for about $600.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff