The Sony Cybershot DSC-W35 is a another 7.2 megapixel (CCD) digital camera to be released by Sony today. This compact camera comes with a 3x Optical Zoom lens (made by Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar) and features a 2.0 inch LCD display.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-W35 comes with a metal body casing (in four colors - blue, pink, black and silver). It has an ISO range of up to 1000, 58 megabytes of internal memory and a shutter speed range of 1 to 1/2000.

It measures 89.8 x 59.1 x 22.9mm and weighs 149g.

The slim, compact DSC-W55 and DSC-W35 models will sport 7.2-megapixel imagers and precision Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lenses. They combine traditional, eye-level viewfinders with large LCD screens for easy framing and viewing of photos. The W55 camera will make a splash in Caribbean blue, pale pink, elegant black and sleek silver with a 2.5-inch LCD screen wrapped in a metal body, and the W35 camera will shimmer in silver with a two-inch screen.

All four new models feature 3x optical zoom capability, blur-reduction technologies (ISO), and substantial internal memory for shooting without a media card. Their storage capacities can be expanded further with optional 8GB Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo flash media cards for the W-series models and 4 GB Duo media cards for the S-series models.

"Now that digital cameras are personal items, it’s common to have more than one camera per household," said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. "Our new models are solid performers that will be easy for novices to digital photography to use and at the same time meet the needs of more advanced users."

Capture the Mood
High sensitivity is featured on all of the cameras to reduce the chances of taking blurry photos, especially in low light situations. With settings up to ISO1000, you can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture the candles on a birthday cake or the city lights without using a flash.

On the W-series cameras, Sony's Clear RAW noise reduction technology helps reduce picture noise common to low-light exposures. Sony’s AF Illuminator also facilitates these models’ ability to shoot well in low light. A special light is thrown on subjects before taking a shot so that the camera’s imager can better detect contrast. The end result is well-focused, clear pictures, even in low light.

Shoot At The Speed of Life
These new models feature quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life – up to 380 shots on a full charge of the W55 and W35 cameras’ Lithium ion battery, and 460 shots on a full charge of the S700 and S650 models’ optional, rechargeable AA batteries. The cameras' sophisticated auto-exposure and auto-focus features work fast so you get the picture right the first time.

No More Guesswork
All models incorporate a function guide and resolution guide. When menu icons are selected, a simple text explanation is displayed on the LCD screen. This function guide is readily-accessible through a convenient mode dial. The resolution guide is helpful when deciding on the best resolution for prints. When you select the resolution in the menu, a pop-up screen provides the ideal print size for that particular setting.

In stores in February, the W55 model will be available for about $200, the W35 for about $180, and the S650 for about $150. The S700 ships in March for about $180. Options will include batteries, travel chargers, lenses, filters, sports packs, and cases. All models can be purchased online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Jan. 23 at www.sonystyle.com/cameras2007.

Sony Cybershot DSC-W35 Reviews

CNET has a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 and writes, "Sony does an impressive job of taming noise through the W35's sensitivity range. At ISO100 images were very clean, with no noticeable noise, even when viewed on a monitor. ISO 200 and ISO 400 had extremely minor speckles of noise that were visible on a computer monitor, but weren't noticeable in prints. At ISO 800, noise became visible in prints and was very noticeable on monitors. Surprisingly though, even at ISO 1000, the W35 produces usable, if grainy, prints with vivid and accurate colors. However, we'd suggest staying below ISO 1000 or ISO 800 when possible, for better results. This is a great improvement over the W30, whose high-ISO images were extremely noisy and dull. For a budget camera, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 is a very good choice. With satisfying performance and good picture quality, this sub-$200 shooter would fit well in the pocket of anyone looking for a reliable, inexpensive camera."

Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Sony DSC-W35 and writes, "When it comes to image quality I have to say I was very impressed by the DSC W35. It didn't get every photo spot on, but when you take the price of this camera into account I think it did very well indeed. ... I am impressed by the Sony DSC W35. It is inexpensive, easy to use and picture quality is good too. I would think that for anyone looking for a pocket sized digital camera who does not want to spend a fortune this is likely to prove a very attractive camera."

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 and writes, "I reviewed the Sony W70 a while ago and was impressed with that camera. The W35 is one of the models in the latest generation of W cameras from Sony and I remain impressed. To begin with, the camera is compact and stylish. Then, when you get around to taking pictures (this is a camera, after all), it performs well, with detailed, colorful shots. Color saturation may be too high for some, but would make many people perfectly happy. The camera also operates quickly, with minimal shutter lag, fast shot to shot times and quick focus times. Battery life is excellent. Overall, this is a good choice for a compact point and shoot camera for someone who likes Sony cameras, wants quick operation, and wants something above the entry level S models but similar in price."

Digital Camera Info has a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 and writes, "Shooting modes are limited on this camera when compared to offerings by manufacturers like Casio, but with options like the High Sensitivity mode, consumers will find a unique offering not normally found on lower priced cameras. Shooting at ISO 1000 of course does have its drawbacks, and users should expect to see noisy images starting at ISO levels as low as 400. A movie mode that doesn’t struggle in performance is a great benefit considering the reasonable price of the camera. The camera offers users the option to shoot at 640 x 480 at 30 fps with audio when capturing with an optional proprietary memory card. ... it should be emphasized that this sleek little pocket-sized camera is priced at $179.99 MSRP, that is well under the price of the DSC-W30 and with more features to boot. Adding to this low price and polished finish are a High Sensitivity mode and some manual controls in a well-equipped movie mode. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W35 is definitely a contender in the low priced point-and-shoot digital camera."