The Sony Cybershot G1 is a 6 megapixel ultra compact camera with a 3x optical zoom lens (Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar) and a large 3.5 inch LCD.

It comes with wireless connectivity (DLNA compatible) and 2 gigabytes of internal memory (it can store up to 2500 VGA quality shots or 600 6MP shots).

SONY DEBUTS ITS FIRST WIRELESS CYBER-SHOT DIGITAL CAMERA

LAS VEGAS, March 8, 2007 – Sony is advancing wireless digital photo sharing with today’s introduction of the 6-megapixel Cyber-shot ® DSC-G1 digital camera.

The G1 model is Sony’s first digital camera with the ability to send photos wirelessly to other Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-enabled devices, such as another camera or a PC.

“ This is a step towards realizing a platform for networked photo communication,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “We will continue to explore the possibilities for networked digital imaging as broadband Internet becomes more pervasive in American homes.”

One-Touch Wireless Photo Sharing and Archiving
The G1 model features a 3.5-inch LCD screen with resolution of 921,000 pixels. Lubell said that’s four times higher than the average compact digital camera and all previous Sony Cyber-shot models. The new camera’s slide show with music function makes sharing photos directly on the camera even more enjoyable.”

“ Sony popularized the use of large LCD screens on compact cameras, with the understanding that simply passing the camera around is a means of sharing,” Lubell said.

The new models’ camera-to-camera wireless capability makes it possible to send your friends a photo at the push of a button. It’s also possible for up to four camera users to send each other photos in real time. With a DLNA-compatible PC, storing and sharing photos becomes simplified through wireless image transfer from the camera to the PC.

Mega Storage Capacity and Sophisticated Image Management
The G1 unit is the ideal vacation camera with 2GB of internal memory, saving you from having to manage extra media cards. It becomes a virtual photo album in your pocket as it can store up to 7,500 VGA-quality photos or 600 6-megapixel pictures. If additional storage is needed, the camera's capacity can be expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo card, now available in capacities up to eight gigabytes.

In addition to storage capacity, it incorporates an auto image management system with sophisticated search functions. You can organize your photos by events, such as vacations or birthdays, and retrieve them later by keywords or labels. It’s also possible to select an image and search for other photos with the same face, same color, or a similar composition.

Armed with features for optimal shooting and sharing, the new model also integrates built-in technologies to minimize image blur, including Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization. It also has high light sensitivity, up to ISO 1000, to facilitate shooting at higher shutter speeds, as well as low-light conditions for more natural exposures or for settings where flash is not permitted.

This new Cyber-shot model also features a distinctive design. Its Carl Zeiss® 3x optical zoom lens is wrapped in an elegant metal body. You slide the lens cover across, instead of down as with previous models, and you’re ready to shoot in less than a second.

The DSC-G1 digital camera will ship in April for about $600. Additional accessories will include lenses, filters, batteries, travel chargers, sports packs and cases. All 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 Feb. 28 at www.sonystyle.com/newcameras.

Sony Cybershot G1 Reviews

Unbeatable.co.uk has a review of the Sony DSC G1 and writes, "its not what you've got its how you use it that matters, and the picture's that we took with the G1 were as clear and viberant as any we have seen from the likes of the 10 mega-pixel Samsung NV10. The G1 also has a 3x optical zoom and a 6x digital zoom, and something Sony calls "Super SteadShot" that reduces picture shake. ... The Sony G1 is a smart looking camera that is packed with features but for this price we would have liked to have seen a much higher mega-pixel count, especially as Sony have just announced the launch of a 12 mega-pixel compact camera."

PhotographyBLOG has a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 and writes, "The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1's image quality is slightly above average. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1's main drawback in terms of image quality is noise, with ISO 400 showing obvious noise and blurring of detail. The noise gets progressively worse as you go from ISO 400 to ISO 800 and finally the completely unusable 1000 setting. The noise at ISO 400 is also clearly evident in a 15x10 inch print. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 handled chromatic aberrations very well indeed, with limited purple fringing effects appearing only in high contrast situations."

CNET has posted a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 where they write - "The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 seems like an awkward convergence device from two years ago, or from a time when putting MP3 players in cameras was all the rage. I wish Sony had opted instead to create the more market-worthy Wi-Fi contender we've been waiting for. Given the high price for what it offers--huge LCD notwithstanding, there's really nothing else worth paying a premium for--I have to suggest that you give this one a pass. Get yourself a really nice MP3 player and a top-notch ultracompact instead."