Sony Releases The New Slim Rugged Cyber-shot TX5 Waterproof Camera

Sony today unveiled what it's calling the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof (up to 10 feet deep) digital camera the Cyber-shot DSC-TX5. The TX5 is Sony's first rugged compact, designed to be dustproof, waterproof up to 3 meters (10ft), freeze proof down to -10°C (14°F) and shock-resistant for drops of up to 1.5 meters.

The TX5 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, green, and red this April and will retails for about $350.

Full Sony press release

Feb. 17, 2010 – Leading the industry in innovation and design, Sony today unveiled two new Cyber-shot digital still cameras (models DSC-TX5 and DSC-H55).

Slim enough to fit in your pocket or purse at less than an inch thin -- about the size of a deck of cards -- the TX5 is the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof (up to 10 feet deep) digital still camera with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and touch operation. Additionally, the 10.2 megapixel model is Sony’s first digital still camera with an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor that is also certified to be freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, shockproof up to about a 5-foot drop and dust proof.

“Only Sony can deliver a technology-packed, ultra slim, fashionable T-series camera that is also durable. Until now, you couldn’t have it all in one camera” said Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “It is so versatile because it’s a great camera for both indoor and outdoor usage. You can easily take it from a day at the beach with the kids to a cocktail party with friends. This camera is also great for activities such as snorkeling, snowboarding or boating.”

Waterproof, Freeze Proof, Shockproof and Dust Proof

Waterproof in up to 10 feet of water for an hour, the TX5 lets you take high-quality photos, including panoramic pictures, and 720p high definition videos of your friends, family or pets underwater. From the tropics to the top of the mountain, the camera is also freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can take pictures of the kids sledding or snowboarding. Not only is it ready for cold weather, but the TX5 is durable enough to withstand an accidental drop from up to approximately 5 feet. Additionally, it is dust proof, so you can take it with you on a camping trip or a mountain bike ride.

The camera features an “Exmor R” sensor and offers 10fps continuous burst shooting for capturing action shots, so you can get great photos of the perfect moment such as when your kids are in mid air while jumping into the pool. Additionally, the sensor provides outstanding low-light performance so you can take high-quality photos even after the sun sets.

In one easy press-and-sweep motion, take panoramic photos of the underwater landscape or breathtaking views from the top of the mountain using the Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature. Another benefit of the “Exmor R” sensor, this innovative feature combines separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and intelligently adjusts the width while stitching the images together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.

Equipped with a foldable, 25 mm equivalent wide-angle 4x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario Tessor lens, the TX5 delivers outstanding sharpness and high-quality photos while helping to keep the camera compact. The camera also has a three-inch (measured diagonally) Clear Photo LCD Plus (230,400 pixel) wide touch screen display that functions—even underwater. You can focus on your subject, operate the menu and share photos and videos with a touch of the screen—wet or dry. Additionally, you can decorate your photos using the paint feature or scroll through images by simply sweeping your finger across the screen.