SAN DIEGO, Feb. 13, 2006 — Sony has re-engineered its W-series of top-performing Cyber-shot ^® digital still cameras to embody the virtues of a traditional camera style and satisfy modern tastes for sleek, compact design.

In addition to sporting eye-level viewfinders in the fashion of traditional cameras, the new DSC-W50 and DSC-W30 models have large LCD screens and are significantly more compact than previous W-series models.

Both new cameras offer six-megapixel image resolution for high-quality prints, high-light sensitivity for fast-action shooting and more natural-looking pictures in low-light conditions, precision Carl Zeiss ^® Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lenses, and MPEG1 movie recording.

Available in silver, the DSC-W50 model features a 2.5-inch, easy-to-view LCD screen wrapped in a metal-alloy body with sophisticated etching and details. The DSC-W30 model also comes in silver with a two-inch LCD.

"These new models will be attractive to people who prefer the look and feel of a traditional camera, but without the bulk," said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. "We've also increased the light sensitivity, which minimizes the need for flash photography, and improved the cameras' user interface for better photography results and overall camera experience."

No More Guessing What those Icons Mean

Anyone who has ever found menu icons on a digital still camera mysterious will appreciate the new function guide on the latest W-series models. When menu icons are selected, such as a specific shooting function or scene mode, a text explanation is displayed on the LCD making it easier to take a great shot. This function guide can be turned off once the user becomes more familiar with the camera.

Built for Better Performance

Both new models include high light-sensitivity settings up to ISO 1000, which allow for shooting at higher shutter speeds to capture fast-moving subjects with less blur. With higher light sensitivity at your fingertips, you can shoot in available light without a flash for more naturally-exposed, "true-to-life" pictures. With Sony's Clear RAW ™ imaging technology, you can up the camera's sensitivity without dramatically increasing picture noise, which makes pictures look blurry and grainy.

Sony's ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor ^™ circuit delivers quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life -- up to 400 shots on a single charge for the DSC-W30 model. It also speeds up the cameras' sophisticated auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus features so that users get the picture right the first time.

Both cameras have 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded further with an optional Memory Stick Duo ™ media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo ™ card, now offered in capacities up to two gigabytes.

Make the Most of High-Resolution Images through Prints

You can make high-quality prints by simply connecting these models to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer. You can even create postcards or calendars using the printer's supplied software.

With Sony's ImageStation ^® online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts such as photo books and calendars.

The Cyber-shot DSC-W50 will be available in early March for about $250, and the DSC-W30 is available this month for about $230. Bundled accessories include rechargeable Lithium ion batteries (NP-BG1), charger (BC-CSG), USB and AV output cables, and Cyber-shot viewer software. Options include a lithium ion battery (NP-BG1) for about $50, a travel charger (BC-TRG) for about $60, a sports pack (SPK-WA) for about $100, and a 30mm lens/filter adapter (VAD-WB) for about $30.

Both models can be purchased at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style ^® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at http://www.sony.com/w30 and http://www.sony.com/w50.