Sony introduces the Cyber-shot DSC-F55E digital still camera and 16 MB Memory Stick

Hanover, March 1999 - Sony announced that it will introduce a new digital still camera. With the Cyber-shot DSC-F55E Sony wants to enhance its reputation as an innovator in digital still cameras. It is a sophisticated camera, yet carefully designed for ease of use, and perfect for either stand-alone application or with a computer. Its 2.1 million (1600 x 1200) pixel 1/2" interlace CCD and high quality Carl Zeiss optics offer high resolution image quality. The DSC-F55E will be available in Europe from May on.

Advanced features / MPEG short movie / connectivity

The DSC-F55E uses industry-standard JPEG compression to store the images on the new Sony Memory Stick, an IC recording media for easy data exchange. At the highest resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels (UXGA) up to 40 images fit on a 16MB Memory Stick. Images may also be stored at lower resolutions (1024 x 768 / XGA or 640 x 480 / VGA), depending on the user's needs. The same 16 MB Memory Stick can hold an MPEG short movie of up to 10 minutes and 40 seconds. Voice memos to add commentary to still images are another advanced and practical feature of the DSC-F55E. These new, increased capacity, Memory Sticks are being introduced at the same time as the camera.

The camera can be connected to a TV or computer for displaying and processing the pictures. This makes it an ideal tool for business presentations, family use or to add pictures or short movies to e-mail, web pages and graphics design applications.

Image quality / Carl Zeiss optics

The DSC-F55E is built around a Sony 1/2" interlace CCD custom-designed for digital still photography. This CCD delivers a high resolution (2.1 million pixels) combined with a high sensitivity. The images have a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels and a colour depth of 24 bits for outstanding quality. Print-outs at this resolution are comparable with conventional photographs.

The Distagon 2,8 / 6,85 lens is made by Carl Zeiss, worldwide renowned and with over 150 years of experience in designing and producing cutting edge optical systems. The lenses properties are especially designed according to the needs of digital photography. High grade optical glass and a sophisticated lens design ensure extremely low colour fringing. Almost complete freedom from distortion has been achieved by the use of an aspheric element in the lens, resulting in a reduced total number of elements and a very compact lens too. Advanced coatings from Carl Zeiss help to retain the full brilliance of the images. The lenses are assembled to an accuracy of 1/1000 mm to optimise the contrast rendition for high resolution images.

Convenience & smart design / innovative display technology

The DSC-F55E is particularly user-friendly: there is no need to read through heavy manuals. It can be powered by its rechargeable InfoLITHIUM battery (extended life, remaining charge indicated on the display) or by the mains adapter. The camera has a sharp 2" transflective LCD display and is operated through a carefully designed combination of push-buttons and clear menus to provide easy access to the wide range of functions. It also has a conveniently compact format and a low weight. It is truly a camera you can use anywhere, anytime, for anything.

The display uses an innovative hybrid transflective LCD which combines transmissive and reflective technology for a clear image both indoors and outside. If there is enough light the backlight may be switched off, to save 20% power. The DSC-F55E also features an intelligent flash for use in low light conditions. The rotating lens is perfect for self-portraits and creative camera angles and taking pictures at difficult locations. There is also a 2.5 x digital extender to bring the subject closer.

Other cameras from same manufacturer : DSC-F505 FD 73 DSC-D770 FD 85 FD 90 FD 95 DSC-S30 DSC-S50 DSC-S70 DKC-FP3 DSC-F505V MVC-CD1000 P1 FD 75 FD 87 FD 92 

Cameras with same same Sensor and Zoom : Coolpix 700 C-315