For $150 you can now buy a robot to photograph your next party. Sony is releasing a "Party-Shot" accessory for its two new low-light Cybershot cameras (TX1 & WX1) that is an automatic panning system which combines with their face detection and AI-based composition firmware to capture photos from an event. While of course we don't see this putting a big dent in any serious event photographer's income it'll be very interesting to see how well it performs and even if it might become a tool used by professionals to augment their traditional shooting locations...Full press release: "Sony today introduced the Party-shot(TM) personal photographer (model IPT-DS1)--an innovative camera dock that pans 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detects faces, adjusts composition and takes photos for you.
The Party-shot camera accessory uses the camera's BIONZ(TM) image processor with its Face Detection and Smile Shutter(TM) features to take photos without the user needing to snap the shutter button. This device makes it easy to capture more natural expressions and fun, candid moments of you, your family and friends without having to hire a photographer.
"With the Party-shot personal photographer, you no longer have to worry about taking photos when you are with your family or friends," said Shigehiko Nakayama, manager of the digital imaging accessories business at Sony Electronics. "Party-shot captures candid moments that tell natural life stories and also offers a new style of photography that enriches time with your family and friends."
Compatible with the DSC-WX1 and DSC-TX1 Cyber-shot digital cameras, the Party-shot camera accessory is mountable on nearly any tripod, so you can set it up in a convenient location in your home, especially when you are entertaining. With two AA batteries, the Party-shot camera accessory captures photos for up to 11 hours and is portable, so you can enjoy taking pictures outdoors. You can also use an AC adaptor (sold separately).
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders will begin on August 6, 2009, at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The Party-shot camera accessory will be available for about $150 in September at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide."
On the new low light Cybershots:
"These Cyber-shot cameras are the first to employ Sony's new "Exmor R" back illuminated CMOS sensor technology to improve shooting in low-light scenarios, enhancing image clarity and drastically reducing grain.
"With these new "Exmor R" CMOS sensor cameras, Sony has vastly improved the customer experience for taking pictures with digital still cameras in low-light scenarios," said Phil Lubell, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics. "We've all taken pictures in dimly lit situations, like blowing out candles on a birthday cake, and the results were grainy and unclear. By redesigning the way these cameras capture light, Sony is leading the industry by creating this easy way to take amazingly clear, vibrant photos in low lighting scenarios.""