The Sony Cyber-shot TX9 became the world’s first digital still camera that can capture panoramic shots in 3D. First time I heard of such 3D function on a camera is with the Sony Alpha NEX-5. Sony decided to put it in a more price-friendly package and the result was the Cyber-shot TX9.
Similar to previous Cyber-shot TX series, the TX9 has the stylish and compact form factor on an aluminum chassis with a sliding lens cover.
It is equipped with a 25mm wide-angle lens that can do 4x optical zoom, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with a 12.2 megapixel “œExmor R” CMOS image sensor which is really amazing in low light situations even at f/3.5.
It can also do Full HD 1080i AVCHD or 1080p MP4 HD video recording. At the back you will see nothing but its 3.5″ Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen display.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the Cyber-shot TX9 would be the 3D Sweep Panorama. I was pretty impressed with Sony’s Sweep Panorama (which I think other point-and-shooters should follow) but now they added 3D into it. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television. Yeah, unfortunately you need to have a 3D television to take advantage of this feature.
Still, the TX9 comes with a lot of other features that makes it a treat to use in any occasion. A Background Defocus feature to help you recreate that “œbokeh” effect commonly made by DSLR cameras; Smile Shutter technology which captures photos at the moment the subject smiles; and Motion Detection which automatically adjusts ISO sensitivity and shutter speed when movement is detected.
The Sony Cyber-shot TX9 retails for Php27,999 and comes in Grey, Gold and Red. If you want a less expensive, stripped-down version, there’s the Cyber-shot T99 (Php19,999) which was released at the same time.
If you’re planning to get a Cyber-shot anytime soon, do check out the Sony 3D Days of Christmas promo. Who knows, you might win a Sony 3D TV.
