CES 2011: Sony debuts over two dozen cameras and camcorders

As in years past, Sony is introducing a wide array of new full-size and pocket camcorders at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. What's new is that Sony is also including nearly a dozen new Cyber-shot digital cameras alongside the new Handycam and bloggie camcorders instead of announcing them at the big PMA camera trade show. (That show, which usually takes place in late February, has been pushed back to fall of 2011.)

Consequently, today's announcement includes 27 new digital imaging products: 13 full-size camcorders (both high- and standard-definition), three pocket camcorders, and 11 point-and-shoot digital cameras. Here are some highlights.

- The most intriguing camcorders from Sony are three high-def models: the HDR-PJ50V ($1000), HDR-PJ30V ($950), and HDR-PJ10 ($700). Each includes a tiny projector embedded on the back of the flip-out LCD, which Sony claims will be able to project a 60-inch diagonal image. (It's not the first digital-imaging product to include a built-in projector, though: the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, introduced in 2009, also included such a feature.)

The camcorders include other nice features: The PJ50V (which includes a 220GB hard drive) and the PJ30V (with 32GB of built-in Flash memory) each has a 12x optical zoom lens and includes a built-in GPS receiver for geo-tagging content. The PJ10 has 16GB of built-in Flash memory and includes a 30x optical zoom lens. All three camcorders will include a 3-inch touchscreen LCD. The PJ30V and PJ10 will be available in March, and the PJ50V will be available in April.

- Sony, like Panasonic, has been has been betting big on 3D technologies. So it wasn't much of a surprise that today the company announced the HDR-TD10, Sony's first foray into the consumer-level 3D camcorder market.

Like Panasonic's HDC-SDT750K 3D camcorder, the TD10 is pricey at $1,500 and bulkier than many other full-size camcorders. But Sony claims that, unlike Panasonic's model, which down-converts and then up-converts its captured HD video, the TD10 captures true HD video: Like the Fuji 3D digital camera, it has two lenses and two sensors. Sony also says that the TD10 has more distance between the two lenses, which enhances the 3D effect.

In addition to 3D capability, the TD10 includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD (which allows you to view video and stills in 3D without glasses), 64GB of built-in flash memory, a 10x optical zoom lens, and the ability to capture 7-megapixel photos. It will be available in April.

- Sony is also taking an innovative approach with its pocket camcorder line. Of the three new bloggie models, one, the MHS-FS3 bloggie ($250, available in April) can capture 3D HD video and stereo sound. Another, the MHS-FS3 bloggie ($170, available in March), includes two LCDs, a large 2.7-inch one on the back and a smaller 2-inch one on the front, just under the lens.

- Of the 11 new point-and-shoot digital cameras, all are subcompacts, including six W-series models, three T-series models, and two H series models. Prices range from $110 to $380. One notable model is the 16-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-WX9, $220, which includes a 5x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch LCD, Auto HDR capability, and wide-angle capability.

Sony claims the WX9 will also be able to capture bursts at 10 fps and 1080i HD-resolution videos. And like a number of the new Cyber-shots, the WX9 can also shoot 3D panoramas and 3D still photos.

Stay tuned for more digital imaging news from CES.

—Terry Sullivan

—Carol Mangis