Sony recently unveiled two new digital still cameras (models DSC-TX9 and DSC-WX5) that they say are the world's smallest 3D cameras, capturing 3D images with a single lens system using a sweeping motion.

"Sony is making it easy to create personal 3D content that can be enjoyed with friends or family on compatible 3D television systems," said Kelly Davis, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics.

Both models offer a 3D Sweep Panorama feature, which lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or 3D on compatible 3D televisions (3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately.)

The DSC-TX9, which has a 3.5-inch 921k resolution LCD touchscreen, and the DSC-WX5, which has a 2.8-inch LCD screen, also let you view images in a whole new way. Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which lets you view your 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the cameras' LCD screen by tilting the camera back and forth. This new shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo, creating a 3D-like effect on the display.

 In addition to Sweep Multi Angle, the 12.2 megapixel TX9 and WX5 models offer new features including Background Defocus, which simulates depth of field control and Superior Auto mode, which provides low image-noise levels previously only available from DSLR cameras.

 Superior Auto mode also makes it easier to get cleaner, sharper more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. An extension of Intelligent Auto mode, the Superior Auto feature takes multiple shots to reduce image noise and extend dynamic range. The cameras automatically recognize the correct scene, then quickly shoot and when needed, combine up to six shots to produce images of greater quality than possible with a single shot.

 Superior Auto is the world's first auto mode that utilizes multiple shots, says Sony. While there are other cameras with multi-shot technology, they say that only Sony cameras know when to take multiple shots automatically. Superior Auto can evaluate the scene and automatically engage multi-shot technology to get the best shot.

 The Background Defocus mode, featured in the TX9 and WX5 models, provides artistic photos like those taken with a DSLR by making it easy to blur the image's background, putting the emphasis on your subject and creating a bokeh effect (blur). The camera takes two shots, identifies the background and applies a defocus effect keeping your subject crisp and clear in the foreground.

 The Natural Flash feature also improves image quality. This feature takes a reference shot without flash and then uses that as a color reference correction, resulting in more lifelike images.

 These cameras also help you focus on moving subjects. By selecting your subject on the LCD screen, the camera will keep focus even as the subject moves closer or farther away. Another new feature, Soft Skin mode, recognizes skin tones and reduces the appearance of imperfections without affecting the rest of the shot. With "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology, Sony says the new cameras provide excellent low-light performance and 10fps burst shooting.

With the AVCHD format the models can record movies in 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolutions in 60i at up to 17Mbps for smooth movement during playback. They can also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.

In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the TX9 and WX5 cameras have Optical SteadyShot® image stabilization, helping overcome camera shake.

 With a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x  (25-100mm) zoom lens, the compact TX9 camera lets you focus as little as 0.4 inches from your subject for extraordinary close-up shots. The WX5 camera has a Sony G lens (5x 24-120mm), and wide aperture (F2.4), enhancing low-light performance.

Prices will run around $400 for the TX9, Sony says, and about $300 for the WX5 when they hit stores in September.