CES 2009

Sony camcorder photos at CES 2009

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While Panasonic and Canon look like they're delivering a solid, if somewhat uninspiring, line of camcorders for the first half of the year, Sony emerged from CES with the most newsworthy set of models--newsworthy for what the product line doesn't include, as well as what it does.

What's missing? MiniDV camcorders, for one. While last year's DCR-HC52 and HC62 remain on the market, Sony didn't announce anything relevant to MiniDV--no consolidation of the existing models, as Canon did, or outright declaration of dropping models, as with Panasonic (if not publicly, then at least in conversation). Nor are there any DVD-based AVCHD camcorders for 2009. Those seem to have quietly slipped away from Canon and Panasonic as well.

In my opinion, the highlight of Sony's spring line is the HDR-XR500 series, the top of the prosumer HD line. These models include a first-to-market implementation of the rather misleadingly named back-illuminated CMOS technology, which promises much better low-light recording quality, as well as geotagging capability. One of the lower-end models, the XR200V, includes geotagging but not the new sensor, and a straightforward replacement for the low-end hard disk-based model. The geotagging has potential, but lacks the metadata support to do anything useful with the tags outside the camcorder.

At the other end of the spectrum, Sony jumps into the cheapo, direct-to-Web camcorder market with its so-called "Webbie HD" models. A notable move on two fronts: first, Sony becomes the first major camcorder manufacturer to produce one of these camera phone-like models; and second, Sony just entered a race swimming with cheap products--not exactly the company's usual pond.

In the middle, we've got the usual solid but unexciting standard-definition models in flash, hard disk, and mini DVD flavors. Have fun with that 60X zoom lens, folks.

The W508 has a flip phone design.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

Sony Ericsson's new C510 Cyber-shot and W508 Walkman phone don't break a lot of new ground, but they're certainly worthy of attention. In many ways they resemble other Sony Ericssons that came before them--the W508 looks a bit like the W980 and the C510 reminds us vaguely of the C902.

The W508 is shiny inside.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

The W508, of course, is a flip phone with circular music controls on the front flap. It's also thin and light, and you can change between gray and white removable covers. Just above are the external display and the camera lens. The display is small and monochrome so its usability with the camera will be limited. Also, we'd prefer to see a flash on a megapixel camera phone.

The interior display lives up to the Sony Ericsson standards with bright colors and vibrant graphics. The menu interface and Walkman player are also similar to other Sony Ericsson phones, which is to say they're easy to use. We're a little apprehensive about the flat and shiny keypad. The circular keys could be a bit more tactile, but we suppose we'd get used to them over time. Fortunately, the navigation controls are a tad better.

The C510 has a large display but cramped controls.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

The C510, on the other hand, is a slim candy bar phone in shiny silver. The huge display takes up almost half of the phone, and its vivid resolution is easy on the eyes. Below are the navigation controls, which are plentiful but also a tad crowded. There's a square toggle with a central OK button, two soft keys, a menu control, and a clear button. The keypad buttons appear to be somewhat cramped as well. We'll wait for a full review to give a final verdict.

The camera lens sits on the rear of the phone behind a sliding cover. The design is a lot simpler than the C902, and that's a good thing. Instead of splitting apart in the middle to show the camera lens and flash, which we always found too complicated, you only need to slide the cover to the right. Unfortunately, there's no self-portrait mirror. The charger port sits on the left spine, and on the right spine you'll find the camera shutter and volume rocker. You'll have to remove the battery cover to use the memory card slot.

The C510 has a sliding lens cover.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

On the whole, both phones look promising and their feature sets offer a lot to explore. We'll give them a full shakedown just as soon as we can.

The C905 has a bright display.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

Though we've known about the Sony Ericsson C905 Cyber-shot for a few months, CES gave us our first opportunity to see it up close and personal. With an 8.1-megapixel camera, it is Sony Ericsson's highest resolution camera phone to date. What's more, it also has many of the same features you'd find on a standalone camera and it offers several ways to get your photos off the phone.

With such a packed feature set we were expecting a rather bulky design. And in that respect the C905 delivered. It's not as big as the Samsung Innov8, but at 4.1 by 1.9 by 1.7 inches and 4.8 ounces it's hardly as slim as the 5-megapixel Sony Ericsson C902. That trade-off is a solid feel in the hand and a sturdy slider mechanism. We also like that tapered ends that give the C905 a streamlined feel. The handset comes in sliver, black, and gold, and the company added a tender rose (aka pink) version at the show.

We like the C905's tapered ends. The camera shutter is on the right spine.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

The display is bright and beautiful with sharp colors and graphics. Sony Ericsson typically succeeds with its displays, and the C905 is no exception. The company also has a history of over-designing its navigation controls, but we were glad to see that the C905 breaks that mold. The square navigation toggle and central OK button are spacious and tactile, as are the other navigation controls that surround it.

Like many camera phones, the C905 resembles a regular camera when viewed from behind. A sliding lens cover hides the camera lens, bright Xenon flash, and a self-portrait mirror. Sliding the cover opens starts the camera automatically. You'll also find comfortable camera ergonomics. When holding the phone horizontally, the side-mounted camera shutter and volume rocker/zoom control are right at your fingertips. We haven't seen the photo quality yet, so we'll have to save that for our full review.

The keypad buttons are relatively flush, which is not a surprise on a slider phone. Yet, the keys are pretty tactile and spacious, with large numbers and a bright backlighting. Fortunately, the memory stick micro slot rests conveniently on the left spine below the memory card slot.

A sliding cover hides the camera lens.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

As we mentioned earlier, the C905 is all about its camera. Besides the 8.1-megapixel resolution you'll also find a solid set of offerings that includes autofocus, geotagging, smile detection, face detection, a self timer, and a digital zoom. Wi-Fi is integrated as well; you can use it to upload videos directly to YouTube. Outside of the camera there's a music player, a speakerphone, stereo Bluetooth, messaging and e-mail, personal organizer applications, mass USB storage, an FM radio, and PC syncing.

At the time of this writing the C905 is available only in Europe for 499 euros or about $682. Sony Ericsson says it will bring an unlocked version of the C905 to the United States in the second quarter of this year. It is quad-band GSM and it supports both Europe and North American 3G bands. We hope to get it in soon for a full review.

The IM502 is a tiny tripod.

(Credit: Kent German/CBS Interactive)

While browsing Sony Ericsson's table at a CES press event, I found this cool little accessory that the company announced in Las Vegas. The IM502 is a compact tripod that attaches to your Cyber-shot handset. You can use it to steady your camera phone when taking a self-portrait or a group shot with the timer. It also will come in handy when you just need to hold the shooter completely still.

At 1.1 inches by 2.3 inches by 0.4 inch, it folds away for convenient storage or for carrying in a pocket or bag. Of course, since it is a Sony Ericsson product it uses a proprietary connection--it attaches to your charger port--but it is compatible with most newer Cyber-shot and Walkman models. On the downside, you may not be able to use it for shots in a vertical orientation (depending on the phone), but I like it just the same.

(Credit: Erica Ogg)

As day two of CES 2009 came to a close, The 404 wrapped up the day with a solid audience of tired, dreary-eyed show goers desperate for some much needed entertainment.

Today Brian Tong joins the show to talk about the worst of CES, primarily the men's bathrooms, crying babies, and recycled floor tape. Best of all, we add a new segment to the show called "Sexy Press Release."

Be sure to catch us live again tomorrow from the CNET stage at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

EPISODE 255

Jasmine and Donald talk about their favorite portable audio discoveries from the 2009 Macworld Expo and the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This episode is recorded live from the CNET stage at CES 2009.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

... Read more

We managed to be among the very first to snag a coveted Sony Vaio Lifestyle PC, so here are a couple of in-the-wild photos, plus some first hands-on impressions.

Despite the small overall size, we found the keyboard fairly easy to use. At first, the lack of a touchpad worried us, but the trackpoint was fast and responsive, and after 15 minutes or so, we got fairly used to navigating with it--a very light tap on the pointing stick will give you a left mouse click. We're still not entirely sold, however, and still think a touchpad is better for many tasks.

The 1,600x768 screen has a higher resolution than many 15-inch laptops. Some initial attempts at online video streaming played fine, and the built-in Verizon-powered mobile broadband worked as advertised.

Even with Vista as the operating system, the Vaio seemed to run about as well as any Intel Atom system with XP we've used (2GB of RAM and an SSD hard drive help). With Windows 7, purportedly excellent for Netbooks, it would probably fly (relatively speaking).

It's hard to convey just how small this thing actually is. In the photos below, you'll see it positively dwarfed by an HP Mini 1000. ... Read more

Sony stopped by the Car Tech booth at CES 2009 to install its MEX-BT3700U Bluetooth-enabled CD receiver, which features hands-free calling and A2DP stereo audio streaming.

However, this isn't a one trick pony, with neat features such as a front panel USB port that offers full iPod control, Quick BrowZer searching that helps to quickly locate the desired song, and Zappin technology, which lets you choose songs by simply listening to snippets.

Sony introduced a slew of new products at CES, across a wide range of categories. The tiny Sony P Series Lifestyle PC takes up about the same amount of space as a business envelope. On the other end of the size spectrum, the eco-friendly KDL-VE5 series of HDTVs--which start at 52 inches--turn off automatically to save power when viewers leave the vicinity. Check out the stories below for more Sony announcements.

The Sony P Series Lifestyle PC--just don't call it a Netbook
Eco-friendly Sony HDTVs sense your presence
Sony takes on Flip Video, in Technicolor
Sony evolves its AVCHD hard disk camcorders for 2009
Sony flows 120Hz down to lower-priced LCDs
Sony's hard-drive-based, standard-def camcorders get more storage, longer lens
Sony expands Xplod line of in-dash receivers
Sony's Z-series of LCDs gets widgets, 240Hz