Sony releases three new Cyber-Shot cameras

Sony Cyber-shot TX200V
Slim, smart and watertight, is the TX200V the perfect combo?

Sony has announced three new compact cameras, including the slim Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V which has an 18.2MP sensor and is waterproof down to 5m.

The flagship pocket-papper is a svelte, glass-fronted camera with a Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens. What's most impressive is that this highly covetable camera is also waterproof down to 5m for a spot of impromptu snorkelling.

Its 18MP CMOS sensor is backed up by an improved focussing system that Sony claims will get pin sharp results, even in low light, in just 0.25 seconds.

On the back is a 3.3-inch Xtra Fine Tru-Black OLED touchscreen. All that, and 1080p video recording is thrown in too.

The TX200V is set to go on sale for US$500 (£320).

Snappers for a snip

Sony has also announced the Cyber-shot WX50 and WX70 cameras which are a little more budget-friendly at US$230 (£150) and US$200 (£130).

Both feature a 16.2MP sensor and 5x optical zoom, the WX70 has a 3-inch touchscreen while the WX50 has a 2.7-inch screen with button controls.

All three cameras use image stabilisation tech borrowed from Sony's Handycam camcorder range. The "Optical Steady Shot Active Mode" promises to cut out the blur in photos as well as video.

Nine "Picture Effect" options are also included for creative types and a "Dual Record" feature allows 12-13MP snaps to be taken during video recording.

The WX50 and WX70 have been confirmed for a European release in March, while we await news of a release for the impressive TX200V.