LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (CES Booth #14200) -- There is more to consider when purchasing a digital still camera than pixels and price. Sony's new Cyber-shot(R) DSC-S600 model offers that and more.

The new camera features six-megapixel resolution and a precision Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Tessar lens with a 3x optical wide-angle (31 - 93 mm) zoom, which is much wider than other cameras in its class, so everyone is sure to be in the shot.

It has an advanced feature set engineered to deliver focused, properly exposed pictures in a snap.

"In addition to its impressive six megapixels, it's a camera with intelligence, helping you to capture every special moment without concern about complex camera settings," said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics.

Sophisticated Controls for Better Pictures For only about $200, the camera offers a combination of advanced features.

It offers sophisticated auto exposure and focus controls that work transparently behind the scenes for a seamless camera experience. Sony's multi-pattern measuring function gauges incoming light by examining 49 points across the frame. With multi-point auto focus, the camera intelligently evaluates five different focus areas and selects the best focus setting for the subject instead of the background.

Sony goes even further by adding high-light sensitivity (up to IS0 1000) to the model, allowing for higher shutter speeds in low-light conditions and reducing the chance of blurred images. With higher sensitivity, you can shoot in available light for more natural exposure or in settings where flash is not permitted, such as museums.

When you do need flash photography, this same sensitivity actually increases the camera's flash effective range to 33 feet -- significantly greater than previous models in its class.

Tools for Added Convenience

This compact, ultra-portable camera is ready to capture pictures whenever the moment strikes. Powered by Sony's Real Imaging Processor(R) circuit, this Cyber-shot model boasts a quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life -- up to 460 shots per charge using rechargeable NiMH batteries.

The camera fits comfortably in your hand and has a large, two-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and image sharing.

For those moments when a simple still picture does not capture the entire mood, the DSC-S600 model captures 640x480 VGA-resolution MPEG video at 30 frames per second that is perfect for viewing on your television.

It is equipped with 32MB of internal memory so that you can start shooting as soon as the camera is out of the box. The camera's capacity can be easily expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo(TM) media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) card, now available in capacities up to two gigabytes.

More Ways to Enjoy Cyber-Shot Cameras

The camera's image resolution is ideal for making high-quality prints. Simply connect the model to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer and print from the convenience of your own home. You can even create postcards or calendars using the printer's supplied software.

With Sony's ImageStation(R) online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts from coffee mugs and photo books to calendars and T-shirts.

The Cyber-shot DSC-S600 camera is available now online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (http://www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at http://www.sony.com/S600

It is supplied with two AA alkaline batteries, a USB cable, wrist strap and CD-ROM software. Options include an accessory kit (ACC-CN3TR) for about $40, an AC Adapter (AC-LS5K) for about $40, and a tripod (VCT-R100) for about $35.

CONTACT: Yolanda Hunt-Boes of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-4714,
yolanda.hunt-boes@am.sony.com, or Joslyn Beloff of Burson-Marsteller,
+1-212-614-4664, joslyn_beloff@nyc.bm.com, for Sony Electronics Inc.