Sony announces Cyber-shot WX1 and TX1

Sony has announced two new Cyber-shot compacts, with the TX1 and WX1 due to go on sale in September.

The TX1 offers 4x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD while the WX1 gets a 5x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch screen.

Offering the apparently "groundbreaking" Exmor R CMOS sensor, along with Sony's BIONZ processor, both cameras offer a resolution of 10.2 effective megapixels.

The Exmor R claims to captures more light than conventional CMOS designs and so boosts sensitivity while reducing image noise, while the BIONZ processor allows for capture of a continuous burst of full-resolution images at 10 frames per second.

This feature comes into its own with the cameras' "Sweep Panorama" mode. Sony says just press the shutter button once and move the TX1 or WX1 from side to side horizontally or vertically, Sweep Panorama combines the high-speed burst of images capturing ultra wide landscapes.

In addition, there's "Hand-held Twilight" to reduce image noise in low light, "Anti Motion Blur" mode for fast subjects, Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, face detection and smile shutter and both cameras shoot 720p movie clips and audio at a 30 frames per second.

Finally, both cameras are compatible with the Sony IPT-DS1 "Party-shot". "A totally new concept in fun photography", putting one of the cameras into the Party-shot docking base means they automatically take pics of your event - with you in the frame too.

Sony says the robotic Party-shot "pans and tilts the camera while adjusting zoom settings and automatically composing images".

Both cameras, plus the Party-shot accessory, will be available in the UK from September. Pricing to be confirmed.

Update: Sony's told us how much they'll cost. The WX1 is £330, the TX1 is £350, and the Party Shot will set you back £130. You can sleep more soundly now.