Today Sony have introduced the DSC-TX55 Cyber-Shot camera, and they say it’s the world’s thinnest compact camera.

Here is what Sony said:

· Highest-resolution Exmor R CMOS Image Sensor yet (16.2 effective megapixel) with Full HD AVCHD movie

• Clear Image Zoom up to 10x with new ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology
• Shoot 12 megapixel-level still photos during Full HD movie recording
• Just 12.2mm** slim with 8.3cm (3.3”) wide OLED touch-screen; compatible with Memory Stick Micro™ (M2) and MicroSD cards
• Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR mode, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D Still Image
• Exciting in-camera artistic treatments with Picture Effect

* Among models with an optical anti-shaking system function as of 20 July, 2011. Based on Sony internal survey.

**Measurement excludes lens cover.

At just 12.2mm thick the new TX55 Cyber-shot™ camera from Sony has an iconic design and is the slimmest Cyber-shot™ yet. Despite its tiny dimensions it’s packed with features that make it incredibly easy to capture the moment with amazing still photos, Full HD video and amazing 3D images.

Enabling its incredible slimness, the TX55 is the first Cyber-shot™ camera that includes a slot to accept Memory Stick Micro™ (M2) and MicroSD/SDHC flash memory cards. Sony offers a choice of ultra-compact, high quality media in capacities up to 16GB (newly introduced M2 Mark2, ideal for AVCHD video shooting) / 8GB (microSDHC). All cards come with free PC software (available via download), File Rescue for quick, easy recovery of deleted or damaged photos and files, and x-Pict Story™ that simplifies creation of dazzling slideshows from your photos.

Packed into the tiny body of the  Cyber-shot™ TX55 is a 16.2 megapixel Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, for unsurpassed image quality in any light conditions. It also boasts new ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology that boosts zoom range to 10x without any loss of quality at the image sensor’s maximum resolution (16.2 million pixels).

For further improvements in all conditions the Superior Auto mode can be activated for both stills and movie shooting, recognising 36 scenes, such as Twilight when the advanced mode takes two shots so the best can be selected.  Or Portrait mode when the camera uses the anti-blink function.

What’s more it features a large 8.3cm/3.3″ Xtra Fine capacitive OLED wide touch screen making framing and reviewing still images and movie clips incredibly easy.

Movies can be captured in Full HD AVCHD as well as 16.2 megapixel still images. It also shoots super-detailed panoramas with 42.9 megapixel resolution, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D Still Image to enjoy on your 3D TV[1].

Another new introduction is ‘Clear Image Zoom’ that boosts magnification without lowering pixel count in the final image. Exclusive to Sony, ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ processing further extends the camera’s 5x optical zoom range, allowing full-resolution 16.2 megapixel images with a maximum 10x zoom.

‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology also significantly boosts still image quality during movie recording. At the touch of the shutter button, ‘Dual Rec’ grabs up to 10 detail-packed 12 megapixel-level still photos without interrupting Full HD video shooting.

Newly enhanced with additional optical image stabilisation for vertical and horizontal handshake correction, Optical SteadyShot Active Mode*** compensates for handheld camera movements during Full HD video shooting. You’ll enjoy crisper, blur-free movie clips at all zoom settings, even if you’re holding the camera while walking.

Intelligent Sweep Panorama also features HR (High Resolution) mode, letting you capture breath-taking 42.9 megapixel panoramas. Just sweep the camera: then enjoy the results on your connected HD TV, or zoom in with PlayStation3 to reveal the finest details.

3D Still Image captures dramatic 3D photos, simply press the shutter button once: 3D Still Image grabs a pair of frames in quick succession, estimating depth information to create a dramatic three-dimensional still image. Other 3D shooting options include 3D Sweep Panorama and Sweep Multi Angle.

The incorporation of a highly sensitive Exmor R™ CMOS sensor with 16.2 effective megapixels resolution means that whether shooting still images or Full HD video, you’ll be rewarded with incredible image detail and ultra-low picture noise – even in low light conditions.

Making its Cyber-shot™ debut on the TX55, Picture Effect mode broadens everybody’s artistic options with an exciting range of in-camera image treatments. You don’t need special editing software: just press the shutter button. A choice of seven Picture Effect options includes HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy Camera, Partial Colour, Pop Colour and Soft High-key.What’s more the TX55 can  achieve DSLR-like picture quality without fuss. Superior Auto mode recognises a wide range of shooting situations, adjusting exposure and other settings for more professional-looking images with low noise and high dynamic range.

The compact, beautifully styled new Cyber-shot™ TX55 is available from September 2011. The range of MSA[X]GN2 memory Stick Micro™ and SR[X] series MicroSD/SDHC media cards are available now.

Also available is a soft and sleek but padded case LCS-TWH, which comes in a range of colours. To keep the beautiful touchscreen looking slick, try the PCK-L33WCS screen cover, and BC-TRN2 is perfect for fast battery charging.

* Among models with an optical anti-shaking system function as of July 20, 2011. Based on Sony internal survey.

**Measurement excludes lens cover.

*** *Movie mode only. The hand shake correction while walking works most effectively at and around wide end.

[1]3D TV that is HDMI standard compliant.