Sony is to launch an 8-megapixel camera that brings more realistic colour to the viewfinder

Sony announced on Friday it would release a new digital camera with a filter that brings colour fidelity closer to human visual perception.

The new model in its Cyber-shot F-series of digital cameras incorporates Sony's recently developed four-colour filter technology and real-imaging processor.

The colour filter in the DSC-F828 model adds an emerald-coloured pixel to the filter pattern, in addition to the red, green and blue used in digital cameras. The camera's new imaging processor then converts the four-colour signal back into three colours with a linear matrix system.

The model's 8-megapixel charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor offers 3,360 pixels by 2,460 pixels, equivalent to 11-by-17-inch prints at 200 dots per inch or 8.5-by-11-inch prints at 300 dots per inch, the company said in statement.

The camera's processor is also designed to improve responsiveness, reducing shutter lag and cycle time, Sony said. With about a 40 percent cut in processing time, it can capture an 8-megapixel image in almost half the time that a 5-megapixel camera takes. The new camera also has manual controls, giving photographers a range of mechanisms to determine focus, exposure and recording modes.

Digital camera makers have been emphasising style and ease-of-use over technology to gain market share at the entry level. But with its new launch, Sony is targeting experienced users and professional photographers.

The new model is expected to hit store shelves in mid-November and will cost $1,200 (£753).

Copyright © 1995-2008 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved
ZDNET is a registered service mark of CNET Networks, Inc. ZDNET Logo is a service mark of CNET Networks, Inc.