I have to say that one of my favorite Sony products from CES 2011 was not only one that I didn’t see coming, but also one of the cheapest offerings in their lineup. I had written previously that the Bloggie Touch would more than likely get an update, and I was right on that matter. In fact, there will be two different Bloggie models coming out in the next two months. What I didn’t expect was for one to offer 3D recording and to be priced so low.
First I will get what I consider the more boring of the series out of the way. The next generation of the Bloggie is being dubbed the Bloggie Duo (MHS-FS2) which sports two different LCD lenses. The first is a 2.7-inch on the back for video and picture playback and 2.0-inch on the front under the lens, perfect for when you want to utilize the 5.1 megapixel built in camera to take some self portrait shots. The Duo will now come with a LED light and be available in violet, green, pink, and white for $170 for the 4GB model in March. Next up is actually the new entry model Bloggie (MHS-FS1) which is thinner then the previous Bloggie and the new Bloggie Duo. Coming in at $150 for the 4GB, this white and black only model comes with just the single back 2.7-inch LCD. It should be noted that both models come with Sony’s Sensitive Exmor™ CMOS sensor and Auto Focus/Auto Macro lenses. Now hit the jump to read all about one of my favorite CES products, the Bloggie 3D.
First a little quick back story. I feel like when it comes to the tech and the media industry, I’m part of the few who still enjoys surprises. I like going to the movies for trailers that I’ve never seen before and like trailers that show you just enough, without giving away the whole story. This is true for tech as well. I like staying off of news sites the day when Steve Jobs gives a keynote, and instead I wait for the video to go up so I can watch it unfold, and CES was no different. I expected the Bloggie to be updated and for 3D to play a big part of the show. What I didn’t expect was for Sir Howard Stringer to introduce a Bloggie product and for it to be 3D.
The Bloggie 3D (MHS-FS3) is really a one-of-a-kind device, the first consumer camera that can record in 1080p in 3D and fit in your pocket. Then add the fact that this 8GB unit only costs $250, it’s no surprise to see why Sir Howard Stringer was proud of the product and I hope this goes a long way to show the consumer out there that 3D does not have to be expensive. To get it out of the way, the Bloggie also shoots in 2D as well, so it’s not just a 3D camera. But how does the 3D work? The camera actually comes with two lenses, two image sensors, stereo microphone and built-in LED light to capture your video. And for playback, you can either go HDMI out to a 3D television, a Sony one perhaps? But for those still without a 3D TV, the Bloggie 3D comes with a 2.4-inch LCD screen that can play back 3D without the need of glasses. During our time with the Bloggie 3D at CES, only the demo mode was enabled on them so look for a April release and hopefully by then, we will have some more hands on time with them for you.
WONDERFULLY SIMPLE TO SHOOT AND SHARE: SONY INTRODUCES THREE NEW BLOGGIE HD CAMERAS INCLUDING 3D AND MORE
LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 5, 2011 – Continuing to innovate in the pocket video camera space, Sony today revealed new Bloggie® HD camera models that focus on affordability and fashion-forward style. Sony’s Bloggie HD cameras include unique features that break through the cluttered category while still offering simple high quality MP4 video and still photo shooting, as well as easy web sharing capabilities.
The lineup, anchored by the recently launched Bloggie Touch™ model, now includes 3D technology, dual screen capabilities and simple operation. With the Bloggie, Bloggie Duo and Bloggie 3D models, you can capture “had to be there” moments in full high definition (1920×1080) MP4 video and 5-megapixel still photos, but in a whole new way anytime, anyplace.
“As the popularity of pocket cameras grow, we not only wanted to provide simple, compact video and photo solutions, we wanted to make these devices fun and different while still delivering a high quality product,” said Andy Bubala, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “With Sony paving the way for 3D entertainment, that technology was the perfect addition to the Bloggie family and robust offering of 3D solutions.”
Bloggie Roster
Sony’s Bloggie brand welcomes three models that each bring distinct value to the category. The world’s first HD 3D pocket camera*, the Bloggie 3D camera (MHS-FS3) is an innovative model with two lenses, two image sensors, stereo microphone and built-in LED light to capture incredible 3D or 2D video and photos. This content can be played back in 3D without glasses on the camera’s 2.4-inch LCD screen or utilizing 3D glasses on any 3D capable HDTV like Sony’s new BRAVIA® KDL-HX820 HDTV also announced today.
The portable HD camera lineup also offers a dual-screen option dubbed the Bloggie Duo camera (MHS-FS2). The slim camera features two vibrant LCD screens – 2.7-inch on the back and 2.0-inch on the front under the lens – for fun new ways to capture yourself and others in full HD video or 5.1 megapixel photos. The Bloggie Duo camera has a built-in LED light and comes in four fashionable colors — violet, green, pink, and white.
An entry model completes the trio of Bloggie introductions, offering on-the-go video lovers a smart, pocket device at a low price point. The MHS-FS1 sports an ultra compact, lightweight design, with a large 2.7-inch wide LCD screen, and comes in black and white.
Easy as 1, 2, 3
All of the Sony® Bloggie HD cameras are slim and stylish, with simple hard key operation, and combine hardware, software and seamless integration with internet social network services for easy, intuitive shooting and sharing. Across the line, you can find an abundance of features including:
Sensitive Exmor™ CMOS sensor to achieve high resolution video and crisply-detailed still photos with less grain, even in challenging lighting conditions
Free style shooting & playback to automatically adjust GUI for vertical or horizontal shooting and viewing
Dual Record to enable photo capture while shooting video
Auto Focus / Auto Macro to allow auto focus capabilities and Auto Macro to focus sharply on objects as close as four inches away
360 Video bundled kit option lets consumers capture everything around them and playback incredible 360-degree footage a quarter at a time on the camera’s LCD
Compatible with PC and Mac® computers, a “Share it Later” function tags the clips and pictures you want to post for easy upload the next time you’re online
The Bloggie models also have SteadyShot® image stabilization for smoother footage, Face Detection technology to enhance faces by automatically correcting focus and exposure, a built-in USB arm for easy charging and uploading to a computer, internal memory, built-in rechargeable battery, embedded Bloggie software, and HDMI™ output to enjoy content on your HDTV (cable sold separately).
Simple Public and Private Online Sharing
With the included Bloggie software for Mac and Windows, it’s never been easier to share videos and photos online. Share privately with friends and family using Personal Space™ by Sony or become the next Internet sensation with integrated support for Facebook®, YouTube™, Flickr®, and Picasa™ Web Albums. With Personal Space Sharing Groups, keeping friends and family updated with a constant stream of your latest photos is easy. There’s no need to re-type long lists of recipients’ email addresses or deal with slow, bulky email attachments every time you want to share. Add photos or videos to a Sharing Group using the “Share it Later” feature or Bloggie software, and your loved ones are just a click away from enjoying your latest memories with no registration necessary.
You and those in your Sharing Groups can also view photos and videos away from the computer with apps for iPhone® or Android™. Additionally, Sony BRAVIA HDTV and DASH Personal Space support will be added later this year, providing even more viewing options.
The Bloggie (MHS-FS1) and Bloggie Duo (MHS-FS2) cameras, both with 4GB of internal memory, will be available in March for about $150 and $170, respectively. The Bloggie 3D camera (MHS-FS3) with 8GB of internal memory will be available in April for about $250. The Bloggie cameras and their accessories will be sold at Sony Style® retail stores, online at www.sonystyle.com/bloggie and through authorized dealers nationwide.