Overview of the Sony DSC-W120 camera. Rich features and excellent appearance

SONY Corporation was the first to apply and develop digital video information processing technology. The next advance in video processing was the use of a digital processor - DSP (Digital Signal Processor - Digital Signal Processor). It happened in 1997 with the release of the first DSP series SS. Due to the high reliability and quality of production of this technology, cameras based on it have gained popularity all over the world and have become the main element of modern analog video cameras, and the new principle of color image processing has become the standard for building video surveillance cameras over the years.

After a big “step forward”, the development of this direction did not stand still. Increasingly, new video signal processing technologies began to appear. The resolution of video cameras has become much more than 380TVL. The average statistical video camera has a resolution of up to 600TVL, and the following CCD matrices are used:

Super HAD;
EXview HAD;
Super HAD II.

SONY color CCDs

Name product	Diagonal image size inch - mm	Number of effective pixels (W x H)	Sensor ness (mV)	Frame	Number of pins	Manufacturing technology leniya
				Kerami cal DIP
				Kerami cal DIP
				Small ceramic cylinder
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				plastic dip
				Small ceramic cylinder
				Ceramics cue SON (LCC)

A new turning point in the history of technology development in video surveillance systems was the development by SONY Corporation in 2009 of new modern processors and CCD matrices, united under the trademark "Effio".

New "Effio" components include all the best; rich experience, innovation, as well as a large number of technological improvements, which made it possible to increase the resolution of analog CCTV cameras, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, make deeper and more saturated colors.

The Corporation's solutions made it possible to increase the horizontal resolution to 700 TVL by using the new 960H CCD matrix format. SONY plans to expand the "Effio" line in the future, creating a new world of analog high-definition security cameras - the world of "Effio" 960H.

The history of the Effio brand

August 10, 2009 Start of "Effio" production - the first "Effio-E" processor and new CCD sensors for PAL and NTSC systems in the line of highly sensitive technology "Super HAD CCD II" - 960H sensors were released.
July 1, 2010 Sony Corporation starts an active advertising campaign in Japan and Asia for the product "Effio-E" - the first representative of "Effio", as well as CCD matrices 960H.
August 31, 2010 Updated and improved versions of the "Effio-E" processor were released, as well as the production of CCD matrices 960H with increased sensitivity in the infrared (IR) range - "EXview HAD CCD II", which allows building video surveillance cameras with a resolution of up to 700 TVL, effectively working with IR illumination.
January 1, 2011 SONY Corporation starts an active advertising campaign in Japan and Asia for new products "Effio-P" and "Effio-S" expanding the capabilities of the "Effio" series.
8 March 2011

At the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition, SONY Corporation presented new video processing processors "Effio-P" and "Effio-S", which became a further improvement of the first generation processor "Effio-E", and also demonstrated the operation of a video surveillance camera with a resolution of up to 700 TVL based on them.

What is Effio

The abbreviation "Effio" (Enhanced Features and Fine Image) Processor stands for "Processor with Advanced Features and Fine Image".

Resolution CCD 960H

The designation "960H" determines the number of effective pixels horizontally on the CCD matrix, and hence the quality of the image generated by the video surveillance camera horizontally. In the vertical direction, the number of pixels remains the same, and is predetermined by the analog video signal scanning standard, it is 582 visible lines.

Compared to the previous 760H format sensors, the new 960H sensor format features a 30% increase in the number of pixels. As a result, the clarity of the video camera image is increased.

Below is a table of correspondence between the matrix format and the number of effective pixels for PAL video surveillance cameras:

Horizontal resolution up to 700 TVL

Horizontal resolution represents the level of detail in the horizontal direction of the image, a larger number indicates a higher definition of the frame, and is usually measured in television lines - TV lines, TVL (English TV Line, TVL).

The TVL measurement method used is called JEITA (TTK-4602B).

DSP Effio Image Processor

New advances in video signal processing technology have increased the horizontal resolution to 600 TV lines even on traditional 760H format matrices, which was first achieved on 4th and 7th generation ISP video processors. However, the new format of the 960H CCD, which is the "eye" of the surveillance camera, allows you to achieve an even more natural image of increased clarity, which, in combination with new video signal processing technologies of DSP Effio processors and good "megapixel" optics, provides a horizontal resolution of up to 700 TVL.

SONY Effio DSP Processors

Under the brand name "Effio", SONY Corporation primarily promotes video processing processors - DSP Effio

We hope that the information below will allow consumers to be more conscious when buying surveillance cameras from the Effio line, as well as to avoid unscrupulous sellers.

DSP Effio range for CCTV cameras

Comparison of functionality of DSP Effio series processors

Let's consider each processor separately. What do they give?!

CPUDSPSony " Effio- P"

"Effio-P" (CXD4129GG) is a video signal processor (LSI) for building color surveillance cameras based on a complementary CCD array. It supports 960H and 760H CCDs, both conventional and WDR. The WDR matrix allows you to observe high-contrast scenes, as well as observation in the opposite light.

The difference between the DSP "Effio-P" processor is the packaging of the processor itself and memory for video processing in one package, which makes it possible to implement such functions as digital zoom (E-Zoom), slow shutter - increasing sensitivity by increasing exposure time (Sense- UP), 3D noise reduction filter function, and many others.

Features DSP Sony "Effio-P"

support for 960H and 760H format CCDs
CCTV cameras provide horizontal resolution up to 700 TV lines with a 960H matrix, and up to 600 TV lines with a 760H matrix
extended dynamic range - WDR (Wide Dynamic Range)
2D and 3D noise reduction (2D & 3D-NR / Noise Reduction)
digital image stabilization
Motion Detector
private areas
digital zoom - E-Zoom
OSD menu
built-in system controller to control the CCTV camera

CPUDSPSony " Effio- S"

"Effio-S" (CXD4130GG) is a video signal processor (LSI) for building a color video camera based on a complementary CCD. Allows you to process the image from the CCD matrix 960H and 760H.

The Effio-S single-chip package packs an Effio DSP processor and video processing memory, allowing for features such as digital zoom (E-Zoom), slow shutter (Sense-UP mode), 3D noise reduction filter, and several others. In comparison with "Effio-P", the set of functions is somewhat reduced, in particular, the WDR mode is not supported.

DSP Effio-S Processor Capabilities

work with CCD matrices of format 960H and 760H
surveillance cameras provide horizontal resolution up to 700 TV lines for 960H matrices, and up to 600 TV lines for 760H
improved adaptive color reproduction - ATR-EX (Adaptive Tone Reproduction)
2D and 3D noise reduction (2D&3D-NR)
Motion Detector
private areas
High Light Compensation - HLC (High Light Compensation)
Slow Shutter - Sensitivity Up (Sense-UP)
digital zoom - E-Zoom
OSD menu

DSP "Effio-E"

"Effio-E" (CXD4127GG), the first of the line and the simplest processor of the "Effio" series, which is designed to work with the 960H, 760H and 510H CCD format. The processor does not contain built-in video processing memory, due to which it is packaged in a miniature LFBGA package 8x8 mm in size, but at the same time it is characterized by the lowest power consumption.

DSP Effio-E Features

support for CCD matrices of all formats 960H, 760H, 510H
horizontal resolution of the surveillance camera, respectively 700 TVL, 600 TVL, 420 TVL
adaptive color reproduction - ATR (Adaptive Tone Reproduction)
2D noise reduction (2D-NR)
Motion Detector
private areas
High Light Compensation - HLC (High Light Compensation)
OSD menu

Feature Comparison of DSP Effio Processors

Below is a table that gives an overview of the capabilities of Effio DSP processors. Symbol "<<" в таблице указывает на то, что процессор реализует функцию старшей модели.

Name
Processor type
Supported CCDs	Conventional CCD and WDR CCD	Conventional CCD	960H, 760H, 510H Conventional CCD
Permission:
WDR function

Noise suppression
Day Night
Private areas

Slow shutter (Sens-up mode)
Digital Image Stabilization
HLC - high brightness suppression
AF detector
Motion Detector

The table shows that "Effio-E" is the simplest processor without built-in video memory, therefore only 2D-NR noise reduction mode is implemented, and it also does not support slow shutter mode (Sense-UP) - increasing sensitivity in night mode by increasing exposure time .

In addition to the "Effio-E" capabilities, the "Effio-S" DSP is equipped with built-in memory, which allows for Sens-UP modes and 3D noise reduction. In addition, the processor provides digital zoom (E-Zoom) and advanced adaptive color reproduction (ATR-EX) modes.

The most advanced processor is the DSP "Effio-P", which, in addition to the "Effio-S" operating modes, provides work with CCD matrices of extended dynamic range (WDR), digital image stabilization mode, and is also equipped with a built-in microcontroller for implementing additional functions of complex CCTV high-end video cameras.

CCD (CCD) 960H format sensors

Despite the fact that "Effio" processors can work with CCD matrices of the previous 760H and 510H formats, the novelties of the enlarged 960H format are of the greatest interest, making it possible to build video surveillance cameras with a horizontal resolution of up to 700 TVL.

Historically, the 960H matrix was the first to appear, made using the well-established (at that time) Super HAD II technology, after which, as a result of the improvement of the light filter and the optical part of the matrix, a new version of it appeared, made using EXview HAD II technology, the light sensitivity of which, despite the reduced pixel size comparable to the sensitivity of Super HAD II 760H format matrices (in particular, with ICX639BKA).

Below is a comparative characteristic of 960H CCD matrices for 700 TVL resolution video surveillance cameras operating in the PAL system (such a system is used in Ukraine).

Name
Sony technology	EXview HAD CCD II	Super HAD CCD II	Super HAD CCD II
CCD size	1/3" (diagonal 6 mm)	1/3" (diagonal 6 mm)	1/4" (diagonal 4.5 mm)
Number of pixels: Effective
Horizontal (H) and vertical (V) resolution: Effective	1020(H) x 596(V)	1020(H) x 596(V)	1020(H) x 596(V)
Pixel dimensions, µm	5.0(H) x 6.25(V)	5.0(H) x 6.25(V)	3.75(H) x 5.56(V)
Sony Unified Light Sensitivity , mV (F5.6)
Saturation level, mV
Dark noise level, dB (F5.6)
Supply voltage, V
Charge transfer control signal, V
Processor Compatibility

SONY technologies for the production of PZM matrices 960H

Super HAD CCD II Technology

"Super HAD CCD II" is a trademark of SONY Corporation.

"Super HAD CCD II" is a high-performance sensor from SONY - CCD HAD (Hole-Accumulation Diode) with a typical sensitivity of 1000 mV or more per unit pixel area - 1 μm2 (color at F5.6 / black and white: F8 - in equivalent mode charge accumulation for 1 second).

TechnologySuper EXview HAD CCD II

"EXview HAD CCD II" is a trademark of SONY Corporation.

"EXview HAD CCD II" is a high-performance sensor from SONY - CCD HAD (Hole-Accumulation Diode) with a typical sensitivity of 1000 mV or more per unit pixel area - 1 μm2 (color at F5.6 / black and white: F8 - in equivalent mode charge accumulating over 1 second) with improved light sensitivity in the infrared and near infrared range, like the previous "EXview HAD CCD" structure.

What do we have today

One thing to note here is that when a sales organization indicates that it sells an "Effio" camcorder, at least this is not complete information. In this case, a video surveillance camera can be built on any of the Effio DSPs, incl. and having a minimum set of functions - "Effio-E", without the support of Sens-UP, WDR, ATR-EX and others.

But what is even more scary - a CCD matrix of not the maximum format 960H, which determines all the advantages of a new generation of CCTV cameras with a resolution of 700 TVL, can be used in a video surveillance camera, but a conventional matrix of the 760H format with a resolution of up to 600 TVL.

To date, such a "substitution" cannot be visually detected by the quality of the image generated by the surveillance camera. The reason for this is the use of video signal digitization with a resolution of 720H in modern video surveillance systems.

Be careful and demand from sellers to provide full information about the surveillance camera: the type of installed CCD matrix and the series of "Effio" processor used.

Video processing technologies in DSP Effio

As a leader in the production of CCD matrices, SONY Corporation, prior to the release of the "Effio" processor, lagged behind in the production of video processing systems for CCTV cameras. Therefore, all the functions implemented in the Effio-E processor and in its subsequent models "Effio-S" and "Effio-P" are not new and were previously implemented in 4th and 7th generation ISPs from other manufacturers. Our enterprises use such processors and matrices 760H for the production of video surveillance cameras with a resolution of 600 TVL.

Let's take a look at what the new technologies used in the DSP Effo have given us.

High resolution of 700 TVL is provided by "Effio-P", "Effio-S" and "Effio-E" processors only with 960H CCD.

The main innovation in "Effio" is the 960H CCD with increased resolution up to 700 TVL.

The image shown is taken by SONY on a real CCTV camera according to the JEITA measurement method (TTR-4602B).

Noise suppression

Provide processors "Effio-P", "Effio-S" and "Effio-E" regardless of the format of the CCD matrix. The 2D-NR feature was first implemented in the 4th generation ISP processors, and 3D-NR in the 7th generation IPS processors.

Noise reduction is a function that reduces noise in an image to improve image quality. In particular, the noise appears when the CCTV camera is operated in low light and at night, as well as in other high-gain environments.

"Effio-E" (CXD4127GG) does not contain video memory, therefore it performs only the function of spatial line noise reduction (2D-NR), while DSP "Effio-P" (CXD4129GG) and DSP "Effio-S" (CXD4130GG) are equipped with video memory, therefore, in addition to 2D-NR, temporal filtering (3D-NR) is also performed, combined with an accumulation mode (an increase in the Sense-UP exposure time).

An example of how the 2D-NR function works

An example of how the 3D-NR function works

A feature of video processing is the independent adjustment of noise reduction filters for the luminance and chrominance signal, which makes it possible to obtain a color image even at night.

Excellent color reproduction

Provide processors "Effio-P", "Effio-S" and "Effio-E" regardless of the format of the CCD matrix. The feature was first implemented in 4th and 7th generation ISP processors.

Excellent color reproduction under various light conditions. In this case, the possible range of white temperatures ranges from 1800 K to 10500 K.

OSD Menu

The on-screen menu has been used for more than 5 years in processors from third-party manufacturers, for the most accurate setting of a video surveillance camera for specific conditions of its operation (installation location).

On-screen display (OSD) menu allows you to configure the parameters of the video surveillance camera using a monitor connected to it, without the need to connect an external controller or programmer. Menu DSP Effio supports 8 languages, incl. and Russian.

ATR/ATR-EX mode

Provide processors "Effio-P", "Effio-S" and "Effio-E" regardless of the format of the CCD.

ATR (Adaptive Tone Reproduction) - The function provides selective compensation to improve the contrast of objects, as well as the reproduction of colors, in the case when there are areas in the image with both very bright and dark areas.

The ATR function improves the image quality of a surveillance camera by optimizing the color content of the image based on the luminance content of the signal in that area.

WDR - wide dynamic range

Provides only "Effio-P" processor with 960H CCD with EXview HAD CCD II technology. However, such a function is implemented in 4th and 7th generation ISP processors, incl. and when using a conventional 760H CCD with Super HAD CCD II technology (eg ICX639BKA).

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) is a feature that allows you to make the image of a security camera more natural by reducing the brightness of highly lit areas and brightening areas that are in the shadows. This function is provided by different exposure times when imaging for light and dark areas, and then combining these two images into a common through digital processing.

Area of use for DSP Effio and 960H matrices

System solutions for video surveillance 960H.

Provides higher image quality in real-time monitoring while maintaining a high degree of reliability of the video surveillance system.

High image quality (resolution 700 TVL), high performance of DSP Effio processor and presence of digital output allows using Effio-P series for building IP video surveillance systems.

Technical advantages of "Effio" 960H

The increased number of pixels in the 960H CCD provides more information in the input stage of the CCTV camera, which, combined with the signal processing technologies in Effio's DSP, guarantees a high resolution of 700 TVL of the output signal, and therefore allows you to get a new quality in analog CCTV cameras from the 960H world.

CONCLUSION

The most important conclusion of this article is that new technologies can improve the quality of the video image. But DO NOT forget that many registrars do not support high-resolution recording. If the registrar writes with a resolution of 368x288, then why does he need a camera with a resolution of 1020x 596 ?! Camcorders with such a processor are best used in systems where the recording resolution is at least 704x576. The processor allows you to display a color depth of 16-24 bits. This variation depends on the camera manufacturer.

which type of matrix is better: super HAD CCP ? or CMOS? (and with what?) - on camera... and got the best answer

Answer from Awesome Smart Rocket Girl[guru]
The advantages of CCD matrices include:
-Low noise level.
-High pixel fill factor (about 100%).
-High efficiency (the ratio of the number of registered photons to their total number that hit the photosensitive area of the matrix, for CCD - 95%).
-High dynamic range (sensitivity) .
The disadvantages of CCD matrices include:
- The complex principle of signal reading, and hence the technology.
-High level of power consumption (up to 2-5W).
-More expensive to manufacture.
Advantages of CMOS matrices:
-High performance (up to 500 frames / s).
-Low power consumption (almost 100 times compared to CCD).
- Cheaper and easier to manufacture.
The disadvantages of CMOS matrices include:
-Low pixel fill factor, which reduces sensitivity (effective pixel surface ~ 75%, the rest is occupied by transistors).
- High noise level (it is caused by the so-called temp currents - even in the absence of illumination, a rather significant current flows through the photodiode), the fight against which complicates and increases the cost of the technology.
-Low dynamic range.
Therefore, it is difficult to say which is better - each has flaws.
awesome smart rocket launcher
Oracle
(71937)
therefore I can’t say anything about it - because it was copied by me from the Internet - I don’t think that stupid guys wrote.

Answer from Mashka (cr)[guru]
Better than a good lens...

Answer from Just Human[guru]
CMOS, as there are cameras up to 25 megapixels

Answer from 2 answers[guru]

Hey! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: what type of matrix is better: super HAD CCP? or CMOS? (and with what?) - on the camera ...

Matrix- this is one of the most complex devices of the camera, its main and, most often, its only sense organ (there is also a temperature sensor). The matrix contains the best achievements in the field of microelectronics. The very word "matrix" means moving away from bulky electrovacuum monsters to miniature rectangular plates, with the help of which smart Chinese flooded the market with spy gadgets packed in watches, buttons, fountain pens, etc. etc.

In the descriptions of the cameras there are such harsh inscriptions as, say, SONY super HAD II CCD 1/3″. This is certainly impressive, but when choosing a camera, emotions should not be guided. Let's go through the parameters of the matrices at least superficially.

1/3″- this is the most popular size of matrices, it is tied to the diameter of the electron tube with similar parameters, i.e. goes back to the last century. It is enough to know that the larger the size, the higher the quality and price. Therefore, the sizes 1 ″, 1/2 ″, 2/3 ″ in video surveillance are used much less often because of the price (there are enough of them in professional photography), although the quality is higher there. Also, matrices 1/4″ and below are used less often due to lower quality. The fact is that with the same number of pixels (image elements), a larger matrix has a better quality due to less noise induced by neighboring elements. Over time, the size will probably go down, but for now, that's it.

About "SONY super HAD II CCD" is a color camera sensitivity enhancement technology developed by Guess Who. We will not go into details, who are interested - climb the search engines or write a question in the comments. It is enough to know that now there are 2 main technologies: CCD(si-si-di) and CMOS(in the jargon - chmos), which, in our opinion, respectively CCD(charge-coupled devices) and CMOS(complementary metal-oxide-conductor). But really, for the consumer:

— CCD (CCD) have a slightly higher quality, but are more expensive;

— CMOS (CMOS) cheaper a little, consumes less (not much).

Not so long ago, the technology DIS(digital image system - digital image system). There, the matrix is \u200b\u200bassembled on one chip with a video signal processor. It did not make a special revolution - the technologies are still the same. But here is one interesting effect - the matrix has a wider temperature range towards negative temperatures (up to -40). I understand that just a processor, standing on the same chip with a matrix, heats it up - a side effect. But this makes it possible to abandon the heating device, and in our Siberian conditions this is very important. For example, at one object, the cameras began to turn off in the evening (by the way, the same object that appears in "Protection class« called). Well, I figured it out, the point was that on the resistance of long thin wires, the supply voltage of the cameras dropped almost to the limit, and in the evening, when the temperature dropped (it was in autumn), the heating turned on, the current increased, and the voltage dropped completely - below the permissible threshold. That's when the cameras turned off. By the way, similar cases happen when the built-in infrared illumination is turned on in the dark. You just need to think when you are designing an object, and do not freebie during installation. Well, this is from another opera.

Well, of course, another significant parameter is matrix resolution, i.e. the number of pixels per line and the number of lines. For analog cameras, the limit of dreams is limited by the parameters of the standard PAL- 720x576 pixels. So, if you insert a matrix of any megapixel into an analog camera, the image will remain within the specified limits. Of course, with proper signal processing, the quality will increase somewhat by taking into account the brightness and color of the pixels adjacent to the transmitted ones. In addition, by summing the signals from neighboring pixels, you can increase the sensitivity. IP-cameras can produce an image corresponding to the resolution of the matrix, among them there are megapixel cameras, this is their indisputable plus. They have their drawbacks, but this is a subject for a separate discussion.

Matrix sensitivity- this is the minimum illumination in lux (lux, a unit of illumination, the international designation is lx), at which an object can be distinguished. At the moment, it is close to the technological limit. Somewhere in tenths or hundredths of a lux, as far as I remember. There are cameras with a sensitivity value, say 0.0001 lux. Here we must be aware that it is achieved by alternately summing images from several consecutive frames. This is done by the video signal processor and has nothing to do with the sensitivity of the matrix. In low light, a moving object will either be blurry or not visible at all. It should also be noted that in low light conditions, color matrices can switch to black and white image mode, and RGB (red, green, blue) color signals are added into a single luminance signal to increase sensitivity. At the same time, if the camera is equipped with an automatically retractable infrared filter that protects the matrix in the daytime, then the camera can operate with infrared illumination invisible to the naked eye.

By the way, our eye is arranged in a similar way - there, on the retina, there are sensitive elements that perceive color, but with low sensitivity, and in the dark others are connected - highly sensitive, but black and white. Hence the statement that at night all cats are gray.

There is another serious parameter - dynamic range. This is the ratio of the maximum bright and maximum dark signals that the matrix can process simultaneously. This parameter is better for CCD-matrices, but CMOS-s are actively developing.

In general, there are many parameters, you need to choose based on the tasks, conditions and financial capabilities (I apologize for the banality). Contact the experts, you can contact me 🙂

Everything you wanted to know about DSP Effio and the 960H format, but were afraid to ask.

Even despite the fact that all processors from the line can work in combination with 510H or 760H CCD matrices, more advanced types of matrices that work in 960H format are of the greatest interest. And such interest is not at all surprising, because earlier, for analog systems, it was impossible to achieve a resolution of 700TVL on the horizontal side, as is possible with new types of matrices bundled with DSP Effio.

The first ever matrix with 960H technology was the Super HAD II, which was developed using an already improved and well-established technology. Then came the EXview HAD II CCD, which, unlike its predecessor, received a new progressive filter and optical element. The light sensitivity of the second model in the line of new matrices, despite the reduced pixel sizes, was just as good as the sensitivity of the Super HAD II CCDs of the 760H format (in particular, with the ICX639BKA).

To compare the characteristics of CCD matrices from Sony , we have presented a comparison table for 700TVL resolution PAL cameras.

Name	ICX673AKA	ICX663AKA	ICX669AKA
Technology	Sony EXview HAD CCD II	Super HAD CCD II	Super HAD CCD II
CCD format	1/3" (diagonal 6 mm)	1/3" (diagonal 6 mm)	1/4" (diagonal 4.5 mm)
Number of pixels: - general - effective	610K 570K	610K 570K	610K 570K
Horizontal (H) and vertical (V) resolution: - general - effective	1020(H) x 596(V) 976(H)x(582)	1020(H) x 596(V) 976(H)x(582)	1020(H) x 596(V) 976(H)x(582)
Pixel dimensions, µm	5.0(H) x 6.25(V)	5.0(H) x 6.25(V)	3.75(H) x 5.56(V)
Sony Unified Light Sensitivity , mV (F5.6)	2400	1600	1350
Saturation level, mV	1400	800	540
Dark noise level, dB (F5.6)	-110	-105	-105
Supply voltage, V	+15 / -7.0	+15 / -7.5	+15 / -7.5
Charge transfer control signal, V	3,3	3,3	3,3
Processor Compatibility	"Effio P" "Effio-S" "Effio-E"	"Effio P"	"Effio P"

Sony technologies used in the production of matrices

Super HAD CCD II

"Super HAD CCD II" technology is Sony's high-end CCD HAD (Hole-Accumulation Diode) sensor element with a base light sensitivity of 1000 mV or more per pixel area - 1 µm2 (color at F5.6 / black and white: F8 - in the mode equivalent to the accumulation of a charge lasting 1 sec).

Super EXview HAD CCD II

"EXview HAD CCD II" is Sony's advanced high-performance sensor element - CCD HAD (Hole-Accumulation Diode) with a base light sensitivity of 1000 mV or more per pixel area - 1 µm2 (color at F5.6 / black and white: F8 - in a mode equivalent to a charge accumulation duration of 1 second). The new sensor model has improved light sensitivity in the infrared and near infrared range, as well as the previous "EXview HAD CCD" technology.

About Sony Effio today…

Modern realities are such that consumers need to be thoroughly familiar with the technologies on which CCTV cameras are built, in particular, if there is a need to purchase. Sellers of CCTV cameras (especially online stores) indicate far from complete information about the products they sell. The fact that a camera with DSP Effio equipment is sold in the assortment does not yet speak of all its capabilities. This is the same as selling a car, indicating only its make and model, without additional engine characteristics and other things. For example, a video camera based on the Effio-E processor has a minimal set of functions and does not have such features as: ATR-EX, Sens-UP, WDR and others.

But this is not the worst, because the most diverse CCD matrix can be installed in the camcorder device, which determines all the advantages of modern processors from Sony. For example, if the CCD does not support the 960H format, then the output image will not have a resolution of 700 TVL, but much lower.

Unfortunately, visually, the consumer will not be able to determine the device of the surveillance camera, namely, to find out what type of processor and matrix is installed. This is difficult to determine even from the output video image, since modern video surveillance systems use additional methods for digitizing the video signal.

Therefore, in order to avoid substitution of devices and the purchase of equipment that does not meet the technical specifications, require complete information on the video surveillance camera from the sellers. Only by detailed technical specifications you will be able to understand the actual equipment of the device: the format and technology of the CCD matrix, as well as the series of the Effio processor used.

Deputy Director for Development Andreev Kuzma.

A camera that doesn't need to be adjusted to get a great shot is no longer surprising. We are moving towards automation, and machines often do a much better job than humans. Indeed, laymen in the field of all kinds of shutter speeds, apertures and focal lengths will not be able to adjust the camera parameters as well as automation does. Sony DSC-W120 is not just a submachine gun. The BIONZ processor thinks about making the photos great. He understands the intricacies of photography no worse than a live professional photographer! The camera is equipped with a highly sensitive Super HAD CCD sensor, can focus on faces and even recognize a smile. The captured photos can be viewed with music ... And all this splendor is in a stylish colored aluminum case, which is light and durable, not afraid of falls and scratches.

Super HAD CCD matrix is not afraid of the dark

Resolution matrix Sony DSC-W120 is 7.2 megapixels. Sometimes more... Yes, it happens. But cameras with a higher resolution of the matrix sometimes do not have what the Sony DSC-W120 has. So, in the camera under consideration, not just a CCD matrix is installed, but a Super HAD CCD. Its maximum light sensitivity reaches ISO 3200. It uses larger microlenses than conventional CCD matrices, as a result of which the sensor captures more light, and therefore, even in low light conditions, good photos are obtained. By itself, the CCD-matrix practically does not generate "noise" (foreign color inclusions), so dark pictures will not be spoiled by them. The only thing is that when shooting in the dark, it can “slow down” a little. This is a technological feature of all CCD matrices. Since we are talking about noise, let's add that in the Sony DSC-W120 noise reduction is carried out before image processing by the processor (Clear RAW NR noise reduction, the manufacturer refers to this function as "RAW channel noise reduction"). Therefore, the processor receives an already improved image, and it finally “finishes” it, while it does not need to spend its resources on recognizing where the noise is and where the captured objects are. As a result, the output is a picture not with “smoothed out”, but with missing “noises”!

The BIONZ processor knows its stuff

So, enjoy your vacation or business trip, enjoy the pleasant events of your life and save them in a photo by simply clicking the shutter button. Don't think about the intricacies of photography so that they do not interfere with your good time, and the BIONZ processor will take care of the settings. It is clear that he sets the exposure, aperture, shutter speed, this is done by the processor of any digital camera. Let's see what else BIONZ can do. If you are not shooting from a tripod, your hand will inevitably shake, and the picture may come out “blurry”. "Scribble" can also occur if the object being filmed is accidentally set in motion. The Super SteadyShot system fights against this phenomenon. It is a combination of optical and digital image stabilization technologies. Special gyro sensors detect that the camera is shaking, and the processor turns on miniature electric motors that oscillate the lens in time with the shaking, so the picture is clear (optical stabilization). If the object being filmed moves, the system will increase the light sensitivity of the matrix, and the object will not be “blurred” (digital stabilization). Like any self-respecting modern digital camera, the Sony DSC-W120 has a face detection function (Face Detection). Up to 8 faces are recognized. Here the BIONZ processor shows us its abilities again. It not only can focus the camera on the faces in the frame, like many other processors. It corrects the white balance not according to the light source, but according to the face of the person being photographed, so the picture is obtained in a natural color, without extraneous shades. In addition, in low light, the complexion is corrected. You can set whether the faces to focus on are adults or children. A similar feature is Smile Shutter (literal translation of “smile shutter”). Its essence lies in the fact that the camera shutter is triggered at the moment when the person in the frame smiles, with the sensitivity adjusted to the width of the smile. Here, too, you can set the camera so that the shutter is released when either an adult or a child smiles. In this mode, if you simply press the shutter button, no picture will be taken. It is necessary that when the button is pressed, the person being photographed smiles, and only then the shutter will be released. Among the shooting modes on offer is the unusual Snapshot mode. When shooting in it, the object in the foreground (a person, a bouquet of flowers) is clear, and the background is slightly blurry. If you use the display as a viewfinder, you can display a grid on it to search for the so-called "golden ratio". It consists of two parallel lines that are perpendicular to two other parallel lines. At the intersection of these lines, you need to place the most important elements of the object being filmed. You can also record video. The duration of a video clip is limited by the amount of free space in the memory of the medium on which it is saved.

Using the camera is very easy!

You might say that with so many functions, this camera is difficult to control... Actually, the operation is very simple! The menu is Russified, the buttons are marked with well-known icons or inscriptions (“Home”, “Menu”).

Thanks to the aluminum case, the camera will not be scratched or broken when dropped. And yet, to reduce the likelihood of it falling, we recommend using the strap that is included in the kit. Put it on your wrist and then if you accidentally release the camera from your hands, it will not fall.

Working with captured photos is very convenient.

Great “pictures” are great, but they need to be saved somewhere. The amount of internal memory of the camera is 15 MB. One picture with a maximum resolution of 7.2 megapixels takes about 3 MB. This means that you can save no more than 5 pictures in your own memory. Not enough ... But you should not consider it as the main carrier. Pictures need to be saved to a memory card, and own memory can help out in a situation where the memory card is already full, but you need to take a few more pictures. You can use MemoryStick PRO Duo cards up to 16 GB. If you buy a card of this size (16 GB), you can save about 8 thousand 7.2 megapixel resolution pictures on it. There is no memory card included in the package, so you can buy a card of the volume that you need. In our stores you can find a wide range of memory cards. When a memory card is installed, images are recorded to it, and if it is not installed, then to its own memory. You can view the captured photos on the display. The 2.5 inch (6.4 cm) display will show your captured photos and videos in all their glory!

On the display, you can view photos in a slide show, and with music! You can choose from eight music options provided by the camera or upload your own. The volume is adjustable. You can upload your music using the Music Transfer program, which is on the CD included in the package. The duration of each music file must be no more than 5 minutes. Pictures must be transferred to a computer. Of course, you can take out the memory card and use the card reader. But you can connect the camera to a computer, then the memory card or the camera's own memory will be detected by standard Windows tools as an external medium, so you don't need to install any additional programs, you can immediately transfer pictures to your computer. Comes with a combo cable to connect the camera to both the USB port of the computer and the RCA input of the TV. You can print the pictures you have taken by connecting the camera directly to a Pict Bridge compatible printer via a USB cable. Such printers and their consumables are sold in our stores. Pictures stored in the camera's memory can be viewed on a high-definition TV. There is a special shooting mode for showing photos on such a TV. You need to purchase a dedicated component cable to connect the camera and TV.

ION verdict

The Sony DSC-W120 camera turned out to be an optimally balanced device in terms of functionality and cost. For a relatively low price, you get features that are not available in more expensive cameras. Of course, without music during the slideshow and the function of detecting a smile, it is quite possible to do. And in general, without a camera, too, you can do without. Sony offers you not to do without something, but, on the contrary, to enjoy both high quality images and nice additions.

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