Sony Party-Shot Dock Takes Responsibility For Your Kodak Moments

Hot on the heals of the new Cyber-shot TX1 and WX1 comes this three-legged curiosity, Sony's Party-shot.  Intended to grab the photos you're too busy, drunken or generally conspicuous to snap yourself, the Party-shot dock works with the two new cameras and offers automatic face-detection, 360-degree pans and button-free photos.

If the adjustable feet don't get the Party-shot to the right height, it's also tripod-mountable.  Power is from two AA batteries or an optional AC adapter; unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any "automatic upload" system, which would stop friends from prematurely deleting any especially incriminating shots.

The Sony Party-shot IPT-DS1 will go up for pre-order this month, with deliveries expected to begin in September.  It's priced at around $150.

Press Release:

SONY UNVEILS PARTY-SHOT: AN AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHER

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 5, 2009 – Sony today introduced the Party-shot™ personal photographer (model IPT-DS1)—an innovative camera dock that pans 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detects faces, adjusts composition and takes photos for you.

The Party-shot camera accessory uses the camera's BIONZ™ image processor with its Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ features to take photos without the user needing to snap the shutter button. This device makes it easy to capture more natural expressions and fun, candid moments of you, your family and friends without having to hire a photographer.

"With the Party-shot personal photographer, you no longer have to worry about taking photos when you are with your family or friends," said Shigehiko Nakayama, digital imaging accessories product manager at Sony Electronics. "Party-shot captures candid moments that tell natural life stories and also offers a new style of photography that enriches time with your family and friends."

Compatible with the DSC-WX1 and DSC-TX1 Cyber-shot® digital cameras, the Party-shot camera accessory is mountable on nearly any tripod, so you can set it up in a convenient location in your home, especially when you are entertaining. With two AA batteries, the Party-shot camera accessory captures photos for up to 11 hours and is portable, so you can enjoy taking pictures outdoors. You can also use an AC adaptor (sold separately).

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders will begin on August 6, 2009, at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The Party-shot camera accessory will be available for about $150 in September at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.