TOKYO, Jan 31 — From the front, Sony’s new glass-encased Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V compact camera looks like a stunt double for the iPhone 4S and the Nokia Lumia 900 smartphones.

The flagship camera is the latest device to give a nod to the emerging trend of glass-plated gadgets — a category which already includes the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S smartphones, and the glass-topped HP Envy 14 Spectre laptop.

Sony’s TX200V (picture) features a reinforced glass design on the front and a 3.3in Xtra Fine Tru-Black OLED touch screen on the back.

It packs in an impressive 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor (the highest-resolution sensor currently found on a point and shoot camera), on-board creative editing settings, and a 5x optical zoom.

The TX200V is also designed to protect your photos from the elements: the camera is waterproof up to 5m, dustproof, and freezeproof down to -10° Celsius.

Sony is also releasing the Cyber-shot DSC-WX70 and DSC-WX50 point and shoot cameras. Both cameras feature a 16.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, full HD video, a 5x optical zoom and nine different picture effect modes.

The WX50 is priced at US$200 (RM620) and comes with a 2.7in LCD screen. The WX70 is US$30 more expensive and comes with a slightly bigger (3in) touchscreen. Both cameras will be available in March. The TX200V will arrive in stores around the same time and will be priced at US$500. — AFP-Relaxnews