Sony camera decides when to take snaps

San Diego (CA) – Sony’s new Party-shot cameras can now do everything automatically – including deciding when to take pictures.

The IPT-DS1 personal photographer camera dock pans 360 degrees and tilts 24 degrees, automatically detects faces, adjusts composition and takes photos for you.

Says Sony: “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.”

Presumably if you’re of a miserable disposition, you’ll have to press the shutter yourself, or hold up a picture of Al Gore grinning like a loon to trigger it automatically. It will no doubt also prove popular with keen home pornographers too shy to ask a friend to hold the camera.

“With the Party-shot personal photographer, you no longer have to worry about taking photos when you are with your family or friends,” says Shigehiko Nakayama, manager of the digital imaging accessories business 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 captures photos for up to 11 hours.  The Party-shot is available to pre-order from today and should be in stores next month at about $150.