Sony Ericsson Announces 8.1-Megapixel CameraphoneSony Ericsson Announces 8.1-Megapixel Cameraphone

Sony Ericsson leapfrogged the competition by unveiling Tuesday a cell phone that packs an 8.1-megapixel camera.

The device, which was leaked a week ago, is officially called the C905 Cyber-shot, and is designed as an alternative to a digital camera. Top-of-the-line competitors like the Nokia N95 currently top out at 5 megapixels.

Besides the industry-leading camera, the sliding phone also features a Xenon flash, digital zoom, face detection, red-eye reduction, auto-focus, and an image stabilizer.

The camera can also be used to record videos, as well as make video calls. Because pictures will take more space to store, a 2-GB Micro M2 memory stick will be included to augment the phone's 120 MB of internal memory.

The device is DNLA-enabled, so users can send photos from the phone to a television via the integrated Wi-Fi. The built-in assisted GPS can support navigation, as well as geo-tag photos. The phone also comes with a USB adaptor to transfer data to a computer.

It can be used for more than taking pictures, as it has full 3G support (UMTS and HSDPA included), compatibility with Exchange Activesync, an Internet browser, instant messenger, and Bluetooth capabilities.

The screen is a 2.4-inch scratch-resistant QVGA display and includes an auto-rotating feature. There's a multimedia player capable of playing multiple formats and streaming video. A sound recorder and FM radio are also included.

The C905 Cyber-shot measures in at 4.1 by 1.9 by 0.7 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces. It is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of this year, and no expected price was given.

Sony Ericsson also unveiled a mid-range 2-megapixel cameraphone called the S302. Full specifications can be found here.