In this conversation courtesy of Sony Design, we are given introspective behind the DSC-TX1 – “familiar, minimalist T-series style, yet fresh and bold.” The Sony Design article continues on with – “Cyber-shot” T-series cameras are prized for their slim bodies and stylish design. Here’s a reinterpretation of this theme, wrapped in graceful curves, alluring colors, and a new GUI. What’s behind this ripple in T-series design?” The interview is great, and some of the quotes are a riot, such as “..and I think the TX1 shows just the right amount of sexiness better than any past models.”
Ishii: In the previous DSC-T77 and T700, we slimmed down the “Cyber-shot” T series considerably. These models helped establish a reputation as sleek, beautiful cameras, and our work was recognized with international design awards. In the new TX1, we focused on improving picture quality. Even low-light shots look great, thanks to a newly developed image sensor (the “Exmor R” CMOS sensor). It’s an update specifically to satisfy those wanting a T-series camera that also excels in darker conditions.
But enhancing picture quality and camera performance entails rearranging mechanisms inside, and the body inevitably becomes thicker. Responding to these internal changes through design proved very challenging. Fail to redesign the outside to account for changes inside, and we would lose the attractive T-series slimness. At the same time, we sought an enticing image not found in the T77. Straight lines and circles make the T77 seem starkly geometrical. Retaining the clean lines in a body that’s gently curvaceous and sexier would yield an alluring new appearance, we thought.
In this regard, Yujin made valuable contributions in industrial design. Among Sony designers, he has a way with curves that’s all his own. He happens to be very knowledgeable about cosmetic packaging design. It was a good opportunity to introduce this style in “Cyber-shot” design.
Morisawa: After much thought, I decided that the only way to deal with the body thickness was to create a flowing lens cover. Now, depending on how you draw the line that forms a curve, surfaces can seem cute, sexy, or chiseled. Because curves can be drawn in so many ways, it’s critical to strike the right balance for the project concept. Just the right amount of sexiness, as you find in cosmetics products, would appeal to women. Still, we had to keep other qualities people associate with “Cyber-shot” cameras: luxurious, with simple, fine textures. For a compelling balance of these qualities, it took a lot of effort to create a single line for the curve.
When designing shapes mainly composed of curves, I draw lines by hand, trace them to recreate them digitally, and then simulate them in 3D CAD software. One reason for this process is that even if you draw a simple curve, it may not reflect light evenly in physical models. Designers often consider how light is reflected when creating curves, but this is something you can’t rely on CAD to reproduce perfectly. I worked with Daisuke to study the curves, fine-tune the line, simulate how light flows across the surface, and then confirm it with mock-ups. As you see, we could say that creating curves involves in-depth study of a single line.
The TX1 lens cover that emerged from this work retains clean lines. On both sides, the path of the line continues straight instead of curling around the body. This is nicely balanced with the smoothly flowing gentle contours formed by the curves. Ultimately, a body size that seemed to pose design challenges inspired a new sense of character in the camera, and I think the TX1 shows just the right amount of sexiness better than any past models.
Morisawa: More advanced components (for better picture quality and performance) and a curved cover make the new DSC-TX1 slightly thicker than the T77, but so far, no one’s complaining. That’s because the design emphasizes slimness. The sides, top, and back are nicely tapered. I’m particularly impressed by how closely the smoothly tapered sides follow the lines of the lens cover. And considering how the back is framed by curved, tapering surfaces and crisp edges, it must be very hard to mold in rigid stainless steel. If not for the engineers’ dedication to details, the final form of the camera would never have met our expectations so well.
Thanks to them, the build quality conveys a satisfying sense of precision and desirable textures overall. Other refinements-in the shape of buttons and the strap holder, for example-make the camera easier to use. Women and men alike will appreciate the details that make this camera both user-friendly and exquisite.
Furue: Usability has been the key criterion in touchscreens on compact digital cameras to date, which you can touch directly instead of navigating with arrow buttons. But we were convinced of untapped potential, so to speak. There must be uniquely enjoyable or satisfying ways to use touchscreen controls. They promise greater convenience, without a doubt. Drag with your finger to rewind or fast-forward playback, for example. Or enjoy other direct control with just a touch. Although we were careful not to leave existing “Cyber-shot” users behind, for the TX1 we sought just this kind of new GUI design.
You’ll see the difference in menus, for one thing. Previous menu screens listed items vertically, and choosing an item expanded the list horizontally into submenus. In contrast, the TX1 shows nine icons across the screen. This reduces the hassle of scrolling, and you can find desired functions quickly. You can also customize the menu. If you’ll be changing the ISO speed a lot, just drag the icon to the menu screen. That’s all you have to do to add the icon, which you can then access directly to change the ISO speed as needed. You’ll be glad it’s a touchscreen, now that you can modify the screen layout so it’s easier or more enjoyable to use.
Komatsu: For this GUI, we designed new transparent icons. They replace basic monochrome icons that obscured the images behind them. Now, the effect is like frosted glass, and even when icons are displayed over images, you can clearly see the images.
Even when you’re shooting, icons are arranged to avoid interfering with your field of view. Ideally, you should have an unobstructed view when shooting. That’s why in the TX1, the menu and shooting information do not cover images at an aspect ratio of 4:3. The icons are arranged at left and right in 16:9, but simply tap on the left side of the screen to hide them in a full-screen view. You can instantly switch between showing and hiding these interface items, between shooting and playing back images, and so on. These are the highlights of the new GUI.
Akita: The colors and textures you see on the DSC-TX1 enhance the beautiful curves of the camera body. That’s why the body is matte and the lens cover has a satin finish, for example. The surfaces gleam like jewelry and were designed with parties and glamorous events in mind. As color options, the ever-popular pink and silver were our first choices. Black would be another popular color, but we chose titanium gray because it accentuates subtle shading in the curves.
The gold proved very difficult to achieve. It was proposed, instead of brown (a favorite in the T77), as a more luxurious color. It’s the only color option with a semi-mirrored lens cover, but it took many attempts to get the color we had imagined. To create the mirror finish, we polish the aluminum base material until it becomes reflective and then dye it. Slightly too much or too little dye on this gleaming surface, and it no longer seems metallic, or the color becomes dull. We sought the clarity of jewelry, in a subdued, chic gold. It was quite a feat, making it more brilliant but less bright. After many unsuccessful attempts, it was just as we started considering other finishes when we finally achieved the desired color. I think our hard work was worth it. The elegance is immediately clear.
Achieving the blue was no easy matter, either. We took a chance this time and chose a luxurious violet blue. Depending on the light, though, it takes on various tinges. A sample that looked deep blue sitting on my desk might look reddish violet in a conference room, so we had to check the color carefully and adjust it as needed. Actually, this phenomenon is interesting, and owners can look forward to the subtle changes in appearance.
Katsuraku: To go with your camera, take a look at the new leather cover (LCJ-THE) and hard carrying case (LCH-TW1).
The leather cover was developed especially for “Cyber-shot” cameras. In the cover, you’ll find a reflection of textures and other qualities in the cameras. Molded genuine leather makes a fitting material for the upscale DSC-TX1. In the carrying case, we tried a new approach. An outer layer represents metallic colors and an inner layer, nonmetallic ones. The effect is luxurious. Of course, you’ll also find a few touches for better usability. There’s no need to put the cover away each time you shoot with a tripod. While the camera’s still fastened to the case, just attach the case to the tripod. And when you’re preparing to take a shot, you can use the cover as a camera grip. The logo badges match the colors and finishes of the DSC-TX1 top cover. Slide this off the cover, and you’ll see it’s actually a stylus you can use to operate the camera.
The role of the hard carrying case was originally proposed by those of us in design, before it became a product. No cases so far had been designed with camera protection as the first priority. It’s made of polycarbonate, as used in suitcases. Behind the unassuming exterior, it’s quite strong-able to withstand 100 kg or a drop of 1.5 m. Inside, the camera is firmly held by cushions. In fact, this structure makes the case compatible with models of other sizes. Preventing cameras from being jostled in transit and absorbing impact are just a couple benefits. Because we wanted to prevent accidents when opening or closing the case with a camera inside, you’ll find that the case opens fully after a click. This way, the camera is less likely to drop out if you’re opening the case with one hand.
Slip your camera into the leather cover for everyday use, or toss the carrying case into your luggage before a vacation or business trip. Either way, you’ll appreciate the many extra touches. Your new camera-and-case combo is your ticket to enjoying “Cyber-shot” photography.
