Sony claims to have solved a problem we all grapple with: getting good photos in low light without resorting to an ambience-killing flash. The company just announced two Cyber-shot point-and-shoot cameras with new low-light sensors that it says will deliver sharp, well-exposed images–bright lighting not necessary.

The two new Cyber-shots, DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1, deliver better light sensitivity thanks to Sony’s Exmor R back-illuminated sensor, which debuted on the Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Further boosting their low-light chops, the TX1 and WX1 both incorporate the hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur multi-shot modes that were also introduced in the bulkier DSC-HX1.

I haven’t had a chance to play with the compact 10.2-megapixel cameras, but chances are the WX1 will deliver better low-light images, thanks to its f/2.4 maximum aperture, which will let in a lot more light than the TX1’s maximum aperture of F/3.5. Plus, the WX1 has a remarkably wide and versatile 24mm lens with a 5X optical zoom (24mm to 120mm equivalent). The DSC-TX1, by comparison, has a 35mm to 140mm (equivalent) lens with a 4X optical zoom.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1The TX1 costs a bit more, despite a bit less lens, because it includes a larger 3-inch touch-screen LCD and a snazzier, slimmer (0.65-inch) design. The WX1 is svelte at 0.80 inch, but its design is decidedly utilitarian. Both Cyber-shots include Sony’s Sweep Panorama and 10 frames-per-second burst shooting features. (NYT)