Sony Ericsson Hopes To Recover with Camera Phones

Sony Ericsson is hoping to boost its sagging handset sales through the launch of two new camera-enabled mobile phones on AT&T’s national network, beginning Sunday.

Priced at $179.99 after an AT&T rebate, Sony Ericsson’s C905a Cyber-shot sports an 8.1-megapixel camera — the highest resolution ever offered in a mobile phone from AT&T. And the W518a Walkman phone combines a 3.2-megapixel camera with interactive features targeting the Facebook social-networking site.

The European handset maker needs all the help it can get after posting a “disastrous” 43 percent decline in sales Thursday, noted IDC Research Manager Francisco Jeronimo. “Sony Ericsson hasn’t understood the three main opportunities for growth are emerging markets, smartphones and services,” he said.

Targeting Shutterbugs

Sony Ericsson is targeting photography and video enthusiasts with the Cyber-shot phone, which integrates advanced features such as autofocus, GPS tagging, face detection, and xenon flash with red-eye reduction and a maximum storage capacity of 16GB. The goal is to enable users to snap crisp, bright and clear photos.

Users can either store their photos on the handset, send them over AT&T’s 3G network, or print them directly via any PictBridge-compatible printer, said Sony Ericsson Vice President Karen Morris.

“Featuring a broad range of capabilities packed into a slick, easy-to-use slider form factor, the C905a is a versatile choice whether you’re an avid photographer and early technology adopter, or a proud parent who always wants your digital camera by your side,” Morris said.

Sporting a 2.4-inch scratch-resistant mineral glass screen, the Cyber-shot also doubles as a video recorder. And through the use of AT&T’s Video Share service, users will be able to share their summer experiences in real time with streaming video.

By contrast, the Walkman phone is designed to appeal to social-networking aficionados. One click from the phone’s standby screen enables a user to instantly update his…