Five new Sony cameras bring pixels and zoom aplenty

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posted Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:01 PM EST

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H90 digital camera. Click here to read our Sony H90 preview!Sony Electronics Inc. has today launched no less than five new long-zoom digital cameras, aiming to provide an appealing option no matter what your needs are. As well as anywhere from 16x to 30x zooms, most of the new models have backside-illuminated sensors and in-camera GPS, and one even includes WiFi connectivity.

For the entry-level photographer, the Sony DSC-H90 is the most basic of the group. It features a 16.1 megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor, a 16x optical zoom lens, and a 3.0-inch LCD display at an affordable $250 pricetag. As well as still photography, the Sony H90 brings720p movie capture. More details on this model in our Sony H90 preview.

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V digital camera. Click here to read our Sony HX10V preview!Stepping up the line, the Sony DSC-HX10V keeps the same lens, but switches to an 18 megapixel, BSI CMOS image sensor that allows a much wider sensitivity range, a claimed AF time as low as 0.13 seconds, and high-res still-image capture during movie recording using Sony's By Pixel Super Resolution technology. The Sony HX10V also has a higher-res LCD, and adds a GPS receiver. Additionally, it boosts video capture to Full HD, and switches to a stereo microphone. Priced at US$330, this model is covered in our Sony HX10V preview.

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V digital camera. Click here to read our Sony HX20V preview!The Sony DSC-HX20V uses the same sensor and has a similar feature set to the HX10V, but boasts a more powerful 20x optical zoom lens. It also adds more manual controls, and interestingly, has a body made from 99% recycled plastic, although you wouldn't know it to look at the handsome desig. Priced at around US$400, you can find more about this camera in our Sony HX20V preview.

Continuing to raise its game, the Sony DSC-HX30V is near-identical to the HX20V, but adds built-in WiFi connectivity that allows cable-free image sharing with your PC, tablet, or smartphone. We don't currently have details as to the WiFi specification used, but more details on this model--which commands a premium of just $20 for a final price of US$420--can be found in our Sony HX30V preview.

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V digital camera. Click here to read our Sony HX200V preview!Rounding out the group, the Sony DSC-HX200V has the highest specification, and completely different styling. With an SLR-like look, the HX200V retains similar features to the HX20V, but with a more powerful 30x zoom lens, and an electronic viewfinder that allows you to save a little battery life when you don't want to shoot at arm's length. More details can be found in our Sony HX200V preview, and this model is priced at US$480.

The Sony H90, HX10V, and HX200V will all ship in the US market from March 2012. The HX20V and HX30V will follow from May 2012. Specifications for all five cameras follow below...

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H90 digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: H90
Dimensions 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.3 in.
(105 x 60 x 34 mm)
Weight 7.8 oz (222 g)
Planned Price $250
Planned Availability March 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Super HAD CCD
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.40 megapixels (total)
16.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
11520 x 1080 (12.4 megapixels)
7152 x 1080 (7.7 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 1.0 frames per second for 100 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal460,800 dots (153,600 px)
Lens
Lens Type Sony Lens G; 10 elements in 7 groups, 4 aspheric elements
16x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.3 - 68.5mm (actual)
24 - 384mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.3 (W) / f/.9 (T)
Focusing System Contrast Detection AF: Multi-point, Center-weighted, Spot ; Tracking, Face Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 2" - infinity (5 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Modes Program, Manual
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, One Push
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 0.3 - 3.7m (W) / Approx. 1.2 - 2.1m (T)
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Scene (High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Advanced Sports Shooting, Gourmet, Pet Mode), Picture Effect (Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key), Panorama (Standard, Wide, 360 degrees)
Digital Zoom 4x Precision, up to 72x Smart Zoom
Self Timer Yes, 2, 10, Portrait1, Portrait2 seconds
Movie Format MP4 (AVC/H.264) with mono sound with audio
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Multiuse Terminal (AV(SD)/USB)
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BG1/NP-FG1
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 27.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant No
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
Notes Optical Image Stabilization, 720p HD movies, 4 Picture Effects. Available in silver, black or red.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H90 digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H90 digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H90 digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: HX10V
Dimensions 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.3 in.
(105 x 60 x 34 mm)
Weight 8.3 oz (234 g)
Planned Price $330
Planned Availability March 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
18.90 megapixels (total)
18.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4896 x 3672 (18.0 megapixels)
4896 x 2752 (13.5 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
10480 x 4096 (42.9 megapixels)
7512 x 1080 (8.1 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Lens
Lens Type Sony Lens G; 10 elements in 7 groups, 4 aspheric elements
16x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.3 - 68.5mm (actual)
24 - 384mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.3 (W) - f/5.9 (T)
Focusing System Contrast Detection AF: Multi-point, Center-weighted, Spot; Tracking, Face Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 2" - infinity (5 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Modes Program, Manual
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, One Push
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 0.25 - 5.3m (W) / Approx. 1.2 - 2.9m (T)
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Background Defocus, Scene (High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Advanced Sports Shooting, Gourmet, Pet Mode), Picture Effect (HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Watercolor, Illustration), 3D (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama, Sweep Multi Angle), Panorama (Intelligent Sweep Panorama)
Digital Zoom Up to 2x Clear Image, up to 4x Precision, up to 244x Smart Zoom
Self Timer Yes, 2, 10, Portrait1, Portrait2 seconds
Movie Format AVCHD Ver 2.0 or MP4; with stereo audio with audio
Max. clip length: 1,740 seconds ()
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG, MPF
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Micro USB, Mini HDMI (Type C)
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BG1/NP-FG1
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 19.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant No
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
Notes Optical Image Stabilization, Full HD Movies, Dual Record captures 13MP stills during movies, 9 Picture Effect options, Built-in GPS. Available in white, silver, black or red.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: HX20V
Dimensions 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.4 in.
(107 x 62 x 35 mm)
Weight 9.0 oz (254 g)
Planned Price $400
Planned Availability May 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
18.90 megapixels (total)
18.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4896 x 3672 (18.0 megapixels)
4896 x 2752 (13.5 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
10480 x 4096 (42.9 megapixels)
7512 x 1080 (8.1 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Lens
Lens Type Sony Lens G; 12 elements in 9 groups, 4 aspheric elements
20x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.5 - 89.0mm (actual)
25 - 500mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.2 (W) - f/5.8 (T)
Focusing System Contrast Detection AF: Multi-point, Center-weighted, Flexible Spot, Manual, Semi Manual; Tracking, Face Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing Range Normal: 0" - infinity (1 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 4,082" (1 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Modes Program, Manual
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, One Push, White Balance Shift
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 0.4 - 7.1m (W) / Approx. 1.7 - 3.9m (T)
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Background Defocus, Scene (High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Advanced Sports Shooting, Gourmet, Pet Mode), Picture Effect (HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Watercolor, Illustration), 3D (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama, Sweep Multi Angle), Panorama (Intelligent Sweep Panorama)
Digital Zoom Up to 2x Clear Image, up to 4x Precision, up to 306x Smart Zoom
Self Timer Yes, 2, 10, Portrait1, Portrait2 seconds
Movie Format AVCHD Ver 2.0 or MP4; with stereo audio with audio
Max. clip length: 1,740 seconds ()
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG, MPF
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other Micro USB, Mini HDMI (Type C)
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BG1/NP-FG1
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 105.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant No
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
Notes Optical Image Stabilization, Full HD 1080p Movies, Dual Record captures 13MP stills during movies, 9 Picture Effect options, Built-in GPS. Available in black.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: HX30V
Dimensions 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.4 in.
(107 x 62 x 35 mm)
Weight 9.0 oz (254 g)
Planned Price $420
Planned Availability May 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
18.90 megapixels (total)
18.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4896 x 3672 (18.0 megapixels)
4896 x 2752 (13.5 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
10480 x 4096 (42.9 megapixels)
7512 x 1080 (8.1 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Lens
Lens Type Sony Lens G; 12 elements in 9 groups, 4 aspheric elements
20x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.5 - 89.0mm (actual)
25 - 500mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.2 (W) - f/5.8 (T)
Focusing System Contrast Detection AF: Multi-point, Center-weighted, Flexible Spot, Manual, Semi Manual; Tracking, Face Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing Range Normal: 0" - infinity (1 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 4,082" (1 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/1600 second
Exposure Modes Program, Manual
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, One Push, White Balance Shift
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Syncro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 0.4 - 7.1m (W) / Approx. 1.7 - 3.9m (T)
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Background Defocus, Scene (High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Advanced Sports Shooting, Gourmet, Pet Mode), Picture Effect (HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, Soft High-key, Watercolor, Illustration), 3D (3D Still Image, 3D Sweep Panorama, Sweep Multi Angle), Panorama (Intelligent Sweep Panorama)
Digital Zoom Up to 2x Clear Image, up to 4x Precision, up to 306x Smart Zoom
Self Timer Yes, 2, 10, Portrait1, Portrait2 seconds
Movie Format AVCHD Ver 2.0 or MP4; with stereo audio with audio
Max. clip length: 1,740 seconds ()
Storage
Recording Medium Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG, MPF
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: No
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed, WiFi
Other Micro USB, Mini HDMI (Type C)
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary NP-BG1/NP-FG1
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary NP-BG1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 105.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant No
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Remote Control No
Notes Optical Image Stabilization, Full HD 1080p Movies, Dual Record captures 13MP stills during movies, 9 Picture Effect options, Built-in GPS, Built-in Wi-Fi. Available in black.
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V digital camera. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type EVF
Manufacturer Sony
Model Number North America: HX200V
Dimensions 4.8 x 3.4 x 3.7 in.
(122 x 87 x 93 mm)
Weight 20.6 oz (583 g)
Planned Price $480
Planned Availability March 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type Sony Exmor R CMOS
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
18.90 megapixels (total)
18.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type RGBG
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 4:3
Image Dimensions 4896 x 3672 (18.0 megapixels)
4896 x 2752 (13.5 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
10480 x 4096 (42.9 megapixels)
7512 x 1080 (8.1 megapixels)
4912 x 1920 (9.4 megapixels)
4912 x 1080 (5.3 megapixels)
3424 x 1920 (6.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 10.0 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder Yes, EVF; 0.5cm (0.2"), 201,600 dot equivalent
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Lens
Lens Type Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*; 11 elements in 10 groups (incl 1ED galss & 1 aspheric element)
30x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.8 - 144.0mm (actual)
27 - 810mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.8 (W) - f/5.6 (T)
Focusing System Contrast Detection AF: Multi-point, Center-weighted, Flexible Spot, Manual; Tracking, Face Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Focusing Range Normal: 0" - infinity (1 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 4,082" (1 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100 - 12,800 in 1/3 EV steps
Shutter Speed 30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, One Push, White Balance Shift
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Rear Slow Synchro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction: On/Off/Auto
Range: ISO Auto: Approx. 0.3 - 12.4m (W) / Approx. 2.0 - 5.9m (T)
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes Background Defocus, Scene (High Sensitivity, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur, Backlight Correction HDR, Beach, Snow, Fireworks

Press Release

Get Closer To The Action With New High-Zoom Sony Cyber-shot Cameras

New Cyber-shot “H Series” Feature Newly Designed, Ultra-thin Zoom lenses, Wi-Fi® Capabilities

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2012 – Sony’s new “H-Series” high-zoom Cyber-shot cameras make it easy to capture crisp, beautiful photos and HD videos from a variety of distances.  Ideal for travel photography or simply capturing everyday content, the five new models include the DSC-HX200V, DSC-HX30V, DSC-HX20V, DSC-HX10V and DSC-H90 cameras.

The HX30V and HX20V models will each feature a new, ultra-thin 20x optical lens, which enhances zoom capabilities while still maintaining a small, compact body.  Additionally, the HX30V will feature Wi-Fi® capabilities, allowing for seamless transfer of photos to compatible smartphones, tablets or televisions and sharing via popular social networking services. 

“Consumers want versatility in a compact camera,” said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics.  “By focusing on slim, stylish designs while adding advanced image sensors, strong zoom capabilities and new opportunities to share content socially, we continue to push the boundaries of the category.” 

The new 20x zoom “AA” (advanced aspherical) lens element in the HX30V and HX20V models produces outstanding results with a design drastically smaller than comparable 20x lenses in previous models.  The thinly-designed lens, which requires highly sophisticated glass molding to create, allows the camera chasses to remain as compact as possible.  In addition to its strong zoom capabilities, the new “AA” lens can focus at a minimum distance of approximately 1 cm for stunning, clear macro shots.

The new DSC-HX30V model features Wi-Fi® capabilities, allowing it to link directly and transfer content to a variety of compatible devices including smartphones, tablets and televisions. Using the new PlayMemories™ Mobile application from Sony, images can then be shared easily from the host device on Facebook®, YouTube® and other popular sharing sites. The Play Memories app is currently available for free download on both the iTunes® app store and Android Market™.  

High-Zoom, High-Resolution
The new HX200V, HX30V, HX20V and HX10V cameras all have a new Sony 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the highest resolution sensor currently offered in the mainstream “point and shoot” market.  The new sensor teams with an advanced BIONZ® processor to deliver blazing fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daylight and 0.21 seconds in low-light shooting situations (in case of fastest model, measured at 3 EV). Additionally, the new cameras feature “Clear Image Zoom” digital zoom technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capabilities (i.e. 20x optical to 40x “Clear Image Zoom”) while maintaining full resolution.

The high-end HX200V features a 30x optical zoom (60x “Clear Image Zoom”), with the HX30V and HX20V cameras each offering 20x optical zoom (40x “Clear Image Zoom”) and the HX10V model offering 16x optical zoom (32x “Clear Image Zoom”).  Each of these new models has “Optical Steady Shot” to reduce any blurring caused by camera shake during shooting – even with the zoom extended - as well as some creative photographic settings. 

The entry-level H90 zoom camera has a 16.1 MP CCD sensor, 16x optical zoom lens, 720p HD video capabilities, enhanced image stabilization for both stills and movie shooting (Optical Steady Shot Active Mode) and a variety of other useful features.  

Product Specs, Pricing and Availability
The new assortment of high-zoom “H Series” cameras will be available at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.  Detailed specifications are below:

  • The DSC-HX200V camera will be available in black this March for approximately $480.  Features include:

    • 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor

    • 30x optical zoom lens (27-810mm in 35mm format) with 60x digital “Clear Image Zoom” at full resolution

    • “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities

    • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.24 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)

    • 3.0-inch, 921k dot resolution tilting LCD screen

    • Captures 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”

    • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (3 way shake cancelling)

    • Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

    • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function

  • The DSC-HX30V camera will be available in black this May for approximately $420. Features include:

    • 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor

    • 20x optical zoom lens (25-500mm in 35mm format) with 40x  digital “Clear Image Zoom” at full resolution

    • Wi-Fi enabled for sharing content directly with compatible smartphone, PC, tablet or other devices

    • “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities

    • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.21 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)

    • 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen

    • Captures13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”

    • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (3 way shake cancelling)

    • Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

    • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function

    • Manufactured with “SoRPlas” – Sony recycled plastic – an exceptionally durable plastic containing 99% recycled materials

  • The DSC-HX20V camera will be available in black this May for approximately $400. Features include:

    • 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor

    • 20x optical zoom lens (25-500mm in 35mm format) with 40x digital “Clear Image Zoom” at full resolution

    • “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities

    • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.21 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)

    • 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen

    • Captures 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”

    • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (3 way shake cancelling)

    • Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

    • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function

    • Manufactured with “SoRPlas” – Sony recycled plastic – an exceptionally durable plastic containing 99% recycled materials

  • The DSC-HX10V camera will be available in white, silver, black and red this March for approximately $330. Features include:

    • 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor

    • 16x optical zoom lens (24-384mm in 35mm format) with 40x digital “Clear Image Zoom” at full resolution

    • “Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities

    • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.22 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)

    • 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen

    • Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”

    • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (2 way shake cancelling)

    • Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

    • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function

  • The DSC-H90 camera will be available in silver, black and red this March for approximately $250. Features include:

    • 16.1 MP CCD sensor

    • 16x optical zoom lens (24-384mm in 35mm format)

    • 3.0-inch, 460k dot LCD screen

    • 720p HD Movie Shooting capability (1280x720/30p), Optical SteadyShot Active Mode

    • Improved iAuto mode that can recognize up to 33 scenes

    • 4 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

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