Last update 11 November’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ ImagingResource
Sony Cyber-shot H20 announced on February 17, 2009 is an optical image stabilized 10.1 megapixel digital camera that features a Carl Zeiss® 10x optical Vario-Tessar® lens, face detection, smart auto mode, 3 inch LCD, 720p video, and camera dimensions are W x H x D: 4 1/4″ x 2 3/4″ x 1 7/8″ (107.3mm x 68.7mm x 47.1mm) and it weighs (Approx.) : Approx. 9.8oz. (279g) – With battery and Memory Stick media.
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Review Index – (updated 11 November’09)
ImagingResource
“There really is no photo situation this camera would not be able to handle. If you are feeling inspired it’s options lets you push the creative envelope even further. the 10x is very cool to use and anything less seems dinky. If you travel you might want to take a close look at this one because for such a small camera the photo quality is about as good as you are going to get. With no hesitation we give it our recommendation.”
CameraLabs
“The H20 takes great photos at lower sensitivities and you can also use the optical zoom when filming video – which is pretty rare for cameras in this price bracket. It has a wide range of auto exposure modes, fast and accurate autofocus and a very easy menu system, which makes this camera ideal for auto shooters. It’s is an great camera that combines big telephoto pull, easy to use, manual exposure control and HD video in a small form and it won’t break the bank either – because it has all the right features and makes great pictures it receives our full recommendation.”
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CNET
“It’s well-designed, comfortable to use, and has a good mix of features including three types of automatic shooting modes and a manual mode if you want to tinker with shutter speeds and apertures (though there are only four available). The menu system is refined from other Sony cameras simplifying use. And while its photos are not stellar, they’re very good for its class–and for Sony.”
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Cameras.co.uk
“This is a neat, compact digital camera offering extra zoom. Picture quality is good and the movie mode is advanced too. I like the design of the camera and there is a manual exposure mode as well.”
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PhotographyBlog
“If it weren’t for the lack of wide angle and quick access to ISO and exposure compensation, we would be tempted to award our highest ‘Essential!’ rating to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20. With these few deficiencies, we feel more comfortable giving it our second-best rating, ‘Highly Recommended’, which is well deserved and a step up from the ‘Recommended’ award we gave to its predecessor last year.”
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CNET UK
“The main problem with the H20 is that it lacks a wide-angle zoom. Otherwise though, its responsiveness, handling and controls make it a great camera to use. It’s very effective at full zoom too, which is where many rival compact superzooms struggle. Finally, the rather good HD movie mode is a major selling point on its own.”
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]Sample Photos
[Sample Photos @ ImagingResource]
[Sample Photos @ CameraLabs]
[Sample Photos @ CNET]
[Sample Photos @ Cameras.co.uk]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos @ CNET UK 1, 2]
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Press Release
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 17, 2009 – Sony today announced five new Cyber-shot® cameras (models DSC-T900, DSC-T90, DSC-W290, DSC-W230 and DSC-H20) that make it easier to take the best pictures without changing settings.
The intelligent auto mode, available on the T900, T90, W290 and H20 models helps “think” for you and detect scene conditions then adjust settings, especially in difficult lighting scenarios.
“This camera provides a seamless experience,” said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging Division. “You can go from a walk in the park to taking pictures of a flower and then back to beautiful landscapes or indoor birthday parties, and the camera will know what to do to get the best shot.”
Additionally, intelligent auto mode enhances pictures of faces to capture natural skin tones, identifies when your subject has closed eyes, and helps reduce blur without damaging image quality.
Sony has combined three key technologies to make these cameras smarter.
Intelligent scene recognition (iSCN) detects up to eight scenes, recognizing objects, faces and lighting conditions (e.g. low light and backlight). Then, in one-thirtieth of a second, it changes the setting to get the best shot.
Face detection registers up to eight faces; adjusts focus, exposure, white balance and flash; and detects motion. This intelligent camera combines face detection with iSCN, featuring blink detection. It takes two pictures and saves the one in which the subject’s eyes are the least shut.
The W290 and H20 cameras also have selected-face memory, allowing you to zero in on the main subject’s face. The next time the camera detects the priority face in the frame, it will automatically focus on that person.
The W230 model has iSCN that detects up to five scene conditions, face detection with child and adult priority, and the Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization feature. You can turn on these features in auto mode to make the W230 camera intelligent.
All of the new cameras have the Optical SteadyShot feature and Smile Shutter™ technology. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization feature helps prevent blur due to camera shake without impacting image quality. Equipped with Sony’s Smile Shutter technology, these cameras automatically capture a smile the moment it happens.
Another advanced feature that sets these cameras apart from most digital still cameras is iSCN advanced. Noblecilla said the iAuto feature increases the chances of getting a great shot. You can also set up iSCN advanced as a permanent feature. When the scene has difficult lighting such as backlight or low light, the camera will take two shots within a fraction of a second using two alternative settings, so you can select which picture you prefer.
HD Movies
The W290, H20, T90 and T900 cameras feature wide and full-screen 720p movie recording at 30 frames per second in fine, standard and VGA recording modes. The 720p movie resolution is three times higher than VGA movies.
The movie function is based on the MPEG4 codec for video compression. Plus the T900 has a stereo microphone. Benefits of the format include high-quality video as well as PC-friendly files that are easy to download, upload and share.
Style and Color
With a compact design for easy on-the-go portability, the DSC-T90 and DSC-T900 cameras are 15 millimeters and 16.3 millimeters thin, respectively. 2009 line of W and T colors come in a pallet of colors to match your unique style.
Powerful Core Features
The W230 camera has 12.1 megapixels, 4x (30mm) Carl Zeiss® Vario Tessar optical zoom lens and 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen. The W290 model adds a 5x wide (28mm) optical zoom lens.
The T90 camera also has 12.1 megapixels and a 4x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom and 3-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch-panel LCD screen. The T900 camera adds a larger 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen that delivers high resolution images (921,600 dots), which is approximately four times higher than conventional LCD screens.
The H20 model features 10.1 megapixels, a 10x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen.
Easy navigation
Sony has simplified the display of options on most of these cameras to make it easier for customers to use them. The most commonly used features include shooting mode, zoom, play, delete and Smile Shutter. These are available at a click or touch of a button. More sophisticated users can select other shooting modes or change the settings using the menu button.
Tools to Edit, Archive and Share
These cameras are equipped with tools to edit, archive and share. They have in-camera retouch features like red-eye correction and image management to easily sort through thousands of photos in calendar view or album view. You can group favorites and filter by baby, adult, all faces or smiles. The PhotoMusic feature offers an HD slideshow mode with transitions and music for viewing on the camera or television.
The HD output feature lets you view images in high-defintion, although HDMI and component cables are not included. The T900 camera is bundled with a camera stand that allows HDMI connectivity, but the cable is not included.
Bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software allows you to quickly organize images on a compatible PC and upload images to the Web. You can search and organize images by event, smile or face, including children and infants. Then you can display them in calendar or chronological views organized into folders.
