Sony expands ultrazoom line with Cyber-shot DSC-H20

[Allison Johnson]

Sony has announced another addition to their family of compact ultra-zooms, the Cyber-shot DSC-H20.

The H20 updates the Cyber-shot H10 with a higher resolution sensor, more of Sony's intelligent auto technology, and 720p HD video recording.

More megapixels
The Cyber-shot H20 will retain the same 38-380mm (35mm equivalent) Carl Zeiss 10x optical zoom lens as its predecessor.

While the H10 sported an 8.1 megapixel sensor, the H20 will feature 10.1 megapixels, putting it ahead of both the H10 and H50 in terms of resolution.

An ultrazoom with HD video
The H20 will be the first of Sony's ultrazooms to feature 720p HD movie recording. Additionally, it will feature HD output capability and HD slideshow playback with stereo sound.

The H20 will also sport a 3.0 inch LCD, consistent with the H10 and the H50.

A smarter camera
The H20 is also getting a tech update, incorporating Sony's new Intelligent Auto function and face detection technology.

Like the premium ultracompacts in Sony's round of pre-PMA announcements, the H20 will offer users a Face Priority function. It's a feature that will allow users to select a particular face within a frame and track it from shot to shot. The camera will adjust settings automatically to give the selected face priority in each photo.

Other technological goodies available on this model include in-camera photo re-touching, ten pre-programmed scene modes, BIONZ image processor, and intelligent scene recognition.

Pricing and availability
Look for the Cyber-shot H20 to debut in April, with a price tag of around $279.

[KCook]

WUT is that big shiny lug at the 2 o'clock postion on the lens base?

Kelly Cook

[David Rasnake]

I believe it's just a tab for unlocking the thread cover for the filter adapter (thus, mostly just there for show). Not completely sure on that, though.

dr