Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 Camera Review

August 16, 2009

Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 Overview

Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 is an intelligently designed super-zoom camera that has the caliber of any top class digi cam of the time. Sony cyber shot DSC H20 may be similar to its predecessor H10 but is smarter and sharper in operation.

The Lens Specs

Sony Cyber shot DSC H20 uses a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens providing a 10x optical zoom and a focal length of 38-380mm on a 35mm camera that makes it a tough competitor for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 and Casio EX-H10 , already available in the market. However, it has a better telephoto end than these super-zoom cameras. The lens does not have an iris diaphragm but has an incorporated neutral density filter.

Leaving the user with only two aperture settings regardless of the zoom range selected, there is no resultant effect on the depth of field. So if you want any adjustments then go for the alteration in focal length or your distance from the subject you are capturing.

Recording Modes

Supporting 720p HD movie recording, Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 has a host of options to suit your image capturing. Where Face Detection and smile Shutter functions are not new to the digital camera users, one would definitely appreciate functions such as Intelligent Scene Recognition which is especially designed for learners.

It has all the necessary technical settings pre-adjusted, so once you turn this option on, you only have to click to get a nice snap. The mode automatically adjusts all the settings according to the requirement of the situation. A wide range of Manual Exposure Modes, however targets those photographers who know well about the field and like to experiment at different exposure settings.

There are two Auto Modes available; Easy and Intelligent Auto Adjustment through which the camera analyzes the scene to be captured and uses the mode most suitable for the particular situation. But if you wish to choose the mode of your own choice, then go to the SCN setting provided on the Mode dial and select the scene mode from there.

Image Stabilization

In case you are capturing a moving body or the surrounding area is not well lit; in both cases a slower shutter speed is required which eventually requires the camera and the image to be steady. For this purpose, H20 has the function of SteadyShot which can be kept turned on all the time or only when the shutter button is half pressed (as in the cases described above). However, it is not recommended to keep the function on all the time since this consumes the battery faster. Also keep it off when mounting the camera on the tripod or it will make the stabilization system to cause motion blur to counteract the vibration.

Camera Exterior

Sony Cybershot DSC H20 has a nice big 3 inch LCD screen. Weighing 279g with accessories, it is quiet easily handled. Adding a nice touch to the camera, the right hand grip is rubberized and so is the thumb rest at the rear of the body. This results in nothing but an ease to hold the camera.

Sony H20 has certain changes in the controls and buttons as well; for e.g. the shutter release button is now surrounded by the zoom lever- similar to other compact cameras. Replacing the elongated Power button in H10, H20 has two round buttons; one for the Smile shutter and the other for the on/off function.

Verdict

With a smooth and simple camera operation, the Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 is a lovely and gratifying all rounder camera for both capturing still and motion images. Easy to fit in your trouser pocket and convenient to handle, you can take this point and shoot camera everywhere and anywhere you desire.

Sony Cybershot DSC H20 Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Width (mm):107.3
Height (mm): 68.7
Depth (mm): 47.1
Weight (g): 250
Weight with Accessories (g): 279

Lens
Type: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
Optical Zoom: 10x
Precision Digital Zoom Approx. 20x(Total)
Smart Zoom: up to 57x (with VGA)
Focal Length f= mm f=35mm conversion 6.3-63 38-380
Focus Preset (m) 1 / 3 / 7 / Unlimited distance
Shutter Speed Auto Mode (sec) 2″ – 1/2000
Exposure Control: +/- 2.0 EV, 1/ 3 EV step

Imaging

White Balance Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3, Incandescent, Flash
Sharpness Setting: Plus / Minus 1step
ISO Sensitivity (REI): (Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200)
Scene Selection Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Twilight using a tripod, Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Landscape, Macro,
Portrait
Flash Mode: Auto, Forced Flash, Slow Syncro, No Flash
Red-eye Reduction: YES
Auto Daylight Synchronized Flash: YES
Image Sensory
CCD Type: Super HAD CCD
Size (Inches): 1/2.3

Power and Accessory supplies
Battery System: Lithium G
Supplied Battery: NP-BG1
Stamina (battery life) with the supplied battery(s) in normal shooting condition: 290 shots, 145min (CIPA standard with LCD screen on)
Battery for Clock: Manganese-Lithium (MS614SE)
Supplied Software: Picture Motion Browser Ver.4.2 (Windows only) + Music Transfer
Supplied Accessories: Rechargeable battery pack (NP-BG1), Battery Charger, Multi Connector Cable, Wrist Strap, CD-ROM, Lens Cap

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Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX1 Review

July 2, 2009

The market is bursting with all the latest and improvised cyber shot cameras; one having a super zoom lens, the other featuring high ISO sensitivity and some offer a splendid LCD screen but Sony steals the show with its latest model Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX1.

This camera is not just any other digital camera; it is an awesome device featuring a 20X lens that offers a focal length ranging from 28mm up to 560mm at the telephoto end which is equivalent to the new “G” lens available in the most sophisticated of cameras.

A 3 inch tilting LCD screen and the newly incorporated CMOS sensor in the camera are just the highlights of this model. The real joy comes when one finds the high speed of shooting high quality HD movies, around 30 frames per second at 1440X 1080 resolution whereas the ultra fast shooting mode gives 10fps of continuous shooting.

The sensor is the most sensitive part of any camera. Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX1 has a 1/24 inch Exmor CMOS sensor that gives around 9.1 million pixel exposure. The fast speed is not only due to the sensor but is also dependent on the shutter speed; the Auto Shutter speed being 2 seconds or 1/400. The aperture Priority is set at 8 seconds-1/200.

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX1 is a really unique piece. If you doubt that then checkout the 3 cool shooting modes, it provides. The Sweeping Panorama Mode which allows the user to shoot a panoramic view and then joins them in a queue to let you see them in motion.

The Anti-Motion Blur gives the freedom to capture a fast moving object without blurring the image since it shoots 6 images in a row and combine them to eliminate any blurring effect. The third mode is the most amazing one; it reduces image noise in low light situations.

It is the Twilight Mode which joins 6 images together to lower the noise in the image. Apart from 3 noise reduction settings, there are the manual modes, white balance and a revised Menu mode all for your convenience. The camera supports JPEG format for stills and MPEG4 and MP4 format for video clips.

The HX1 is equipped with a HDMI port so that you can transfer your videos and view them. Also, it can be connected to USB 2.0, Microphone, stereo and to Mono-Video output. It has an internal memory of approximately 11MB that gives you the freedom to shoot nonstop and a 0.2 inch view finder that will make aiming at your subject easier.

The additional features of Auto Red Eye Reduction and different options for Flash (ON/OFF/AUTO/SLOW SYNC) and self timer (ON/OFF/2 Seconds continuous shooting at 10fps/5fps or 2fps (10 Shot maximum) or 10 seconds) make Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX1, a wonderful gadget.

So now you get a high quality image as these features take care of the minor details and prevent your picture from being ruined by red eye effects, mistimed shots or over blown light areas in the snaps. And all this is available in just under £330, keeping in mind the shooting convenience and altogether an improved infrastructure, it is not a bad deal at all.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC T900 Review – Bargain 12.0 MP Digital Camera

June 15, 2009

Ever wondered about the complexities associated with the latest technologies in present day appliances especially cameras since require special care and techniques in order to obtain excellent results. Here’s a solution to all the problems one has to face when going for advancement in case of good quality cameras. And that’s the Sony Cyber- shot T900 digital camera. Giving 12.1 mega pixel and 4x optical zoom, it has more to offer. The classy 3.5 inch LCD screen is the real attraction that shows the on- screen icons for you to choose the required features just by touching.

One of the brilliant features is the focusing of the image just by touching the screen so that you can adjust the point of focus. Where the Auto Smile Shutter ensures that you are captured only in your nicest of poses, the Auto mode enhances the picture quality and integrity by automatically fine- tuning the colour, brightness and skin tones. This also prevents any blurring or distortion of images. The Face Detection allows the camera to focus up to 8 faces in the frame and also takes care of the Flash, exposure of light, focus and White balance with special precaution to avoid the infamous Red eye effect. Though the sliding lens cover adds to the drawbacks such as the awkward square shape, still the camera makes up for the negative points with the high quality movies of High Definition at 720 fps.

Being only 16.33mm thick, the slimmest camera around can easily be adjusted in your hand bag or pocket. The light weight owes to the fact that the built is composed of half metal and half plastic so its easy to carry around. The thumb rest is not so comfortable and makes the thumb slide over to the screen but here’s where the camera acts smart. If the Flash mode is not active then the touch screen is deactivated automatically in case of any unintentional screen touch….

And weather you are photo shooting in bright day light or at sunset, at the beach in Hawaii or in cloudy weather of London, the Intelligent Scene Recognition mode will help you select from the 11 already installed scenes to suit your camera settings. It can recognize up to 8 scenes all by itself so regardless of the surrounding parameters the camera gives excellent results.

Moreover, the HD bmo9vies at 720 fps, as mentioned before can be captured in th MPEG4 format that is the best suited format for uploading and viewing these videos on web so you can share it with others. Its assisted by a Stereo microphone that records clear and highly audible sound. Making the still shots better are the options to make them more personalized as the camera offers a wide range of frames and stamps. The supplied stylus allow you to write on the pics any funny captions, dates, names, etc. making it a lot more fun. And its not difficult to find these images as well; the Image Management fjunctyion is there for your ciovinience.

And all this is available in a very suitable price. The price range of this hot shot camera is between £325.99- £379.00. Attractive, stylish and with a classy silver colour, Sony Cyber- shot DSC T900 is light and nice though its slightly larger than the T-77. a double textured black colour is also available however, you may not find the brown version in UK. So, looking at the deal atleast I find it worth going for as the Sony Cyber- shot DSC T900 offers advancement, versatility, convenience and cost effectiveness all packaged together.