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