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Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H20 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Sony announces six new Cyber-shot digicams
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 08:01 EST)

Just over a month after it announced three new digital camera models at the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony Electronics Inc. is already back with another raft of new additions to its Cyber-shot lineup.

This time around, there are six new cameras - all being announced in the runup to the Photo Marketing Association's annual spring tradeshow, and all expected to ship from around April 2009. Of the group, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 is the most affordable model, with a planned price of $150 for the US market. The Sony S980 is based around a twelve megapixel CCD image sensor, and a Sony-branded 4x optical zoom lens. The Sony DSC-S980 has a 2.7" LCD display, and is described in further detail in our Sony S980 preview.

Next up the line is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230, an entry-level W-series model with an expected $200 US-market pricetag. The Sony W230 is likewise based around a twelve megapixel CCD image sensor, and a 4x optical zoom lens. The Sony DSC-W230's lens barrel bears the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar brand, though, and it also boosts the LCD display size to a 3.0" diagonal. This camera is further detailed in our Sony W230 preview.

Continuing up the ranks, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar branded 5x optical zoom lens with a 28mm wide angle, and also adds an intelligent auto mode, as well as an uprated face detection which allows the Sony W290 to recognize the face of one specific individual. There's also a 720p high-definition movie mode in the Sony DSC-W290, which is described in greater detail in our Sony W290 preview.

Jumping to a completely different form factor, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 couples a 10.1 megapixel CCD imager with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar branded 10x optically stabilized zoom lens. As with the previous model, the Sony DSC-H20 has a 3.0" LCD, intelligent auto mode, uprated face detection and 720p high-def movies. More details can be found in our Sony H20 preview.

Fans of ultracompact cameras may find the twelve megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 - the slimmest of the group at just 0.6" (15mm) - to be a more interesting proposition than the long-zoom Sony H20. Coupling its 4x Vario-Tessar zoom with a 3.0" LCD, the Sony DSC-T90 includes the same uprated face detection, intelligent auto mode, and 720p high-def movies. Sure, you sacrifice a fair bit of the zoom range, but that's what makes the Sony T90 a rather more pocket-friendly camera... For more on this $300 model, read our Sony T90 preview.

Finally, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is the priciest of the group at a still-quite-affordable $380 on the US market. The Sony T900 is closely related to the previous camera, but offers a larger and much higher-resolution 3.5" LCD display. The Sony DSC-T900 also has a stereo microphone, and can - with an optional extra cable - be connected via its camera cradle to an HDMI high-definition display. The full story can be found in - you guessed it! - our Sony T900 preview.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S980 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-S980
Dimensions3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9"
93.0 x 56.0 x 24.0mm
Weight135.0 g
4.7 oz
Planned Price$149.00
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.33 Sony Super HAD CCD
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.7", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom8.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeSony Lens
4x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.8 - 23.2mm (actual)
33 - 132mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.5 / f5.1 (wide) / f/5.6 / ? (tele)
Focusing SystemContrast Detection; 9-area
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed1 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight portrait, Landscape, Soft snap, Snow, Beach
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 22x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 10 or 2 seconds
Movie FormatMotion JPEG AVI with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-terminal, DC Input
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-BK1
Product Bundle
SoftwareSony CD-ROM
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-BK1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S980 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S980 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S980 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-S980 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W230 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-W230
Dimensions3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9"
95.2 x 56.5 x 21.8mm
Weight118.0 g
4.1 oz
Planned Price$199.00
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.3 Sony Super HAD CCD
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom8.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, : 6 elements in 5 groups (including 3 asph,)
4x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.4 - 21.4mm (actual)
30 - 120mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8/7.1 (W) - f/5.8/? (T)
Focusing SystemContrast Detection; 9-area with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing RangeMacro: 1.6" - 4,081" (4 cm - 9,999 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed1 - 1/1000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0 EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash WB
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, Smile, Softsnap, Landscape, Twilight portrait, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Snow, Beach, Fire works, Sports, Underwater, Gourmet
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 22x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 10 or 2 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG1 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary Info LITHIUM
Product Bundle
SoftwareSony CD-ROM
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W230 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W230 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W230 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W230 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W230 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W290 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-W290
Dimensions3.7 x 2.3 x 0.9"
93.7 x 58.0 x 24.0mm
Weight169.0 g
5.9 oz
Planned Price$249.00
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.3" Sony Super HAD CCD
10.30 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
8.9 megapixels
7.5 megapixels
5.0 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
0.2 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom8.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss, 9 elements in 7 groups including 1 ED, 3 aspherical elements
5x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.0 - 25.0mm (actual)
28 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.3 (wide) / f/5.2 (tele) - f/13
Focusing System9-point Contrast Detection with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing RangeNormal: 4" - infinity (10 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed2 - 1/1000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater (4)
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow Synch, Off
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight portrait, Landscape, Softsnap, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Sports, Underwater, Gourmet
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 31x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 10 or 2 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG-1 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-jack
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary Info LITHIUM
Product Bundle
SoftwareSony CD-ROM
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W290 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W290 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W290 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W290 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W290 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H20 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeMid-Sized
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-H20
Dimensions4.2 x 2.7 x 1.9"
106.0 x 68.5 x 48.9mm
Weight265.0 g
9.3 oz
Planned Price$279.00
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" Sony Super HAD CCD
10.30 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality1 level
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom5.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss Vario-Tessar, 10 elements in 9 groups
10x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length6.3 - 63.0mm (actual)
38 - 380mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 (wide) / f/4.4 (tele) - f/10.0
Focusing System9-point Contrast Detection with AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.8" - infinity (2.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 80 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed30 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram, Manual
Metering ModesMulti Pattern, Center Weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Incandescent, Flash
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, SoftSnap, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Gourmet, ASports; Smile Shutter Button
Digital Zoom2x Precision, up to 57x Smart Zoom
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF v2.21)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherDC Input, Multi-connector
Power
Battery TypeLithium ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary Info LITHIUM
Product Bundle
SoftwareSony CD-ROM
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H20 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

< td align="left" valign="top">Tripod Mount
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-T90
Dimensions3.7 x 2.3 x 0.6"
93.6 x 57.2 x 15.0mm
Weight149.0 g
5.2 oz
Planned Price$299.00
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.3" Sony Super HAD CCD
12.30 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
8.9 megapixels
7.5 megapixels
5.0 megapixels
3.1 megapixels
2.1 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom8.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
4x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length6.2 - 24.7mm (actual)
35 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 (wide) / f/4.6 (tele) - f/10
Focusing System9-point / center / spot / touch AF with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (4) steps
Focusing RangeNormal: 3" - infinity (8 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 8" (1 cm - 20 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed1 - 1/1000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, White Fluorescent, Natural White Fluorescent, Day White Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater Auto / 1 / 2 / Flash
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow-Sync, Off, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-Sync w/ Red-Eye Reduction
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Softsnap, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Sports, Underwater, Gourmet
Digital Zoom2x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif v2.21)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-terminal
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary Info LITHIUM
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Yes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T90 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerSony
Model NumberDSC-T900
Dimensions3.8 x 2.3 x 0.6"
97.0 x 59.0 x 16.3mm
Weight180.0 g
6.3 oz
Planned Price$379.00
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.3" Sony Super HAD CCD
12.30 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.5", 921,000 pixels
Playback Zoom8.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeCarl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
4x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length6.2 - 24.7mm (actual)
35 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 (wide) / f/4.6 (tele) - f/10
Focusing System9-point / center / spot / touch AF with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (4) steps
Focusing RangeNormal: 3" - infinity (8 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 8" (1 cm - 20 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed1 - 1/1000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-pattern, center-weighted, spot
E xposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, White Fluorescent, Natural White Fluorescent, Day White Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash, Underwater Auto / 1 / 2 / Flash
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Slow-Sync, Off, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-Sync w/ Red-Eye Reduction
Creative
Scene ModesEasy, High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight portrait, Landscape, Softsnap, Snow, Beach, Fire works, Sports, Underwater, Gourmet
Digital Zoom2x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatMPEG4 with audio
Storage
Recording MediumMemory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Built-in
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif v2.21)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMulti-terminal
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary Info LITHIUM
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Electronics Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Sony Adds Intelligent Auto Technology To Cyber-shot Cameras For Picture-Perfect Shots

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.

Pricing and Availability
Consumers can start pre-ordering these cameras in March at www.sonystyle.com. They will be available for purchase in April online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail ), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

  • The T900 camera will be available in silver, black, red and bronze for about $380.

  • The T90 model will be available in silver, black, pink, blue and brown for about $300.

  • The W290 model will be available in silver, black, blue and bronze for about $250.

  • The W230 camera will be available in silver, black, blue and red for about $200.

  • The H20 camera will be available in black for about $280.

###

Editor's Note:  News releases and digital images with captions are available at www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.

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