Get Closer to The Action With New High-Zoom Sony Cyber-shot Cameras

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony's new "H-Series" high-zoom Cyber-shot cameras make it easy to capture crisp, beautiful photos and HD videos from a variety of distances.  Ideal for travel photography or simply capturing everyday content, the five new models include the DSC-HX200V, DSC-HX30V, DSC-HX20V, DSC-HX10V and DSC-H90 cameras.

The HX30V and HX20V models will each feature a new, ultra-thin 20x optical lens, which enhances zoom capabilities while still maintaining a small, compact body.  Additionally, the HX30V will feature Wi-Fi® capabilities, allowing for seamless transfer of photos to compatible smartphones, tablets or televisions and sharing via popular social networking services. 

"Consumers want versatility in a compact camera," said Yosuke Tomoda, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony Electronics.  "By focusing on slim, stylish designs while adding advanced image sensors, strong zoom capabilities and new opportunities to share content socially, we continue to push the boundaries of the category." 

The new 20x zoom "AA" (advanced aspherical) lens element in the HX30V and HX20V models produces outstanding results with a design drastically smaller than comparable 20x lenses in previous models.  The thinly-designed lens, which requires highly sophisticated glass molding to create, allows the camera chasses to remain as compact as possible.  In addition to its strong zoom capabilities, the new "AA" lens can focus at a minimum distance of approximately 1 cm for stunning, clear macro shots.

The new DSC-HX30V model features Wi-Fi® capabilities, allowing it to link directly and transfer content to a variety of compatible devices including smartphones, tablets and televisions. Using the new PlayMemories™ Mobile application from Sony, images can then be shared easily from the host device on Facebook®, YouTube® and other popular sharing sites. The Play Memories app is currently available for free download on both the iTunes® app store and Android Market™.  

High-Zoom, High-Resolution

The new HX200V, HX30V, HX20V and HX10V cameras all have a new Sony 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor, the highest resolution sensor currently offered in the mainstream "point and shoot" market.  The new sensor teams with an advanced BIONZ® processor to deliver blazing fast AutoFocus speeds of approximately 0.13 seconds in daylight and 0.21 seconds in low-light shooting situations (in case of fastest model, measured at 3 EV).  Additionally, the new cameras feature "Clear Image Zoom" digital zoom technology, which boosts optical zoom to 2x virtual capabilities (i.e. 20x optical to 40x "Clear Image Zoom") while maintaining full resolution.

The high-end HX200V features a 30x optical zoom (60x "Clear Image Zoom"), with the HX30V and HX20V cameras each offering 20x optical zoom (40x "Clear Image Zoom") and the HX10V model offering 16x optical zoom (32x "Clear Image Zoom").  Each of these new models has "Optical Steady Shot" to reduce any blurring caused by camera shake during shooting – even with the zoom extended - as well as some creative photographic settings. 

The entry-level H90 zoom camera has a 16.1 MP CCD sensor, 16x optical zoom lens, 720p HD video capabilities, enhanced image stabilization for both stills and movie shooting (Optical Steady Shot Active Mode) and a variety of other useful features.   

Product Specs, Pricing and Availability

The new assortment of high-zoom "H Series" cameras will be available at Sony retail stores and online (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.  Detailed specifications are below:

• The DSC-HX200V camera will be available in black this March for approximately $480. Features include:
  • 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
  • 30x optical zoom lens (27-810mm in 35mm format) with 60x digital "Clear Image Zoom" at full resolution
  • "Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
  • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.24 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
  • 3.0-inch, 921k dot resolution tilting LCD screen
  • Captures 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"
  • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (3 way shake cancelling)
  • Photo Creativity interface and 9 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video
  • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function

• The DSC-HX30V camera will be available in black this May for approximately $420. Features include:
  • 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
  • 20x optical zoom lens (25-500mm in 35mm format) with 40x digital "Clear Image Zoom" at full resolution
  • Wi-Fi enabled for sharing content directly with compatible smartphone, PC, tablet or other devices
  • "Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
  • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.21 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
  • 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen
  • Captures 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"
  • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (3 way shake cancelling)
  • Photo Creativity interface and 9 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video
  • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function
  • Manufactured with "SoRPlas" – Sony recycled plastic – an exceptionally durable plastic containing 99% recycled materials

• The DSC-HX20V camera will be available in black this May for approximately $400. Features include:
  • 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
  • 20x optical zoom lens (25-500mm in 35mm format) with 40x digital "Clear Image Zoom" at full resolution
  • "Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
  • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.21 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
  • 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen
  • Captures 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"
  • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (3 way shake cancelling)
  • Photo Creativity interface and 9 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video
  • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function
  • Manufactured with "SoRPlas" – Sony recycled plastic – an exceptionally durable plastic containing 99% recycled materials

• The DSC-HX10V camera will be available in white, silver, black and red this March for approximately $330. Features include:
  • 18.2 MP "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
  • 16x optical zoom lens (24-384mm in 35mm format) with 40x digital "Clear Image Zoom" at full resolution
  • "Extra High Sensitivity" technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
  • Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.22 seconds in low-light at 3 EV (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
  • 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen
  • Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via "Dual-Record"
  • Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920x1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode (2 way shake cancelling)
  • Photo Creativity interface and 9 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video
  • Embedded GPS functionality with newly added GPS Log Recording function

• The DSC-H90 camera will be available in silver, black and red this March for approximately $250. Features include:
  • 16.1 MP CCD sensor
  • 16x optical zoom lens (24-384mm in 35mm format)
  • 3.0-inch, 460k dot LCD screen
  • 720p HD Movie Shooting capability (1280x720/30p), Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
  • Improved iAuto mode that can recognize up to 33 scenes
  • 4 "Picture Effect" options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video

*** For a video preview of the new Cyber-shot cameras, please visit http://blog.sony.com/cybershotvideos

SOURCE Sony Electronics