Sony Cyber-shot PMA 2008

Sony preceded the start of the PMA photography show with a major update to its Cyber-shot cameras, beginning with its highest-end home models. The H10 (shown) replaces the H3 and adds a larger, wider 3-inch preview LCD without sacrificing the camera body's size. It shares the same 10X lens, ISO 3200 sensitivity, and optics-based image stabilization as the earlier camera; a sports shooting mode forces high shutter speeds and nonstop autofocus to capture subjects blur-free in bright areas. It supports uploading music to the camera for slideshows and ships in May at the same $300 price as the earlier model.

The T300 upgrade over the T200 may be more advanced, Sony says. A new scene mode known as intelligent scene recognition, or iSCN, automatically recognizes any one of five general scene types and adjusts the image quality to match. Cautious photographers can even have the camera take a second shot using iSCN to double-check their own results. It also boasts improved smile detection that recognizes adults and children, a semi-manual focus system, autofocusing that adapts to macro shots, and smarter shadow compensation.

Sony's 10.1-megapixel deluxe compact camera continues to provide a 3.5-inch touchscreen as its main interface, 5X optical zoom, and ISO 3200 sensitivity. It should be ready by March for $400.

By Electronista Staff