For the sake of comparative review, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 is almost exactly like the W290 compact, expanded with a mega-zoom feature. That means you get the same excellent combination of shooting features, along with a number of extras on a high-zoom lens.
Physically, the DSC-H20 is a chunky piece of work (4 x 3.2 x 1.9 inches, 9.9 ounces). That’s not a complain, though, as the size allows for longer lenses. Even better, it’s a very cool-looking, professionally-styled phone that you’ll have to keep in a separate bag, instead of in your pocket.
Camera details include 10 megapixels of shooting resolution (max 3,648×2,736 pixels), 10X zoom, a 3-inch LCD panel and full image stabilization (both mechanical and digital). Controls get a very good layout, with ample size to make camera operation very easy. I’m especially impressed with the helpful warning facility, which alerts to settings changes. For instance, when you turn on Spot Metering, you’ll be informed that Face Detection will be turned off in order to support it – a very useful tool for those unfamiliar with inner camera workings.
It offers a very good manual mode, although, the camera is really geared towards allowing for minimal fiddling with controls. Options include an Intelligent Auto mode (eight scene types) with an Advanced option that takes two shots with different settings to afford you a better choice, an SCN mode that lets you select from 10 uncommon scene situation (e.g. Firewords, Gourmet), a Sports mode for fast-action stills and an Easy mode to provide the simplest shooting available. It includes a camcorder feature that manages 720p HD motion captures.
Camera operation is very fast, outdoing every mega-zoom shooter we can imagine. Shutter lag is only .4 seconds, with 1.7 frames per second of continuous shooting. Image quality is consistently excellent at ISO sensitivities below 400, with plenty of sharp details and gorgeous colors. Lens is sharper than most mega-zoom cameras around, although there is some lens flare under direct sunlight.
Overall, this is a terrific all-around point-and-shoot. If you can live with the decidedly large body and the narrow lens, it offers top-end point-and-shoot quality, along with plenty of good looks.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
