Sony is keeping it super slim with the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90, two sleek slabs of brushed metal that feature trick sliding faceplates and an enticing color menu. Sony also announced a new compact high-zoom, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20, featuring a chunkier body and contoured grip for more advanced shooters.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 and DSC-T90
At the moment, we're a little skeptical about the new T-series members. Right out of the gate, they look identical to last year's lineup, but that's a deliberate choice. The success of the ultra-slim T-series compacts originates from its looks, but this year Sony is engaging in a little megapixel warfare in an attempt to cover more market ground. Both the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 and Cyber-shot DSC-T90 feature 12-megapixel sensors and 4x optical zooms. The new T-series models will carry over their respective 3.5-inch and 3-inch touch-screen LCDs to score a hat trick of consumer bait. A sleek, ultra thin chassis, giant touch-screen LCD and boosted megapixel count is sure to lure unsuspecting consumers from near and far.
We reviewed Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T700 and Cyber-shot DSC-T77, the predecessors to the Cyber-shot DSC-T900 and Cyber-shot DSC-T90, and our final conclusions regarding both cameras were lukewarm. Our main concern was the ineffectiveness of the touch-screen interfaces, which required numerous presses per button in order for options to actually engage. Certain buttons were too small and we even struggled using the stylus in Paint mode. Hopefully Sony has amended any interface flaws this time around with the Cyber-shot DSC-T900 and Cyber-shot DSC-T90, or else we'll be stricken with an impending case of déjà vu when we get a hold of the new models.
We also weren't impressed with the image quality on both the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 and Cyber-shot DSC-T77, and there's no word on any enhanced processing for 2009. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 does sport a mini HDMI jack and stereo microphone to provide a more enhanced 720P video recording mode. Intelligent Auto and improved Face Detection are part of the deal as well. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 will retail for $380 while the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 will be priced at $300. Both cameras are set to ship in April.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 performance compact
We weren't given any juicy details on the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20, but here's everything we know. The Cyber-shot H20 will replace last year's Cyber-shot DSC-H10, which featured a small 1/2.5" 8-megapixel HAD CCD and 10x optical zoom. There's no news on the Cyber-shot DSC-H20's sensor size, but Sony has upped the megapixel count to 10 and carried over the 10x optical zoom.
What else is new in the realm of high-zoom? The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 shares the same Intelligent Auto and improved Face Detection upgrades with the members of the new T-series and is now capable of recording 720P video. We'll have more on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 during our PMA coverage week, but at the moment these seem to be the key upgrades. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 will retail for $280 and is set to ship in April.
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