The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400, which leads a lineup of five new compact digital cameras from the electronics giant, has a 63x optical zoom lens, edging out competing models that have 60x zoom and, by our count, making it the longest-range zoom lens compact digital camera currently available.
Sony’s new compact digital cameras at a glance:
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400: 20.1MP sensor, 63x optical zoom, optical SteadyShot image stabilization. Easy Mode makes this long-ranger snapshooter-friendly. Adorama price: $318
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V: 20.4MP sensor, 50x optical zoom, 1080p HD video at 60p, optical SteadyShot image stabilization. Adorama price: $498
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300: 20.1MP sensor, 35x optical zoom, optical SteadyShot, built-in Picture Effects, easy mode. Adorama price: $218
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350: 18.2MP sensor, 20x optical zoom, 1080p HD video at 60p, fits in your pocket. Adorama price: $318
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800: 20.1MP sensor, 5x optical zoom, Sweep panorama, in-camera help guide, basic compact. Adorama price: $78
Note: All new Sony digital cameras may be pre-ordered now from Adorama and will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until orders are shipped.
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Let’s take a closer look at each new model.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400
Clearly, the 63x optical zoom will get a lot of folks’ attention, especially since it’s paired with Sony’s Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization—a necessity for when you are zoomed all the way, since long telephoto lenses magnify any camera shake.
Key features
- 63x Optical Zoom
- Optical SteadyShot™ Image stabilization
- 20.1MP Super HAD CCD sensor
- Simplify camera menu with Easy Mode
- Picture Effect
- Sweep Panorama mode-up to 360°
- Smile Shutter automatically shoots when subject smiles
- Party Mode optimizes flash to lighting condition
- DSLR-like body & Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.0” LCD monitor
The camera is backed by an eye-level electronic viewfinder as well as a 3-inch 460k dot LCD monitor, has a DSLR-like form factor including a generously-sized grip, and offers up features geared towards snapshooters.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V
Designed to be a friendly photographic travel companion, the HX400V sports a 50x optical zoom lens, Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization to reduce camera shake (very important when zoomed all the way out), the ability to capture full 1080p HD video at up to 60p, and a 20.4MP sensor.
Key features:
- 50x Optical zoom lens
- Image stabilization
- 20.4MP CMOS Sensor
- Full HD video in 1080/60p/24p
- Lock-On AF
- Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi w/NFC3
- GPS
- Downloadable camera apps
- Motion Shot Video traces subject movement
With a 10fps burst rate the HX400V is primed for action photography, and you can shot full HD video at either 60p or 24p. Lock-on AF lets you focus on multiple points with subject recognition to keep your subject in sharp focus, even when moving.
Connectivity with smartphones and tablets is said to be a snap via Wi-Fi and NFC, although Sony’s specs seem to say it is Android-only. GPS records location data, lets you track your photographic journey, and display where you’ve been on Google Earth.
Users can expand the HX400V’s capabilities via the PlayMemories Camera Apps—proprietary apps that include image retouch, time lapse, smart remote control and more.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300
Featuring a 35x optical zoom, Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization, a 20.1MP sensor and Easy Mode, the H300 is meant for snapshooters who don’t want to spend more than $220 on a camera.
Key features:
- 35x Optical Zoom
- Optical SteadyShot™ Image stabilization
- 20.1MP Super HAD CCD sensor
- Easy Mode
- Picture Effects
- Sweep Panorama™ mode-up to 360°
- Smile Shutter
- Party Mode optimizes flash to lighting condition
- DSLR-like body
- 3.0” LCD screen
Built with an ergonomic grip and sporting a 3-inch, 460k dot LCD monitor, the H300 offers a long-range zoom for a more economical price.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350
the WX-350 is a 20x zoom compact that will fit in your pocket. Built around an 18MP sensor, the camera offers Optical SteadyShot, and full 60p HD video at 1080p.
Key features:
- 20x Optical Zoom Lens
- Image stabilization
- 18MP Exmor R® CMOS Sensor for superb low light images
- Smooth Full HD video recording in 1080/60p
- Keep your subject in focus with Lock-On AF
- Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® w/ NFC3
- Motion Shot Video traces subject movement
- Sweep Panorama™ mode (up to 360°)
- Picture Effects
Lock-On AF gives you the ability to focus on multiple points with subject recognition to keep your subject in sharp focus even when in motion, and Motion-Shot Video traces subject movement on the camera’s LCD for a unique visual effect. Use this playback function on the camera to study form and pathways of subjects.
The camera has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC control and supports connections to Android-based smart phones and tablets, but not to iOS-based units.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800
Finally, the W800 is a basic affair with a 5x zoom lens, image stabilization, the ability to capture 720p HD video, a simplified menu system and the ability to capture 360-degree panoramas. The camera is built on a 20MP CD sensor, has a Smile Shutter that triggers the shutter release when a subject smiles, and offers several Picture Effects for creative shooting. This is a good first camera for children and teens thanks to its sub-$100 pricetag.
