Sony DRC-IP220
MicroMV Handycam

The IP220 features a high quality Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 10x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent coverage of 39 - 390mm in still image mode and 52 - 520mm in the video camcorder mode. This is a Zeiss T* lens with a special multi-coating to insure the sharpest and most colorful images possible. The maximum aperture is a fast f1.8 - 2.1.

To use the manual focus, you flip the switch on the side of the lens and then turn the ring at the end of the lens barrel. This ring can also be used to control the zoom when the switch is in the far left position, the center position disables it.

The viewfinder or LCD image is magnified while the ring is being turned in manual focus mode and the distance to the subject is displayed as well. The ring's rate of adjustment is proportional and depends on whether it is turned slowly or quickly.

The TTL autofocus system can be automatic or the user can select the desired Spot focus point. This is accomplished via the touchscreen LCD, simply enable the SPOT FOCUS mode and then touch the screen inside the frame where you want it to focus.

The IP220 features the same high-speed scan autofocus and "hologram" focusing assist as found on the Cyber-shot F717.  This autofocus system uses a Class 1 laser to paint a grid pattern on the subject and is perfectly safe, even when aimed directly at someone's eyes for up to 30 seconds. The Hologram AF is only used in the still image capture modes.

On the front around the lens are infrared illuminators that are used by the NightShot and NightFrame modes. Both modes work in 0 Lux, total darkness. NightShot is found on many Sony camcorders and generates a green-tinted monochrome image in total darkness. It is useable in still and movie modes. NightFrame uses the infrared illuminators to let you see and frame your subject in total darkness and then switches to regular color mode and uses the flash.

The Super Night Shot, Color Slow Shutter and Fader features are only available in video camcorder mode.

The eyelevel viewfinder is a high-resolution color LCD typical of high-end Sony camcorders. There is a dioptric adjustment slider on the underside. Unlike most camcorders this viewfinder is on the left side rather than the right side. For those of us that use our left eye, it puts your nose underneath the LCD. At first it was a bit weird but I quickly adjusted to it.

The built-in flash opens automatically when needed unless the flash has been manually forced off. It functions as an Auto flash, Auto flash with red-eye Reduction or forced on for Fill. The working range of the flash is from 11 inches to about 8.3 feet. The flash output power can be set for High, Normal or Low in the menu.