Steve's Digicams - Breaking News - Sony 02/19/2005 Press Release

Eagerly Anticipated:Sony Debuts High-Zoom Cyber-Shot Digital Camera

ORLANDO (PMA 2005, Booth 3032), Feb. 19, 2005 — The adage that good things come to those who wait has never been more appropriate than with today's introduction of Sony's DSC-H1 Cyber-shot® digital camera.

A five megapixel, Super HAD™ CCD imager, 12X optical zoom lens and a large 2.5-inch LCD are just a few of the features on this model that are sure to please even the choosiest photo buff.

"We've responded to requests from enthusiasts for this type of camera," said Hiro Takahashi, vice president for Sony Electronics' digital imaging products. With the DSC-H1 model, we have fully leveraged Sony's digital imaging expertise to offer a high-zoom camera worthy of the Cyber-shot brand."

With a focal length range of 36 - 432 millimeters (a 35mm equivalence) the DSC-H1 camera lets you frame distant objects with ease. Making the most of this telephoto reach, Sony's Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization feature counteracts camera-shake to ensure sharp images. This feature also benefits low-light photography by allowing the use of longer shutter speeds with reduced risk of image blur from camera-shake.

Sony's Real Imaging Processor™ circuitry is incorporated in the model for better battery efficiency, more responsiveness and high quality movie taking, while seven preset scene modes allow quick selection of the best setting for specific shooting conditions.

The camera also includes a five-area, multi-point auto focus to help you concentrate on the subject without mistakenly focusing on the background, as well as aperture/shutter priority and manual exposure modes for creative control of the image.

For added convenience, the model has 32 MB of internal memory (30 MB of usable memory) and a Memory Stick® flash media slot. PictBridge™ compatibility enables prints in a flash when the camera is connected to an enabled printer.

"We've been able to put all these powerful capabilities in a camera that is far more compact than most would expect," noted Takahashi. "The combination of form and function in this model will broaden the market bringing advanced features to wider audience."

The DSC-H1 Cyber-shot camera will be available this June for about

Optional Lenses

For truly professional shots, this new camera is also compatible with optional telephoto or wide conversion lenses. The VCL-DH0758 model .7x wide angle conversion lens provides a wider field of view with virtually no color aberration or distortion. The VCL-DH1758 model 1.7x telephoto conversion lens offers greater magnification and a crystal-clear shot. Both lenses will be available by mid-June for about each.