Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 First Impressions Digital Camera Review

Product Tour

Overview

In size and shape, the H20 is midway between a compact and an ultrazoom - it lacks the thin profile and sleek design of a compact camera, but is much smaller and thinner than its long-lens-equipped cousins such as the Sony HX1. The H20 has a rather blocky design, but it is practically, rather than flashily styled.

Front

On the front of the camera, the main feature is the lens. To the right of this is the AF illuminator, and the small holes to the left of the lens are for the microphone. Above the lens you can see the hump that holds the flash.

Back

The back of the camera is the location of most of the controls. At the right are the playback button, the 4-way controller and the buttosn for accessing the on-screen menu and deleting images. The patch above the buttons is where the thumb of the right hand rests while holding the camera.

Sides

Both of the sides are relatively feature-free. The only feature on the left is a small strap loop at the top.

On the right side is a similar loop, and you can see the edge of the mode dial.

Top

Several more controls are located on the top of the camera. From the left, we have the on/off button, the smile shutter (which takes a photo when it detects a smile), the shutter and zoom control and the mode dial. As the legends indicate, the zoom control doubles as a playback zoom.

Bottom

The bottom is where the power goes; the cover over the battery compartment is on the left. Above this is the connector for the multi use cable that provides video output or connects to the optional dock. On the right is a tripod socket, which is filled with a security device in this demo unit.