PMA 2005: CNET covers the show

PMA 2005: CNET COVERS THE SHOW

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Sony's slew of cameras
By Robert Dubbin (February 24, 2005)

Sony wasted no time at 2005's PMA show, rolling out a varied slate of eight new cameras that run the gamut from portable point-and-shoots to a high-zooming enthusiast model. The company's 4.1-megapixel S-series cameras increase in price as their LCD screens grow in size; the DSC-S40, S60, and S90 sport 1.5-inch, 2-inch, and 2.5-inch displays, respectively. Sony's W-series models resemble the standard rectangular look for digital cameras that consumers have grown to love; the 5.1-megapixel DSC-W5 and the 7.2-megapixel DSC-W7 each come with 2.5-inch LCD screens and manual shooting modes. A follow-up to Sony's popular DSC-P150, the candy bar-shaped DSC-P200 crams a 7.2-megapixel sensor into a highly portable body. On the more stylish side, Sony's DSC-T33 replaces the sleek DSC-T1 as the reigning fashion accessory in the company's lineup; the thin 5.1-megapixel camera boasts an internal 3x optical zoom lens. Finally, the 12x-zooming, 5.1-megapixel, enthusiast DSC-H1 limits the nefarious effects of camera shake by way of Sony's proprietary optical image-stabilization technology.

Model	Price & availability	Specifications	Special features
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S40	US$200 (S$399) March 2005	4.1-megapixel (effective) CCD; F2.8-to-F5.2, 33mm-to-99mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	We like the wide-angle focal length on this entry-level camera, though its 1.5-inch LCD runs a bit small. The DSC-S40 features 6 preset scene modes and is PictBridge compatible.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S60	US$250 (S$449) March 2005	4.1-megapixel (effective) CCD; F2.8-to-F5.2, 39mm-to-117mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	The DSC-S60's feature set, which includes a 2-inch LCD screen and a manual shooting mode that's uncommon on consumer cameras, looks good for the price. The camera takes AA batteries.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S90	US$300 (S$499) March 2005	4.1-megapixel (effective) CCD; F2.8-to-F5.2, 39mm-to-117mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	A step up from the DSC-S60, the DSC-S90 ships with a larger 2.5-inch LCD screen and a rechargeable set of nickel-metal-hydride AA batteries (charger included). There's also a manual shooting mode.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W5	US$350 (S$599) March 2005	5.1-megapixel (effective) CCD; F2.8-to-F5.2, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	It's pricier than S-series cameras, but you get a sleeker design and an additional megapixel. The DSC-W5 comes standard with a 2.5-inch LCD, plus rechargeable AA batteries and manual shooting mode.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W7	US$450 (S$799) March 2005	7.2-megapixel (effective) CCD; F2.8-to-F5.2, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	The DSC-W7 has some serious heft in the megapixel department and otherwise shares a feature set with the DSC-W5. It's pricey but should appeal to portability and large-format-printing junkies.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P200	US$400 (S$699) February 2005	7.2-megapixel (effective) CCD; F2.8-to-F5.2, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	Looking more like a candy bar than the W series' rectangular deck of cards, the compact DSC-P200 boasts 7 megapixels, a 2-inch LCD, 9 preset shooting modes, and a manual setting.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T33	US$450 (S$799) March 2005	5.1-megapixel (effective) CCD; F3.5-to-F4.4, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	Sony's much-ballyhooed DSC-T3 never made it to American stores, but its spiritual successor the DSC-T33 offers much of the same: sleek design, 2.5-inch LCD, and 10 preset scene modes.
Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H1	US$500 (S$899) June 2005	5.1-megapixel (effective) CCD; F2.8-to-F3.7, 36mm-to-432mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 12x zoom lens; Memory Stick media	Packing an impressive 12x zoom, the DSC-H1 uses optical image stabilization to reduce the effects of camera shake on long-range shots. There's also a 2.5-inch LCD and a manual shooting mode.