Cybershot H3 with 10X Zeiss zoom

Weybridge, 22nd August 2007 – For sports, for travel or simply for having fun with friends and family – the Cyber-shot H3 from Sony packs big-camera features into its ultra-compact body at a price that’s irresistible (reads Sony press release).

Powerful 10x zoom in compact, easy-to-carry design

The beautifully-styled H3 is the smallest ever Cyber-shot featuring a Carl Zeiss 10x zoom lens (38-380mm equivalent; F3.5-4.4). The powerful optical zoom pulls distant subjects closer with superb clarity. Its wide range also broadens the scope of framing options for greater creative possibilities – from expansive landscapes and intimate portraits to dynamic nature shots and sporting scenes. Magnification is boosted further still by the 17x HD Smart Zoom (in 16:9 shooting mode) for powerful telephoto images that can be enjoyed with stunning quality on a large HD-Ready television. Weighing only 246 grams* and measuring 106.0mm (w) x 68.5mm (h) x 47.5mm (d), you’ll find the H3 is compact and light enough to carry with you on all occasions.

No clear close-ups, sorry, but we have cropped in to show the camera instead of the large 3/4 portrait of the unshaven bloke.

Face Detection and Dynamic Range Optimiser

With a resolution of 8.1 effective megapixels, the H3 delivers all the picture quality you’d expect from the Cyber-shot brand.

The compact, easy-to-use Face Detection capability helps photographers of all abilities capture great-looking ‘people pictures’ without the risk of spoiled shots.

Powered by the camera’s super-responsive BIONZ image processor, Face Detection automatically adjusts exposure, flash and other settings. Enhanced autofocus performance and advanced eye detection ensure beautifully sharp portraits with natural skin tones – even at high zoom settings, in low light or with moving subjects.

The H3 also adjusts exposure and contrast using the Dynamic Range Optimiser (DRO), analysing each image for balanced, natural-looking results.

Sports Mode with High Speed Shooting

The Cyber-shot H3 keeps pace with the action in challenging situations like live sports where anything can happen. A new Advanced Sports Shooting Mode teams a high 1/2000 sec shutter speed with predictive autofocus for crisp, clear capture of fast-moving subjects that can pose problems for other compact digital cameras.

Photo TV HD Full HD image display

It’s easy to enjoy the finest quality High Definition images captured with the H3 on a BRAVIA or HD Ready display (HD output adapter cable required) so you can share your big, beautiful images with friends and family. Music can accompany the slideshows for an extra dimension of enjoyment to your photos. Just pick from four visual effects (Simple, Nostalgic, Active and Stylish) and four preset musical accompaniments – then watch the show onscreen with HDTV image quality. Slideshows can be personalised further with MP3 background music tracks imported from a PC.

Photo TV HD optimises the images for subtler, more natural colour and textures on the latest generation of Full HD BRAVIA. This offers a significant improvement over viewing still images on conventional TV sets that are optimised for moving video.

Double Anti-blur technology

Double Anti-Blur technology reduces camera shake for clear, bright images when shooting conditions are less than perfect. Super SteadyShot image stabilisation is coupled with high sensitivity (ISO 3200) for blur-free, atmospheric results without flash. When you’re shooting indoors or in low light at high ISO settings, Sony Clear RAW NR noise reduction suppresses colour and luminance noise for natural results.

Easy picture retouching – with no PC needed

A range of exciting in-camera retouching functions expands your palette of creative options without the need for a PC and image editing software. Red eye reduction and trim functions are complemented by four new filter effects to add an extra sparkle to your favourite shots.

The H3 is easy to use with on-screen function guides and a handy ‘home’ button for quick, fuss-free navigation.

Accessories

From high-grade lenses and filters, GPS location recorders and spare batteries to tripods and stylish carry cases – there’s a full range of official accessories to help you get even more from your Cyber-shot. A range of high quality compact dye-sublimation photo printers is also available for printing and sharing the best of your photography.

The Cyber-shot H3 will be available throughout Europe from the beginning of September 2007.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 key features

* 10x Optical Zoom
* 8.1 Mega Pixels
* Photo TV HD-output
* Face Detection Technology
* Dimensions (WxHxD): 106.0mm x 68.5mm x 47.5mm
* Weight: 246g*

*w/o battery and media