Sony Announces Two New Ultra Zooms and Two New W Series (sample images added)

UPDATE: Added some product images and sample shots!

Finishing up their announcements for PMA, Sony has announced the Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and Cyber-shot DSC-H2 ultra zoom digital cameras.  Also two new cameras will be added to their W line, the Cyber-shot DSC-W70 and Cyber-shot DSC-W100.  I'm not exactly why they split up this announcement from their new cameras announced on February 13th, so we can only imagine what's going on in the minds of the PR folks.

We're attending the Sony press event as we post this (at the Hard Rock in Orlando), so we'll see if we can get some hands-on pictures posted.  Stay tuned!

Check out this Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 cake!

Before (view large image)

During cutting (view large image)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and Cyber-shot DSC-H2

The Sony H5 and H2 are the follow ups to the popular Cyber-shot DSC-H1.  They both sport the 12x optical zoom Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens that we saw on the H1.  The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 can shoot at 7.2 megapixels and has a nice 3 inch LCD.  The Cyber-shot DSC-H2 can capture 6 megapixel and has a 2 inch LCD.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 (view large image)

(view large image)

Both cameras features Sony's Super Steady Shot image stabilization mechanism and their Clear RAW technology reduces noise when capturing images at higher sensitivities (up to ISO 1000).  Both cameras are powered by AA sized batteries and the H5 is good for 340 shots per charge, while the H2 will get 440 shots.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 will be available in May for about $500 and the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 will be available in April for around $400.

Full 12x telephoto (view large image)

Wide angle (view large image)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 and Cyber-shot DSC-W70

Sony's new cameras in the W line are meant to "fuse performance and design".  Fitting some pretty significant features in a nice compact design is one of Sony's strong suits.  The Cyber-shot DSC-W100 features 8 megapixel resolution, 2.5 inch LCD, and 3x optical zoom Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens.  The Cyber-shot DSC-W70 includes the same display and lens, but has a 7 megapixel sensor.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 (view large image)

Taken with W100 (view large image)

Sony is making a real push to get a better quality, higher sensitivity option on their cameras.  The W100 can shoot up to ISO 1250 and the W70 can shoot up to ISO 1000.  Their Clear RAW technology helps control noise at higher sensitivities.

Both cameras feature in-camera help and explanation to help users learn about their cameras.  Once they've got it down, the help guide can be disabled.  Sony claims that the cameras are good for 360 shots on a single charge.

Look for the Cyber-shot DSC-W100 in April for around $350.  The Cyber-shot DSC-W70 will also be available in April for $300.  Both models will be available in black and silver.