Sony Cyber-shot HX200V Merges GPS, High Zoom Capabilities

Headlining Sony's roster of new Cyber-shots tonight is the HX200V, a GPS-enabled ultrazoom that goes long with a 30x optical zoom lens. It's crammed with desirable features like a 3.0-inch tilting LCD and an EXMOR R CMOS sensor.

Sony Cyber-shot HX200V
If it's the latest and greatest Sony-engineered features you want, the HX200V is your model. Like most of Sony's high end point-and-shoots, the HX200 carries an 18 megapixel EXMOR R sensor coupled to a BIONZ image processor. It sports a manual focus ring for those who would choose to do so, as well as a 3.0-inch 921k-dot tilting LCD.

A 30x optical zoom is the camera's main attraction. That focal range starts at an equivalent 27mm and reaches out to 810mm with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.6. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* optic is comprised of 11 elements in 10 groups.

It incorporates a new AF system which Sony claims will yield focus times as fast as 0.10 seconds. It does this by using a new focus algorithm and a new motor. As Sony reps explained it, the new system judges the distance to its subject and moves in just one direction to bring the object into focus. Previous systems worked in two directions, bringing the object further out of focus before locking in on the correct focus.

Full 1080 HD video is offered at 60p, and an updated Optical Steadyshot system now aims to reduce blur from rolling motions in video mode. ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 up to 12800. The HX200 will accept SD, SDHC and SDXC memory media.

Pricing and availability
The Sony Cyber-shot HX200V is slated for March availability and a $479.99 price tag.