Sony has added to new models to the companies none DSLR camera lineup which falls inline with the companies new ‘High-Zoom’ series of Cyber-shot cameras. Knowing that the company needs to make its standalone cameras more appealing than just offering higher megapixels, something that many of the companies on Xperia smartphones already offer, Sony has turned its attention to better zoom and for that matter, optical zoom which is what matters. Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot camera business:

 High zoom continues to be one of the key priorities for our Cyber-shot camera line, in both the compact segment as well the larger, more traditional ‘bridge’ models. With far-reaching zooms, extremely portable bodies and a series of competitive price points, this new crop of cameras offers advanced imaging performance to travel enthusiasts, weekend shooters, family photographers and more. 

So what can we expect from these new cameras? How about 50x optical zoom for the Cyber-shot HX400v and an even more impressive 63x optical zoom for the Cyber-shot H400. Do we have your attention? Good, lets talk details now.

While optical zoom will likely be the major selling point on these cameras, Sony isn’t resting on just that. The Cyber-shot HX400v utilizes Sony’s BIONZ X processor which can be found in the Cyber-shot RX10 and the α7/7R full-frame mirrorless cameras which can provide low noise in photos and video. Speaking of video, you can crank up the quality to full HD video shooting at a frame rate of 1080@24p.

Ensuring that the HX400V (pictured above) will meet your needs of a connected world, you can expect to find built in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy pairing for smartphones and app downloads. Owners can even download the PlayMemories Camera Apps on iOS and Android to control the camera via your phone, perfect for family photos and selfies.

Key features of the Cyber-shot HX400V include:

• Exmor R® CMOS sensor with approximately 20.4 effective megapixels and BIONZ X image processing engine
• 50x optical zoom ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens (100x Clear Image Zoom) to get incredibly close to the action
• Optical SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode for smoother, more stable HD movies
• Professional DSLR-style handling and manual controls in a compact body
• Wi-Fi and NFC allows instant connection with smartphone for easy image sharing between devices and remote control from phone
• Full HD video shooting (1080p) with ability to shoot at 60p, 60i and now 24p frame rates
• Compatible with Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps platform

For those looking for a little more zoom but a few less features than the Cyber-shot H400 might be the camera you’ve been waiting for. Featuring an impressive 63x optical zoom, the H400 instead opts for 720p video and lacks the BIONZ X image processing engine. The H400 also lacks connectivity features like Wi-Fi  and NFC.

Key features of the Cyber-shot H400 include:

• World’s first 63x optical zoom lens with Optical SteadyShot for improved image stabilization at all focal lengths
• Class-leading 20.1 megapixel CCD sensor for detail-packed still photos and HD video (720p)
• Easy to use with DSLR-style body, electronic viewfinder, Intelligent Auto and dedicated movie button

If the zoom count and price are too high on the H400 than look no further than the Cyber-shot H300 which still packs an impressive 35x optical zoom lens. Beyond that, the H400 and H300 share all other features, including megapixel count and video quality.

Key features of the Cyber-shot H300 include:

• Versatile 35x optical zoom lens
• Class-leading 20.1 megapixel CCD sensor for detail-packed still photos and HD video (720p)
• Easy to use with DSLR-style body, electronic viewfinder, Intelligent Auto and dedicated movie button

The Cybershot HX400V and H400 will be available in in March for $500 and $320 respectively while H300 will land a little earlier in late February for $220.

Discuss:

Are you impressed by the new range of Cyber-shot cameras?

[Via Sony]