Sony DSC-HX300 Cyber-shot Digital Camera

20.4-megapixel, Exmor R CMOS, 50x optical zoom, 7.5cm (3.0″) LCD, Full HD, Intelligent Auto, manual control

Sony announced the power-packed Cyber-shot DSC-HX300, offering a huge 50x optical zoom range (24mm-1200mm equivalent) – among the highest for any compact camera – the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens covers a wide range of shooting possibilities, from holidays and safari trips to sports and outdoor concerts. The T* coating on lens surfaces cuts reflections and ‘flare’, while Super ED and ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration for satisfyingly sharp, high-contrast images.

In a first for the Cyber-shot line, the HX300 camera features newly-enhanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that improves framing and composition at high zoom settings. This is made possible by a second zoom group of lens elements that shifts rapidly to correct for the slightest of hand movements. The HX300 model also has new and improved high-speed autofocus at telephoto settings that locks onto subjects about twice as fast as its predecessor, the HX200V model.  This makes it easier than ever to grab those spontaneous moments with crisp, blur-free images.

The new camera has a balanced DSLR-style body and molded ergonomic grip that ensure comfort during shooting.  There’s also a full range of intuitively-placed controls including manual ring, custom button, jog dial and Memory Recall mode, as well as the new Multi-Terminal that allows intelligent communication between the camera and compatible accessories.

Improved Superior Auto Mode automatically adjusts camera settings for the ideal composition in all lighting situations, even if a subject is moving. Picture Effect settings make it easy to spice up photos, movies and panoramas instantly and automatically with a range of fun, impressive artistic treatments like Toy Camera, Pop Color, Soft High Key and Partial Color. An Advanced Flash boosts the camera’s sensitivity, effectively extending the flash range to make further-away subjects appear brighter in the shot. It’s ideal for party photos and other dimly lit situations where built-in flashes typically struggle to reach all the action. In addition, Triluminos Color gives a rich, vivid palette of supremely natural colors when viewing photos on your compatible BRAVIA TV with support for Triluminos Display.

Pricing and Availability
The Sony Cyber-shot DCS-HX300 camera will both be available March 2013 for $499.