Editorial Review:Product Description:Spontaneous always-with-you photography style just got better with the DSC U20/B Cyber-shot U digital camera, in stylish black. Packed with an impressive 2-megapixel resolution and features like auto focus and auto macro functions to capture crisp shots, the Cyber-shot U20 is designed to fit in your hand and allow for the simplicity and speed you need to make it easy to grab shots anytime, anywhere.
Amazon.com Product Description:Sony has now made capturing spontaneous moments even easier with the diminutive Cyber-shot DSC-U20. Measuring a mere 3.38 by 1.19 by 1.63 inches and weighing just 4 ounces, the ultracompact, black-bodied DSC-U20 enables you to carry it comfortably in your pocket, your purse, or around your neck. Capturing spontaneity is a snap thanks to its state-of-the-art technology and ease of use. And with its 2-megapixel resolution, you can enlarge photo prints up to 8 by 10 inches.
Optics and Resolution The DSC-U20 features a 2-megapixel progressive-scan Super HAD CCD sensor--bumped up from the 1.3 megapixels of its sibling DSC-U10--which captures images up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels. The DSC-U20 offers a fixed-focus 5mm/f2.8 lens (or a 33mm equivalent in a 35mm camera) that has no optical or digital zoom capability. It features a three-area multipoint autofocus and four-step manual focus with auto macro.
Storage and Transfer Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and an 8 MB card is included, which will store approximately 15 images. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage class connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Movie Mode In addition to taking still photos, the DSC-U20 can also record MPEG movie clips (without audio) of up to 15 seconds. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
More Features - Fast start-up time and convenient slide-open lens cover
- 1-inch, 64 KB pixel transflective LCD viewfinder with battery indicator
- Built-in flash with through-the-lens (TTL) pre-flash metering and red-eye reduction
- VGA burst mode captures up to five 640 x 480 frames at 2 frames per second
- Selectable soft snap, illumination snap, and nature scene modes
- Selectable sepia, solarize, black and white, and negative art modes
Power, Size, and Contents The camera is powered by two rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries (included). It measures 3.38 by 1.19 by 1.63 inches and weighs 4 ounces. This package includes the Cyber-shot DSC-U20 digital camera, 8 MB Memory Stick, rechargeable NiMH batteries (model NH-AAA-DI), battery charger (model BC-CS1 NiMH), USB and AV cables, neck strap, and CD-ROM with Pixela ImageMixer for Sony v1.0 imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Great for what I wanted it for.
I already have a larger expensive camera and I was looking for a small, relatively inexpensive but quality digital camera. One that I could keep in my pocket in most situations. This camera seemed to fit the bill perfectly with the advantage (for me) of the memory stick storage. Since buying it I must admit that it's much better than I thought. Personally I don't miss a zoom capability as that's not what I use it for. I use it for the impromptue photo on a night out, quick views from helicopters and aeroplanes, boys days out and other types where 9 times out of 10 the picure I take is going to be emailed and not much else. I love the quick start up as well, almost as soon as the lens cover is slid over the LCD is on and the camera is ready. The flash is also ready very quickly. I have it on the lower quality setting most of the time (640x480), and with the 128MB stick it stores over 1200 images.
Another plus, for me, is that it runs on 2 AAA batteries. It came supplied with 2 excellent Sony rechargable cells which have a great if not terrific life, but it's so easy to have 2 spare AAAs handy, rather than some of the other cameras which run on unit specific only battery cells. Very handy in countries with different voltages/sockets.
The operation and user interface, while not being a class leader, is easy enough for hassle free operation. I have used most of the features to try them, and whilst they do all work well I don't use them very frequently.
The case and camera feel solid and the whole fit and finish is typical Sony quality.
The only one very very small gripe is that the play/still/movie selector is easily moved from still to play and slows the process slightly. Has only happened a couple of times so like I said, it's a very small gripe.
Since seeing and using mine, several of my workmates have gone and bought this model as well.
It's not a camera to have as your No1, but for what I wanted it for and use it for, it's nigh on perfect.
Rating: -
Great little camera
Very convenient. Take anywhere and no excuse for not having a camera. $... price at Amazon[.com] is a bargain. Takes generally good pictures, if not advanced in features. Some pictures indoors get red-eye. No backlight control, so watch your background otherwise the main subject of the picture gets washed out. No zoom. A lot of capacity if you buy the bigger memory stick. Battery can last a long time between recharge. Some of the pictures color balance looks washed out, but this is a quick fix with most computer programs.
Rating: 
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Keep it close, and get that shot
You never know when a photo opportunity might present itself. If you're like me, it will be when your nice, full-size camera is not around. So, I got this little Sony to carry along with my car keys and wallet. This plan works great. I've managed to snag some great shots simply because I had this little camera nearby.
The Good:
Very small and portable
256 MB stick holds over 200 images
Very good image quality
The Bad:
Slow shutter speed; not good for action shots
The So-So
Even a modest zoom would be nice
I'd like a larger hole in the carry strap lug, so I could put it on a keyring or such.
Overall, I'm quite happy with the quality of images, fit and function of the unit. I would NOT suggest it as a primary camera (there are better ones out there for the same money) but if you would like to have a "carry it with me all the time" camera, and never miss a shot, this Sony is the way to go.
