It may be entry-level but Sony is claiming that its new Cybershot DSC-W220 packs in the features of some of the companies higher-end models.

‘This camera is perfect for customers who forget to change settings to the right scene mode, do not have the time to change settings or do not know what setting to use’ said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in the Digital Imaging Division at Sony Electronics. ‘It chooses the correct scene mode, which makes it easy to use.’

The 12-megapixel snapper offers features including Intelligent Scene Recognition and Dynamic Range Optimiser – the former which automatically recognises five scenes—twilight portrait, twilight, twilight using a tripod, backlight and backlight portrait.

It then ‘optimises’ the camera’s settings for shooting situations, taking an additional shot in low and bright light scenarios which photographers can then compare.

The camera also offers a 2.7-inch LCD screen, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4X optical zoom lens and Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation to minimize blur. Another nifty feature is Sony’s Smile Shutter technology which automatically captures a smile the moment it happens.

The W220 also features Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation and there is also a version of this camera (being sold as the W210), which just has digital image stabilisation.
        
Images can be stored on both the camera’s 15MB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick media card.

The DSC-W220 camera will be available in March in silver, black, pink and blue for about $190 (no UK price as yet).