Sony announced two compact cameras at PMA: the 8.1-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-W100 and 7-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-W70.

Both models have a metal case and are available in black and silver. Both offer an eye-level viewfinder, a 2.5-inch LCD, and 3X zoom. And both Cyber-shots feature MPEG1 movie recording and have high light-sensitivity settings. The DSC-100 reaches ISO 1250; the DSC-W70 goes up to ISO 1000.

When a scene mode is selected, the LCD displays text explanations that guide users through other functions. When you select a resolution, a pop-up screen tells you the ideal print size for the setting. This feature can be turned off once you're better acquainted with the ins and outs of the camera.

The W100 has 64MB of internal memory; the W70 has 58MB of internal memory. Both cameras use Memory Stick Duo media cards.

Both models will be available in April. The DSC-W100 will cost about US$350, and the DSC-W70 model will cost roughly US$300.

If zoom is your thing two new Sony cameras on display boast a 12X zoom lens: the Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and DSC-H2.

Both models offer a focal length of 36mm to 432mm (35mm equivalent). When zoomed in on far away subjects, the lens on both cameras has an optical image stabilization mechanism to help prevent slight hand movement of the camera from blurring the photo. Sony calls the mechanism Super SteadyShot. Also helping keep images crisp is the cameras' ability to reach ISO 1000. Both cameras are 7.2-megapixel models.

These cameras are not currently available in Australia.