Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 vs. DSC-T90: A Hands-On Comparison for Modern Enthusiasts

When stepping up your camera game, even compact options from the same year can differ widely in design philosophy, features, and performance. That’s exactly the case with Sony’s Cyber-shot 2009 compacts: the DSC-H20 and the DSC-T90. Both rooted in the small-sensor compact category but targeting distinct user preferences, these two’s similarities and differences are a fascinating study for anyone keen on finding a “just right” balance of versatility, portability, and image quality. Having rigorously tested both cameras in various real-world shooting scenarios, I’m excited to share with you a detailed comparison that goes beyond specs sheets - highlighting what matters to photographers from portrait to wildlife, from video to travel.

Let’s dive in, starting with the fundamental physical aspects where these cameras immediately diverge.

Hold and Feel: Size and Ergonomics Matter More Than You Think

The moment you pick up each camera, you get a clear sense of their design intent. The DSC-H20 leans into a chunky, bridge-style compact that feels sturdy with a moderate grip, while the DSC-T90 prides itself on ultra-slim portability with a minimalist shell.

Physically, the H20 measures 107 x 69 x 47 mm and weighs in at 250 grams, a size that invites confident handling - useful when you want steadiness for telephoto shots or longer exposures. Meanwhile, the T90’s dimensions are a svelte 94 x 57 x 15 mm and just 148 grams, letting it slip easily into any pocket or purse. Clearly, if pocketability is a must-have, the T90 wins hands down.

But the tradeoff here is grip comfort and control accessibility. The T90’s slim profile naturally means fewer physical buttons and a lack of any dedicated grip. Meanwhile, the H20’s form factor includes a molded ridge and more tactile controls that make it easier to shoot handheld for longer periods without hand strain.

For photographers shooting street, travel, or everyday candids, the T90’s compactness is attractive. However, for more deliberate compositions or extended sessions - think wildlife or landscape - the H20’s bulk and ergonomics offer more reliability.

Moving beyond body size, control layout also factors heavily into actual shooting ease.

Control Layout and Top Plate Usability: Where Does Your Thumb Land?

Examining the design from above reveals real clues about usability under pressure.

The H20’s top plate sports a traditional mode dial and an easy-to-reach zoom toggle. This layout supports quick setting changes without diving into menus - a boon when shooting action or varying light. The dedicated shutter button ringed with zoom rocker feels intuitive, even if the camera isn’t the fastest in burst mode.

Contrast that with the T90’s sleek, button-sparse surface. Its zoom lever is deliberately compact, and there’s a conspicuous lack of a manual mode or shutter priority control. Everything here feels designed for simplicity and point-and-shoot ease.

For enthusiasts and pros who want greater creative input and faster access to key settings, the H20’s controls will feel like a breath of fresher air. The T90 encourages a more casual shooting style, aligning well with street photography or holiday snapshots - where minimal fuss and discretion matter.

Speaking of sensor technology, despite both sharing a “small sensor” heritage, their imaging capabilities vary.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolving the 10 vs. 12 Megapixel Question

The heart of any camera’s imaging lies in its sensor, and here both Sony cameras sport the familiar 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with an area of roughly 28 mm². However, the H20 has 10 MP resolution (maximum image size of 3648x2736), while the T90 squeezes 12 MP (4000x3000), nominally offering more detail potential.

Now, megapixels alone don’t tell the whole story. CCD technology, especially from this era, is well-known for producing pleasing colors and dynamic range, though it lacks the noise control advantages of more modern CMOS sensors. Both cameras share an anti-aliasing filter, which reduces moiré but slightly softens fine details.

In practice, the 12 MP on the T90 delivers somewhat sharper images at base ISO, making it better suited for cropping or large prints. However, the smaller pixel pitch means noise appears earlier at higher sensitivities. The H20’s 10 MP sensor trades resolution for slightly improved low-light tolerance. Both have a max native ISO of 3200, but usable ISO tops out around 400 or 800 depending on your noise tolerance.

Color depth and dynamic range - though not lab-tested by DXOMark for these models - perform acceptably for their class, with the usual caveat that high-contrast scenes reveal the sensors’ limitations. One neat advantage the H20 offers is a wider focal length range allowing longer telephoto zoom, which can be decisive where resolution and reach must be balanced.

When you want sharpness with modest cropping flexibility, the T90 edges ahead. But the H20’s sensor pairing with superior optics and stabilization gives it better versatility, especially for tricky handheld shots.

Speaking of displays and interfaces, both cameras come with a 3-inch 230k-dot LCD but implemented differently.

Viewing Experience: LCD Screens and User Interface

Interestingly, the mobile-friendly T90 packs a touchscreen - a rather rare feature in 2009 compacts - allowing tap-to-focus and intuitive menu navigation. This touch layer makes the camera feel modern, and perfect for those migrating from smartphones or casual shooters who appreciate direct interaction.

In contrast, the H20 features a traditional fixed LCD without touch capabilities but includes physical buttons and a directional pad that provide confident, tactile feedback. This setup appeals to photographers who prefer tangible controls over tapping a glass screen - especially useful in bright outdoor conditions or when wearing gloves.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, so composing relies entirely on the rear LCD. Both have live view support, but the H20’s larger body and control layout make shooting more deliberate.

For video work or reviewing images, you’ll find both LCDs bright enough, but the interface complexity differs: the H20 provides deeper manual function access, while the T90 is button-minimal and cycle-based.

Which you prefer depends on your shooting environment and personal control style.

Sample Images Side by Side: See the Cameras in Action

Of course, it’s one thing to talk numbers, but how do these cameras perform in actual shooting?

Sony H20 front Sony H20 screen back Sony T90 front Sony T90 screen back

Here, I’ve included landscapes, portraits, macro details, and some telephoto wildlife shots to give you a clear sense of nuances.

The H20’s longer zoom (38-380mm equivalent) shines in wildlife frames, delivering good reach with decent image stabilization. Skin tones in portraits are warm and pleasant, but the lens’ maximum aperture range (F3.5–4.4) softens that bokeh effect compared to larger sensor cameras. Meanwhile, the T90’s wider aperture range topping at F10 on the telephoto end significantly limits shallow depth-of-field options but is adequate for well-lit street scenes and general use.

The T90’s higher megapixel count allows for crisper landscape prints, albeit sometimes at the expense of higher visible noise in shadow areas. The H20 manages shadows and highlights a bit better, thanks to optimizations on its firmware and broader exposure compensation support.

Both models lack RAW support, so you’re reliant on JPEG output, meaning potential for post-processing latitude is limited.

Performance Scores Summed Up: How Do They Compare Overall?

Looking at an aggregate picture of performance from hands-on tests and user feedback, the H20 generally scores better on flexibility and handling, while the T90 shines for portability and image detail.

Burst mode rates are a sluggish 2 frames per second on both, making them unsuitable for serious action photography, but fine for casual shooting.

Autofocus is contrast-detection based on 9 points for both but without continuous AF or face detection - a limiting factor in fast-moving subjects. The H20’s manual exposure options and exposure compensation are a plus for creative control, unlike the T90, which lacks aperture or shutter priority modes.

Battery life is similar: modest but manageable - neither camera is designed for marathon shooting without spare batteries.

Photography Genre Breakdown: Matching Cameras to Your Style

Let’s examine key photography disciplines and how these cameras stack up.

Portrait Photography

If skin tones and subject isolation matter, the H20’s F3.5–4.4 aperture and better zoom reach provide an advantage. The T90’s narrower aperture range and lack of manual exposure modes reduce expressive flexibility. Neither supports face or eye detection autofocus, so focusing on eyes requires patience and good light. For casual portraits, both suffice; for more artful portraits, favor the H20.

Landscape Photography

The T90’s higher 12 MP sensor resolution allows for richer detail capture, beneficial in landscapes. However, the H20’s slightly better dynamic range and broader focal range support make framing varied compositions easier. Neither camera is weather sealed, so caution in harsh environments is advised.

Wildlife Photography

Here, the H20 is the clear winner. Its 10x zoom range gives significant reach, and optical image stabilization helps steady long telephoto shots. Autofocus lacks tracking but contrast detect AF at 9 points is workable if subjects are relatively still. The T90’s 4x zoom limits framing options and makes distant subjects a challenge.

Sports Photography

Both fall short for serious sports shooters due to sluggish 2 fps continuous shooting, no predictive or tracking AF, and limited buffer. Fast action requires specialized cameras. Casual sports shooting with plenty of light might be OK handheld with the H20.

Street Photography

The T90’s slim, discreet form and silent shutter (electronic shutter isn’t listed for either) let you blend in more. Its touchscreen interface facilitates quick reactive work. The H20’s bulkier body and louder mechanical shutter make it less subtle but offer more control. Both handle low light poorly relative to modern standards.

Macro Photography

The H20 features a close macro focus distance down to 2 cm, which I found useful for detail shots and flowers. The T90 lacks macro specifics, and its longer minimum focus distance restricts close-ups. Neither offers focus stacking or bracketing, but the H20’s optical image stabilization aids handheld macro shooting.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited by CCD noise and sensor size, neither camera excels here. ISO performance is weak beyond 400-800. The H20’s longer shutter speed up to 30 seconds opens some astro possibilities, though noise and long exposure star trails are an issue. The T90 tops out at 1600 ISO but max shutter speed is only 1 second, constraining long exposure work.

Video Capabilities

Both shoot HD video at 1280x720 @ 30fps, sufficient for casual clips. Neither supports external microphones or headphones, limiting audio quality and monitoring. Optical stabilization helps smooth some handheld video on both. Video is saved in Motion JPEG (T90) or unspecified (H20), not ideal for editing but workable for quick sharing.

Travel Photography

Travelers will appreciate the T90’s ultra-compact size and low weight, making it a natural carry-on camera. Battery life and limited weather sealing could be a concern, so pack accordingly. The H20 offers a more flexible lens range and manual modes, valuable for varied travel shooting but at a cost of size and weight.

Professional Work

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced workflow integration, limiting professional use to casual backup or social media snaps. The H20’s manual modes add some creative options, but limited build durability, no environmental sealing, and absence of tethering or wireless connectivity hold it back for pro applications.

Diving Deeper: Technical Features and Handling Insights

Lens and Zoom

The H20’s fixed 10x zoom (38-380mm equivalent) with max aperture F3.5-4.4 provides excellent versatility from wide to telephoto, great for wildlife, landscapes, and portraits alike. The T90’s 4x zoom is 35-140mm with a variable max aperture from F3.5 to a slow F10 at telephoto, which notably reduces sharpness and low-light usability at longer ends. Optically stabilized lenses on both make handheld shooting less shaky.

Autofocus and Exposure

Both use contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points, but no continuous or face detection AF. The H20 offers aperture and shutter priority modes plus manual exposure, belying its beginner-friendly looks. The T90 restricts you to automatic exposure only, making it less flexible when you want control.

Build and Durability

Neither offer weather sealing or rugged features. Both feel solid, but the H20’s bulkier design is more robust looking. The T90 prioritizes thinness and style.

Connectivity and Storage

No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS on either camera - standard for the era and segment. Storage slots accept Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards, which are less common today but still serviceable. USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs allow basic tethered downloads and viewing.

Battery

Battery life is not specified precisely for either model, but both use proprietary NP-BG1 or compatible batteries. Expect moderate shooting capacity, with spares recommended for extended use.

Final Recommendations: Which Sony Compact Fits You Best?

Choosing between the 2009 Sony DSC-H20 and DSC-T90 boils down to your priorities:

• Choose the DSC-H20 if:
  You want a versatile zoom range for wildlife, macro, and portraits. Prefer manual controls and exposure flexibility. Don’t mind a larger, heavier body for better ergonomics. Need optical stabilization and a competent all-rounder for day-to-day photography.

• Choose the DSC-T90 if:
  You prize pocket-sized portability above all else. Desire a modern touchscreen interface and higher megapixel count for landscape detail. Focus on street or casual travel photography where discretion and ease matter most. Can tolerate fewer manual controls.

Both cameras are now quite dated by modern standards but still can deliver satisfying results in their niches. The H20 is your “go-to point-and-shoot with zoom power and some creative manual override.” The T90 is the ultra-slim “grab-and-go” camera for casual photographers.

Wrapping Up

Sony’s 2009 compacts showcase two different visions of small-sensor photography - one blending zoom reach and manual flexibility, the other ultra-portability and instant simplicity. Both equipped with optical image stabilization and HD video at 720p, they offer solid options for photographers stepping up from basic digitals or smartphones of the era.

Having spent weeks shooting side-by-side, I appreciate the H20’s confidence-inspiring controls and zoom versatility but also love the T90’s sleek, pocket-friendly style and detailed images in well-lit conditions. They distinctly cater to different photography mindsets.

If you’re hunting for a small, affordable camera right now, consider your priorities carefully - because size, control, and zoom all matter a lot more than specs might imply.

Hopefully, this comparison helps you make a more informed choice for your next compact adventure!

Happy shooting.

Image credits all courtesy of Sony Cyber-shot official specs and hands-on tests.

Appendix: Quick Specs Recap

If you want a deeper dive into testing rigs, low-light comparison charts, or handheld telephoto ergonomics feel free to inquire, I’m happy to share more insights from my extensive archive.