The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Digital Camera is a well designed, easy-to-use, compact megazoom camera. Controls are big enough to make operation easy and are well laid-out. The Mode dial sitting on top within easy reach of the thumb, is not overcrowded with icons. Even the power button, shutter release with zoom ring, and a Smile Shutter which directs the camera to continue taking pictures as long as the subject is smiling and there is adequate space on the memory stick, are all situated on top of the camera for easy access. With just one Menu button giving access to shooting controls and the viewing of all the settings, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Digital Camera will warn the user about adjusting certain incompatible settings. Most other cameras do not.

Though a bit bulky at 4.3 x 2.8 x 1.9 inches and weighing 9.9 ounces, the 10.1 megapixels Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Digital Camera is equipped with a 10x zoom lens with a f3.5-4.4 aperture and a 38-380mm (35 mm equivalent) focal length. Though the lens may be narrow, it does not distract from this camera's other features unless the user takes a large quantity of pictures featuring large groups of people. This camera also features a physical cap rather than a mechanical cover as most other cameras in the compact megazoom category have. This cap must be first removed from the lens before powering up otherwise the camera will stall out and the on/off process will have to be repeated.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Digital Camera has a manual mode, a program auto mode and an Intelligent Auto Mode. The auto modes determines shutter speed and aperture, but allows the user access to ISO, white balance, metering, exposure and focus among other options. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Digital Camera Intelligent mode automatically takes two shots with different settings thus ensuring a usable photo. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Digital Camera also has a Movie mode with optical zoom for a 720p HD-quality video.