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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
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The Sony Cybershot DSC-H1 is a SLR style (not a true SLR view finder) digital camera with 5.1 megapixels (effective) and a long 12x Optical Zoom.
The Cybershot DSC-H1 features a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor, image stabilization, a macro focusing range of 0.8inches, video shooting mode (MPEG VX with audio - 30 fps) and PictBridge functionality.
The Sony Cybershot DSC-H1 will retail for $499.95 and should reach stores in June of 2005.
Get the Latest Price on the Sony Cybershot DSC-H1
Digital Camera Info reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 and writes - 'The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 does have some incredibly attractive features, notably its 12x optical zoom lens with super image stabilization and large 2.5-inch LCD screen. The 36-432mm (equivalent) variable focal range lens is also compatible with conversion lenses and filters, providing aficionados with some room for creativity. Sony has included some features to help foster that creativity with manual, priority, and automatic modes, including 7 scene settings. The 32 MB of internal memory and accurate electronic viewfinder are also nice touches on this SLR-shaped digital camera. While Sony does pack some great point-and-shoot features, other performance-oriented necessities are completely brushed over. The H1 is apparently designed for enthusiasts, though its ISO range is capped at 400. '
DP Review has reviewed the 5.1 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 digital camera. They highly recommend it and write - 'Considering this is Sony's first foray into the increasingly crowded - and competitive - 5MP 'super zoom', whereas other manufacturers are already into their second or third generation models, the DSC-H1 is a very impressive, very mature product indeed. Handling is excellent, it's very fast and responsive and the results - even shooting in full auto mode with default settings - excellent. There are few cameras I can wholeheartedly recommend to both novice 'snappers' and experienced photographers, but the H1 is that rarest of beasts; a 'compact' camera with handling and control close to a DSLR, yet one that - even in inexperienced hands - can be left in 'idiot-proof' mode and trusted to produce the goods time and time again. And, like the S2 IS, it's capable of high resolution movies. Above all, the H1 is fun and easy to use, which means you will find yourself taking a lot more pictures, which has to be a good thing.'
Imaging resource review the Sony DSC H1, and write - "The Sony DSC-H1 marks a new category for Sony (at least in recent history), offering optical image stabilization with a very long zoom lens. The Sony H1 provides more manual exposure control than many other long zoom digital cameras, yet is easy to use in full-auto mode, and its seven preprogrammed scene modes help with tricky subjects. The large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor is excellent for framing and reviewing shots, and the overall design and layout of the H1 is user-friendly."
CNET reviews the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H1 and gives it a rating of 'very good'. They write - 'With its 12X-zoom Cyber Shot DSC-H1, Sony joins the megazoom competition. Although slightly larger and heavier than its competitors, the H1 holds its own thanks to a broad feature set, speedy performance, and a generally well-thought-out design. We have a few quibbles and wish that the photos were sharper, but overall, the H1 may please enthusiasts hankering for a camera with an extended focal range.'
Design Technica reviews the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H1 and writes - 'I really liked using the DSC-H1 and enjoyed the resulting images. The optical image stabilization did a nice job eliminating the blur from slower shutter speeds and extremely zoomed telephoto images, where any bit of handshake rears its ugly head in your prints. Having the ability to zoom such a long focal length is a real plus. Just try it out in the store; you'll immediately see why we were so pleased and why it's a great travel companion. Battery life is very good, as is the response time. When using Memory Stick Pro cards, you can record decent movies that are close to VHS levels, but it's certainly no Mini DV camcorder. It's a nice feature, especially if something unusual takes place that begs for a video instead of a still. The LCD screen is big, but the quality really is a drop-off compared to the screens found on Sony's T series of cameras. In case the screen wipes out in bright sunshine or a really dim scene, the EVF is there to save you. However, Sony gets a half point deduction for including the insulting Picture Package software and continuing to use Memory Stick media against the on-rushing Secure Digital (SD) tide (I guess it wouldn't be Sony if they weren't so stubborn).'
PC Magazine reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 and writes - 'Our daylight test shots looked quite good. There was very little noise and the overall exposure was good, but we saw some fringing in the color chart. In the flash image, the flash was too strong and resulted in a loss of detail and blown-out highlights. Bear in mind that our test flash shots are taken in a controlled setting, with the camera in auto mode—the flash is adjustable, though we suspect that most users won't get around to adjusting it. The camera also sends out a pre-flash signal that sets the exposure properly. In all, though we found the flash to be overpowering in our studio, you can get different results in real-world shooting situations....
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 is a decent buy, especially considering the superzoom's price. But shutter lag and problems with the flash shots hold it back.'
Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Sony DSC H1 and writes - 'The Sony DSC H1 is a five megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom lens. This is Sony's first digital camera with an extended zoom lens. The DSC H1 has a wide range of features including fully manual exposure and is therefore likely to appeal to those who are serious about photography rather than someone who is looking for a simple point and shoot model. A lens of this length will be especially useful for wildlife and sports photography. '
Digital Camera Info reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 Digital Camera and writes - 'Point-and-shoot users looking to graduate from their pocket-friendly camera will find the H1 to be a sizable jump in performance capabilities and functionality. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 will take nice 5 megapixel images with rich colors and minimal noise and provide image stabilization technology. It also has a showy 2.5-inch LCD screen, although its 115,000 pixel count is sub-par. The H1 is designed to look like an SLR, but handle like a point-and-shoot. It succeeds, as it is incredibly easy to use (except two annoying little facts: no Delete All function and a menu-buried Format function). The movie mode is fun to play with because of its excellent audio and good playback layout. The 12x optical zoom lens is a very nice feature, especially when coupled with the effective image stabilization system. The camera is comfortable to hold with its rubber grip. The H1 is more compact than SLRs, but beefier than the slim-line models. In the end, the camera will offer advanced point-and-shoot functionality in a larger package. The camera is no supplement for an SLR, but for those looking just below, the H1 is a formidable alternative.'
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 and writes - 'It's not quite the perfect ultrazoom digicam though. Noise is the main problem with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1. Squeezing 5 megapixels onto such a small 1/2.5 inch CCD sensor inevitably results in noisier images at lower ISO speeds. Here, noise is fairly obvious at ISO 200, which isn't a particularly fast speed, and at the fastest speed of ISO 400 the image starts to take on a blurry look. The image stabilisation system thankfully makes up for this to some extent, as you can keep shooting at a slow ISO speed in lower light conditions than usual. It's the equivalent of gaining 1-2 exposure stops, or extending the ISO range from 64 up to 200.... If you mainly take photos outside, or indoors with flash, and if you keep the image stabilisation turned on, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 is a great ultra-zoom digital camera and definitely worth considering.'
Trusted Reviews has posted a review of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H1 where they write - 'The H1 is not short of creative features. It offers the full range of manual exposure modes, with manual shutter speeds of 30 seconds to 1/1000th of a second, and apertures from F2.8 to F8.0 available. These settings don’t compete with an SLR, but they’re quite respectable for a semi-pro camera.... Sony’s first SLR-style super-zoom camera is a real winner, and a bargain at the price. Excellent handling, a good list of features and superior picture quality, combined with a 12x image-stabilised lens make this a good all-rounder and a superb enthusiasts camera.'
Get the Latest Price on the Sony Cybershot DSC-H1
A five megapixel, Super HAD™ CCD imager, 12X optical zoom lens and a large 2.5-inch LCD are just a few of the features on this model that are sure to please even the choosiest photo buff.
“We’ve responded to requests from enthusiasts for this type of camera,” said Hiro Takahashi, vice president for Sony Electronics’ digital imaging products. With the DSC-H1 model, we have fully leveraged Sony’s digital imaging expertise to offer a high-zoom camera worthy of the Cyber-shot brand.“
With a focal length range of 36 - 432 millimeters (a 35mm equivalence) the DSC-H1 camera lets you frame distant objects with ease. Making the most of this telephoto reach, Sony’s Super Steady Shot® optical image stabilization feature counteracts camera-shake to ensure sharp images. This feature also benefits low-light photography by allowing the use of longer shutter speeds with reduced risk of image blur from camera-shake.
Sony’s Real Imaging Processor™ circuitry is incorporated in the model for better battery efficiency, more responsiveness and high quality movie taking, while seven preset scene modes allow quick selection of the best setting for specific shooting conditions.
The camera also includes a five-area, multi-point auto focus to help you concentrate on the subject without mistakenly focusing on the background, as well as aperture/shutter priority and manual exposure modes for creative control of the image.
For added convenience, the model has 32 MB of internal memory (30 MB of usable memory) and a Memory Stick® flash media slot. PictBridge™ compatibility enables prints in a flash when the camera is connected to an enabled printer.
”We’ve been able to put all these powerful capabilities in a camera that is far more compact than most would expect,“ noted Takahashi. ”The combination of form and function in this model will broaden the market bringing advanced features to wider audience.“
The DSC-H1 Cyber-shot camera will be available this June for about $500
Optional Lenses
For truly professional shots, this new camera is also compatible with optional telephoto or wide conversion lenses. The VCL-DH0758 model .7x wide angle conversion lens provides a wider field of view with virtually no color aberration or distortion. The VCL-DH1758 model 1.7x telephoto conversion lens offers greater magnification and a crystal-clear shot. Both lenses will be available by mid-June for about $150 each. '
Read more at Sony DSC-H1 Cyber-shot Digital Camera - PhotographyBLOG
Posted by Darren in our Sony category on February 20, 2005