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The Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 is a 6 megapixel camera with 12x Optical Zoom shares a body and lens with the DSC-H5 and will feature a 3.0 inch LCD, USB 2.0, 32MB of internal memory and ISO at up to 1000. Sony boast a battery life on the H2 of up to 400 shots per charge.
It retail for a price of $400 USD. It too is expected to hit stores in April.
Compare prices on the Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 and get the Latest Price on the Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 at Amazon
Sony is expanding its high-zoom digital still camera line with two new Cyber-shot models that are sure to zero in on the subjects you most desire.
Clad in black, the new DSC-H5 model has a 7.2-megapixel CCD imager and extra-large, three-inch LCD screen. It also shimmers in silver along with the stage-worthy DSC-H2 model, which has a six-megapixel imager and two-inch LCD. Both cameras flaunt Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 12x optical zoom lenses and focal length ranges of 36 to 432 millimeters (35 mm equivalence).
'High-zoom cameras are one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry,' said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. 'They are powerful enough to get those hard-to-see distant shots, and have the easy-to-use functionality of point-and-shoot cameras.'
Ready, Steady, Shoot
Even without the steadiest of hands (or subjects), the cameras' anti-blur technologies ensure challenging shots can be executed with ease.
These new models incorporate Sony's Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization to help reduce image blur caused by hand movement. Because these cameras feature high-light sensitivity settings up to IS0 1000, fast-moving cars and people along the boulevard can also be captured with considerably less blur and graininess. Sony's Clear RAW noise reduction technology minimizes picture noise, making it easier to shoot at faster shutter speeds.
These anti-blur technologies are an advantage when shooting in low-light conditions, such as outdoor shots in the evening or inside dark museums. These shots can be taken without a flash, resulting in naturally-exposed images that truly capture the drama and atmosphere of the moment. And, you can get as close as you want with the cameras� significant macro mode of three-quarters of an inch.
You Are Big! The Cameras Got Smaller And Smarter
The new H-series cameras are substantial, without feeling bulky, and feature a comfortable grip with controls easily accessible by thumb.
You can count on detailed image previews using the H5 model's three-inch, high-resolution LCD screen, with a pixel count of 230K and Sony's Clear Photo LCD Plus technology. The LCD features high-quality color reproduction and displays pictures with vivid clarity.
Sony's ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor circuitry increases both models' battery efficiency for quicker start-up, faster shot-to-shot times, higher-quality movie capture, and longer battery life. The H5 camera delivers up to 340 shots on a single charge, while the H2 model offers 400 shots per charge.
The new cameras include auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus features along with pre-set scene modes customized for specific shooting conditions, all working silently in the background while you concentrate on the 'center-stage' action. When greater creative control is needed, aperture/shutter priority and manual exposure modes are available options.
Both models have 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo' media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo� card, now available in capacities up to four gigabytes.
My Autograph, Please
Make the most of your close-ups by producing high-quality prints. Simply connect these models to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer and produce lab-quality photos at home. You can even create postcards for all of your budding fans with the printer�s supplied software.
With Sony�s ImageStation online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts such as photo books and calendars.
The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 camera will be available in May for about $500 and the DSC-H2 model ships in April for about $400.
Bundled accessories include rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, charger, lens hood with adaptor and lens cap with strap, and USB and AV output cables. Options include a wide conversion lens (VCL-DH0758) for about $150, a tele-end conversion lens (VCL-DH1758) for about $150, a close-up lens (VCL-M3358) for about $70, a jacket case (LCJ-HC) for about $50, and a soft carrying case (LCS-HA) for about $40.
Both models can be purchased direct at Sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at www.sony.com/h5 and www.sony.com/h2.
Hardware Zone reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 and writes - 'The Cybershot DSC-H2 is highly recommended for travelers who are more particular about image quality and functionality over outright portability. Though lightweight, the H2 is by no means a pushover where camera functions and image performance are concerned. Test pictures attested the H2 as a competent prosumer camera capable of taking sharp pictures with accurate color reproduction. Given that full adjustment of aperture and shutter speeds is possible with the H2, budding photographers who are looking to explore their creativity will not be disappointed as well. Amateurs are not left out either, as there are more than enough preset modes to go around and these can be further complemented by Sony's "Super SteadyShot" for crystal clear pictures.'
DP Review has posted their review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 where they give it a rating of 'highly recommended and write - 'Compared to the most obvious competitors - the Canon S3 IS and Panasonic DMC-FZ7 - the Sony H2 scores highly in handling, image quality and ease of use, and only really falls short in a couple of areas; burst mode, focus speed in low light (specifically at the long end of the zoom) and the slightly underwhelming movie mode. Some users will bemoan the lack of a flash hot shoe and Raw mode, but these are still rare on this class of camera. And things like chromatic aberration and focus hunting at the long end of the zoom are common to most competitor models. The smaller screen is a pity, but the H2's screen is surprisingly good, and the flip side of the downgrade is a significant improvement in battery life - and you get a higher resolution viewfinder.'
Digital Photography Interface posts their review of the Sony Cyber-shot H2 where they write - 'The Sony Cyber-shot H2 is a relative bargain for the price. It features lots of stuff which make it great: The 12x zoom lens (now by Carl Zeiss) with optical image stabilization, 6 megapixels and great battery life (400 shots). The camera itself looks and feels expensive - looking modern and better than most entry-level digital SLRs (at least from the front, in my opinion), feels solid and it's big enough to feel comfortable. The LCD is not that big though - just two inches with very low resolution and visibility. It even has a jog dial which allows easy tweaking of aperture/shutter speed. As expected from an ultra-zoom camera, the Sony H2 has full manual controls and is compatible with conversion lenses + filters.'
CNET reviews the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H2 and writes - 'Sony was quite late to the megazoom parade with its Cyber Shot DSC-H1, but this follow-up model is more in step with the rest of the marchers. The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H2's 12X zoom lens now carries the Carl Zeiss moniker, resolution has been bumped up to 6 megapixels, and sensitivity has been stretched all the way out to ISO 1,000. Soccer moms--who might not want the hassle of an interchangeable lens--should find the H2 appealing for its massive zoom range, its pleasing image quality, and its broad array of both automatic and manual exposure controls. But advanced amateurs who need low noise at higher ISOs might want to look elsewhere.'
DIgital Camera Review has posted their review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 Digital Camera where they write - 'The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 is a solid offering in the ultra-zoom digital camera field. It takes good images at 6 megapixels and has a nice lens with good image stabilization. The flash is one of the most powerful that I've seen on a point and shoot camera - able to completely illuminate a completely dark room. Even with the nice flash, Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization system allows you to shoot without a flash. Some of the camera controls were not completely comfortable for me, but it also had plenty of dedicated buttons to easily access the most common functions (like focus modes and exposure compensation). Also, as one of the followups to the older Sony H1, you would expect more of an upgrade. Even though it captures one more megapixel and has a higher stop of sensitivity, the H2 has a smaller screen than the H1. I can only surmise that Sony wanted to keep the price down and save the upgrades for the 7.2 megapixel, 3 inch LCD of the H5.'
ComputerActive has a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and writes, "When it comes to reviewing the H2’s images, there is some evidence of fringing – visible as a line of different coloured pixels – between areas of high contrast, though this is only noticeable under close inspection. A very reasonable level of detail is captured thanks to a quality Carl Zeiss lens. As we commonly find with Sony cameras, colours are vividly rendered, so no complaints there. ... In all, this camera will satisfy enthusiasts who don’t want to stretch to an SLR, and beginners who want room for their photography to grow as their understanding does. The price also can’t be faulted."
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 and gives it a rating of 4.5 out of 5. They write - 'Enthusiasts who either don't want, or can't afford, to stretch to a DSLR will get the most from the Sony Cybershot DSC-H2, along with beginners who eventually will want to do more than point and shoot without having to upgrade. It manages to satisfy both camps with amazingly few compromises. Plastic build and chunky Fisher Price looks aside, it's responsive, takes decent images and is keenly priced. That 12x optical zoom, equivalent to 36-432mm in 35mm terms, is great for lifestyle photography – by which I mean candid portraiture – and the Super SteadyShot image stabiliser works more often that not, with only really the lack of TIFF or RAW capture finding the H2 seriously lacking when compared against a budget DSLR. Those unable to blackmail the bank manager for an Alpha 100 DSLR can instead take comfort in the fact that the H2's handling of image noise is certainly no worse than the Alpha with kit lens (light sensitivity also capped at ISO 1000). Overall the H2 is not quite a '5 out of 5' but it is a camera deserving of strong recommendation nonetheless.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H2 and writes - 'If you're looking for a light-weight, stylish, moderately-priced digicam that is versatile enough to handle most family events while getting you close to sports action or wildlife, the SONY Cyber-shot H2 should be high on your list. You should also consider the Canon PowerShot S3 IS. Both cameras carry similar specifications and are capable of delivering high-quality images. The S3 IS advantages include better Continuous AF tracking of moving subjects, industry-leading movie mode, articulating LCD monitor, faster shutter speeds and greater continuous shooting speed and buffer depth. On the other hand, the H2 provides greater indoor flash range and AF-assist performance, lower image noise at high ISO settings, ISO 1000, Smart Digital Zoom and Multi Burst mode.'
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Posted by Darren in our Sony category on February 27, 2006