Sony DSC-H1 Review

The Cybershot DSC-H1 is a good example of quality digital camera Sony can
produce. 5.1 megapixel with a stabilised 12x optical zoom and a large 2.5 LCD screen along with full manual exposure control, yet is simple to use.

Sony DSC-H1

The Sony H1 has a SLR look and feel, with the big grip and large lens barrel. The controls are close to operating fingers and few in number.

Offering the Super SteadyShot image stabilization mechanism on the H1, you will truly enjoy the long optical zoom if this is an important feature for you.

You even have two option in its use: In one the steady shot is activated only when you press the shutter button half way down, the alternative is to have it operate continuously, very useful for long zoom shots or for taking movie clips.

The zoom is also very quiet and smooth which is a great quality when you are in a quiet environment.

One great little feature of the Sony H1 is the well designed battery/Memory stick door. It is hinged in the middle, so you can get to the Memory stick without having to turn off the camera or remove the batteries.

Sony DSC-H1 Review - Pros

12X image-stabilized zoom

2.5-inch LCD

Fast shutter response, very good shot to shot speed

Very good movie mode

Great battery life

Sony DSC-H1 Review - Cons

Larger and heavier camera than the competition

Lack of fine detail

Could be better in low light conditions

Sony DSC-H1 Review - Specs

Resolution: 5.1 Megapixel

Optical Zoom: 12x

Digital Zoom: 4.1x

Memory: Sony memory stick (32 MB internal memory)

LCD: 2.5 inch

PictBridge: Yes

The features of the H1 are excellent. You can play around with this digital camera for hours.

You can leave all settings in automatic and use it as a basic point and shoot camera or you can experiment and learn by using the aperture, shutter speed and manual controls.

You will see the adjustments made instantly and how it will affect the picture on your LCD screen. The live histogram is another feature that will appreciate if you take the time to learn how to use it.

Sony DSC-H1 Review � Batteries and memory

Batteries
Included in the box when you buy the Sony DSC-H1 are two Sony NiMH AA Stamina batteries, delivering 2100 mAh at 1.2V.

They'll last about 145 minutes of on-time (with the LCD), capturing up to 290 full-resolution images (Sony's official ratings). Alkaline, Manganese, Lithium, and NiCd batteries are not recommended.

Unlike most current manufacturers that use AAs, Sony includes a charger and two batteries. I suggest you buy at least two more, even though the battery life on this camera is very good, they are not too expensive and it�s always nice to have couple spare batteries as a back-up.

Memory
As all the Sony digital cameras, the Cybershot DSC-H1 uses Sony Memory Stick compatible with original Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro.

Please note that no memory stick is included when buying the H1 so you should budget to buy at least a 256 MB memory stick.

You can consult my memory guide for more information on memory card/stick for digital cameras.

Sony DSC-H1 Review � Final Word

The Sony Cybershot DSC-H1 is capable megazoom digital camera that can hold its own against much of the competition. In my opinion, the Sony DSC-H1 and the Canon Powershot S2 IS are pretty much equal.

Best thing to do before buying online, is to go to a camera store and hold these two digital cameras so you can decide which one feels better.

If having a big zoom is important for you, the Sony DSC-H1 is an excellent choice.

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Sony dsc-h1

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