Sony DSC-H1 Review

Click on the Sony H1 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Sony DSC-H1 Cyber-shot digital camera features a high resolution five megapixel, Super HAD CCD imager, 12X optical zoom lens with Super Steady Shot image stabilizer, a color electronic viewfinder and a large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor. This camera is ideal for first-time as well as the more experienced users with its automatic and manual exposure modes.

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 three-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.

Motion video can be recorded in the MPEG-VX Fine mode that captures full screen VGA (640 x 480) resolution at 30fps or 16fps with audio. The length of these movies is only limited by space available in the memory. The H1 has 32 MB of internal memory (30 MB of usable memory) for storing image data and this is easily expanded by use of optional MemoryStick PRO media cards. PictBridge™ compatibility enables prints in a flash when the camera is connected to an enabled printer. And downloading to your computer is also fast and easy thanks to its high speed USB 2.0 data port connectivity.

Sony H1 Features at a Glance:

• 5.1 effective megapixel Sony Super HAD imager
• 12X zoom (36-432mm 35mm equiv) with Super Steady Shot image stabilization
• SLR-like styling with eyelevel color electronic viewfinder
• 3-Area Multi-Point AF system with AF-assist illuminator
• Large 2.5-inch color LCD with 115,000 pixels
• Shutter speeds from 30 to 1/1000 second, Aperture F2.8 to F8.0
• 9 Shot Burst mode (5MP/Fine) for fast action or children
• MPEG VX 640x480 movies with sound at 30fps, length limited only by memory
• Auto, Program, Shutter-speed, Aperture, Manual and 7 Scene exposure modes
• Multi-pattern metering with Spot option
• Slow shutter Noise Reduction for cleaner long exposures
• Playback options: Single, 9-image thumbnail, Slideshow, 5x magnification
• Built-in Speedlight with Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Fill flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync.
• High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity
• USB Direct-Print PictBridge compatibility
• Powered by two standard AA type batteries
• 32MB of internal memory plus MemoryStick Pro card slot
• Optional wide angle and telephoto conversion lenses and filters

The DSC-H1 Cyber-shot camera will be available this June for about $500

DSC-H1 Specifications