Sony DSC-H5 Review

Click on the H5 for a 360° QTVR tour

The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 is a compact and stylish 7.2-megapixel camera with an extra-large, three-inch LCD screen, a powerful Carl Zeiss 12x optical zoom lens (36-432mm in 35mm equivalence). The H5 incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization to help reduce image blur caused by hand movement. Because the camera features high-light sensitivity settings up to IS0 1000, fast-moving cars and distant subjects can 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 camera's significant macro mode of just three-quarters of an inch.

The new H-series cameras are substantial, without feeling bulky, and feature a comfortable grip with controls easily accessible by your thumb. You can count on detailed image previews using the brilliant 3-inch, high-resolution color LCD screen thanks to Sony's Clear Photo LCD Plus™ technology. The LCD features high-quality color reproduction and displays pictures with vivid clarity.

The DSC-H5 is available in silver or black finish

The H5 offers 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 also available.

Sony's ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor™ circuitry increases the battery efficiency for quicker start-up, faster shot-to-shot times, higher-quality movie capture, and longer battery life. The H5 delivers up to 340 shots on a single charge of the supplied AA NiMH rechargeable batteries.

The camera has 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded further with an optional Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo card, available in capacities up to two gigabytes. A high-speed USB 2.0 port provides connectivity with Windows and Mac computers for fast transfers of images and movies. You can make high-quality prints by simply connecting the camera to a Sony DPP-FP50 or any PictBridge compatible photo printer. You can even create postcards or calendars using the printer's supplied software.

DSC-H5 Major Features:

• Sony 7.2 Megapixel effective CCD image sensor
• Carl Zeiss 12x Zoom (36-432mm equivalent in 35mm photography)
• Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization fights motion blur, even during longer exposures at full zoom.
• MPEG Movie: 640x480 VX Fine w/audio at 30fps (Memory Stick Duo Pro required),
  640x480 VX at 16fps, length limited only by media
• Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority, Manual Exposure
• Live histogram display in capture and playback
• 3 Area Multi-point AF; auto or selectable Spot AF point
• 3.0" color (230,000 pixels) LCD Screen with Auto Brightness
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
• High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 1000) allows you to shoot with great results in low-light conditions
• Adjustable color saturation, contrast and sharpness
• Noise Reduction: Automatically cleans up long exposure images
• 14bit A/D Conversion - allows a wider dynamic range from highlight to shadow
• Built-in flash with Auto Fill, Red Eye Reduction and Slow Synchro
• USB 2.0 high speed Auto-Connect to host computer
• Powered by two AA rechargeable battery
• 32MB internal memory plus Memory Stick Duo / Duo Pro compatible
• DPOF and PictBridge direct-print USB compatible

The DSC-H5 sells for about US$500. Bundled accessories include rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, charger, lens hood with adaptor and lens cap with strap, shoulder strap and USB and AV output cables. Options include a wide conversion lens (VCL-DH0758), a tele-end conversion lens (VCL-DH1758), a close-up lens (VCL-M3358), a jacket case (LCJ-HC) and a soft carrying case (LCS-HA).

Sony DSC-H5 Specifications