Digital Camera News

February 27, 2007

Sony Announces 15x Optical Zoom H9 and H7

February 27, 2007 – In a complete overhaul of their product line, Sony announced two new 8.1-megapixel, high zoom compact cameras today, the Cyber-shot DSC-H9 and H7. The new H-series cameras feature 15x optical zoom with image stabilization, Sony’s first ever face detection system, HD viewing capabilities, and a new Advanced Sports shooting mode. The Sony H9 will retail for $479 and the H7 will retail for $399 when they both debut in April.

Sony upgraded the new H-series models with higher megapixel counts and longer zooms. The H9 and H7 both tote an 8.1-megapixel CCD, up from the H5's 7.2 megapixels. They sport a 15x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens, up from 12x offered on previous models.

The main difference between the two cameras is that the H9 displays a 3-inch Clear Photo LCD which flips up, allowing users to preview while shooting overhead or low to the ground. The H7, on the other hand, does not have a flip-up LCD, but provides a 2.5-inch, 115,000 pixel monitor.

The DSC-H9 and H7 both borrow a few features from Sony’s Alpha DSLR, incorporating the Bionz processing engine and Dynamic Range Optimizer. The Cyber-shots still possess the Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization technology, which is combined with an increased maximum sensitivity of 3200 ISO.

Among the set of features that have been added are Sony’s new face detection with auto white balance and auto flash, a 1/4000 second shutter speed, and new in-camera retouching filters.

Geared for families with athletes, according to a company press release today, the Sony H9 and H7 both come with a new Advanced Sports Shooting Mode that combines continuous auto focus with a new function called "Intelligent Continuous AF" which predicts where focus should be during fast-action situations. The cameras also include a 9-point AF system, up from 5 points on older models. The Sony H9, but not the H7, also comes with an additional new NightShot technology for low-light situations, coupled with Sony’s Clear RAW noise reduction.

Users can display their photos in high definition, which is a new feature for HD-compatible viewing. Users can connect to their HDTVs through a Sony dock, HD printer, or VMC-HD1 cable that will retail for $40. While previous H-models were offered in both silver and black, the H9 and H7 will only be available in black.

Customers will not be able to purchase the new Sony H9 or H7 until the spring, but potential buyers can register to preorder at the Sony style website, starting tomorrow.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 Key Features:
8.1 megapixel count
15x optical zoom lens (with optical image stabilization)
3-inch Clear Photo, Flip Up LCD
Face Detection
1/4000 second shutter speed
Advanced Shooting Mode
New NightShot technology
HD viewing
9-point AF
New in-camera retouching filters
Bionz processing engine
Dynamic Range Optimizer
Double anti-blur technology (Super Steady Shot, High 3200 ISO)
Sony Clear RAW technology

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Key Features:
8.1 megapixel count
15x optical zoom lens (with optical image stabilization)
2.5-inch LCD
Face Detection
1/4000 second shutter speed
New Advanced Shooting Mode 
HD viewing
9-point AF
New in-camera retouching filters
Bionz processing engine
Dynamic Range Optimizer
Double anti-blur technology (Super Steady Shot, High 3200 ISO)
Sony Clear RAW technology

Spec Sheets

- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7