| Likes |
|
- Fast start-up speed for “ultra zoom” camera, with minimal shutter lag
- Produces sharp, defined images with low noise compared to other 12x zoom models
- excellent image stabilization system
- 2.5 inch LCD screen
- easy to use
- nice 12x optical zoom lens
|
| Dislikes |
- Marketing to “enthusiasts” is a bit misleading
- zoom isn’t very smooth
- sucks the life out of the batteries
- slow burst mode
- no “delete all” function
- Limited flash (offers no control)
- Wish there was an ISO 800 or 1600 option |
Conclusion
I’ll be honest with you. When Sony announced that the Cyber-shot H1 was their “enthusiast model,” I was not impressed. To me, enthusiasts were people who were accustomed to shooting in RAW format and contained one, if not many SLRs. As you know, the H1 is not an SLR, nor is it close in terms of image quality and functionality. The camera only shoots in JPEG format, has no flash illumination adjustments, only offers mono audio recording, and has a slow burst, so it’s really not qualified for that demographic. However, for the digital camera enthusiast (as opposed to the serious hobbyist/ professional user), the camera is certainly a viable option.
Point-and-shoot users looking to graduate from their pocket-friendly camera will find the H1 to be a sizeable jump in performance capabilities and functionality. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 will take nice 5 megapixel images with rich colors and minimal noise as well as providing image stabilization technology. It also has a showy 2.5-inch LCD screen, although its 115,000 pixels is sub-par. The H1 is designed to look like an SLR, but handle like a point-and-shoot. It succeeds, as it is incredibly easy to use (except one annoying little fact: no Delete All function and a menu-buried Format function). The movie mode is fun to play with because of its excellent audio and good playback layout. The 12x optical zoom lens is a very nice feature, especially when coupled with the effective image stabilization system. The camera is comfortable to hold with its rubber grip. The H1 is more compact than SLRs, but beefier than the slim-line models. In the end, the camera will offer advanced point-and-shoot functionality in a larger package. The camera is no supplement for an SLR, but for those looking just below, the H1 is a formidable alternative.
