Connectivity
Software (4.5)
Sony bundles Picture Package for Windows with the H1. Pixela ImageMixer VCD2 for Mac OSX is also included. Picture Package is a basic photo editing program that allows users to adjust contrast and brightness, resize or crop photos and fix redeye. While there is no Mac version of the software, the camera does work with iPhoto, which offers the same features of Picture Package and then some. Mac users do get ImageMixer VCD2, which is a program that allows users to create video CDs of their images. Video CDs save images in low resolution Mpeg-1 video (352 X 288 ) and are playable on many DVD players and most computers. While a VCD’s resolution is far lower than what the H1 is capable of, they do offer an easy way of playing slide shows or sharing images.
Sony also includes its Cyber-shot Life tutorial software for Windows. The software offers a more in-depth look at the camera’s features than the manual and allows users to simulate the effects of altering settings such as white balance, ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Unfortunately there is no Mac version of the tutorial software
Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.5)
This camera is equipped with the standard AV out and USB 2.0 ports to download pictures and movies to the computer or television screen. The AV out port is NTSC or PAL selectable, so this camera is compatible with European and American electrical systems. When connected to the computer with the USB cable, users must press the Menu button to send pictures to the computer – it doesn’t happen automatically.
Direct Print Options (4.5)
There are several ways to directly print these days. Some printers come equipped with slots for memory sticks now. If that’s the case, make sure your printer has a slot for Sony Memory Stick Media. Otherwise, you can print by connecting the Sony H1 directly to a PictBridge compliant printer via the included USB cable. Direct printing is not the easiest thing to do on this camera. First, you must enter a menu and change the USB connection mode to PictBridge. Then you attach the cable and turn the camera on. Once that is done, a menu appears and you can choose whether to print all of the images or to print individual shots. While this gives photographers more printing choices, many users drawn to this type of camera may prefer the hassle-free system of plopping a camera on a printer and having pictures magically pop out without having to press buttons or anything.
Battery (2.5)
The Sony H1 uses AA batteries – and uses them fast. It ships with NiMH rechargeable batteries and a battery charger. These last the longest of AA batteries. I had to charge the batteries every night after shooting during the day (and not even all day). By the evening, the LCD would blink a low battery signal and the camera would shut off. AA batteries are appealing to the masses because they are widely 
available (as opposed to brand-specific lithium ion batteries). Sony appealed to the masses, while marketing to point-and-shoot-oriented enthusiasts with the Cyber-shot H1.
Memory (6.0)
This year, all new Sony digital cameras include some internal memory. The H1 carries with it 32 MB of memory. Because this digital camera is marketed for enthusiasts, most will want more storage capacity and will have to purchase the optional memory stick pro card (to gain full video functionality); however, the internal storage is a nice insurance measure and a fortunate inclusion. For the enthusiast crowd, if you want high-quality video, to get a Memory Stick Pro, be prepared to shell out an arm and a leg. A 128 MB Memory Stick goes for $40 on the Sony web site and a 256 MB Memory Stick Pro goes for $50. Prices go up over to over $200. Intrigued consumers should keep this in mind, as it obviously changes the price of the camera significantly.
Other Features (7.5)
Live Histograms - There are live histograms available if you can find them. The button on the bottom left of the navigational dial activates the live histogram function. This same button also displays histograms in the playback mode. This is an excellent feature for exposure control and a gift to enthusiasts looking into this model.
Self-Timer - On the navigational dial, the Sony has a button that sets the standard 10-second self-timer. An orange light flashes slowly, then faster and faster until the shutter snaps open and closed
Image Stabilization - I know, you’ve already read about this. But Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization system is one of their big selling points, so I want to make sure you notice it. This is controlled by a button on the back above the LCD. The H1’s default is to have this running all the time, but you can turn it off with the button. I don’t know why you’d want to do that though. The image stabilization works very well. While recording a movie, I purposely shook the camera slightly to see how well the system worked. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the system worked quickly and the LCD picture remained steady even when the camera rocked.
