Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Aug 25, 2005 - By Emily Raymond
As the digital camera market matures and consumers want better cameras, more people are growing tired of their 3x optical zoom lenses. Enter the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1. This digital camera has a 12x optical zoom lens with the option of attaching wide angle and telephoto conversion lenses. It also has 5.1 megapixels, which is enough juice to pump out 11 x 17-inch prints. The H1 heads up Sony’s “enthusiast” series with a huge lens, 2.5-inch LCD screen, manual and automatic shooting capabilities, and a highly coveted image stabilization system. For the $499.95 retail price, photographers can get versatility from this digital camera without having to dish out more money for an SLR.
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Model Design / Appearance (7.5)
This Sony model is the first in the enthusiast line and shows its high-end features off in its design. It looks like an SLR, but the lens does not detach (although conversion lenses do attach). The Sony Cyber-shot H1 boasts a 12x optical zoom lens on the right with a sizable hand grip balancing it on the left. The H1 sticks with a steel-colored body that combines metal, plastic, and rubber elements. Perhaps the most appealing features are found on the back of the camera. The electronic viewfinder is plush and sure to be used by enthusiasts and the 2.5-inch LCD screen is a nice viewing option. Overall, this sizeable Cyber-shot mode is well designed and remains true to the Sony anthem of sleek style.

Size/ Portability (5.5)
The H1 is meant for enthusiasts who value cameras with a long lens over one that will fit in their pocket. At 3.2 x 4.2 x 3.2 inches, this Sony digital camera will require its own camera bag or a comfortable strap. While it is slightly bulky, it isn’t quite as hefty as an SLR; however, SLRs may be easier to transport as their detachable lenses will make for a more compact package in a camera bag.

The Cyber-shot H1 weighs 16.2 ounces, but keep in mind that the camera bag may also contain the weight of conversion lenses, batteries, memory sticks, and the other accessories needed for the photo outing (my bag contains pens, pacifiers, papers, press passes and event programs). To aid in portability of the camera, there are loops on each side of the camera and a neck strap is included. Unfortunately, the loops are not directly across from one another, so the H1 hangs awkwardly.

Handling Ability (7.0)
Because everyone has different hands, some photographers will love the H1 and others will hate it. I recommend going to a local retailer before buying a camera just to check out how the camera feel in your particular hands (do your research online before you go so you can narrow your choices and fend of salespeople when needed).

I liked the handling of the camera. I thought the right-hand grip was comfortable and the controls were well-positioned. However, a peer picked up the camera and announced that he thought it was incredibly uncomfortable. Looking at his grip on the camera, I could see why. His fingers are large and seemed cramped around the grip. Handle it for yourself and see if it works for you. For those whose hands fit the camera properly, the H1 will handle like a point-and-shoot.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.0)
The camera’s controls are right where you think they should be. When holding the H1, the right thumb can control the zoom and access all of the other buttons on the back face. The right index finger controls the shutter release button, of course, as well as the mode dial. The mode dial has textured sides and is roughly the size of a nickel; it is looser than it looks and does not lock into place quite as securely as other models. Most of the H1’s features are accessed via the navigational dial on the back. This dial is composed of four macaroni-shaped buttons that form a circle and point in each direction. In the center of this compass is a non-labeled button which serves as the OK selection button in the menus. All of the buttons are adequately sized for my fingers, but some of the buttons could cause problems for the wide-fingered user.

Menu (6.0)
The menu appears as a gray bar across the bottom of the camera with icons representing each feature. As users scroll through the Manual menu, the following functions are available: Metering, White Balance, ISO, Picture Quality, Picture Effects, Saturation, Contrast, Sharpness, and Setup. In the auto mode, only the Setup option is available.

The Setup menu brings users into a gray box-oriented menu without live views. Along the left side of the screen are icons to scroll through, with the right side of the screen being the options from each icon. Camera 1’s options are the following: AF Mode, Digital Zoom, Date/Time, Red Eye Reduction, AF Illuminator, and Auto Review. Camera 2 offers Expanded Focus, Enlarged Icon, Steady Shot, and Conversion Lens. A strange icon on the left reveals the Memory Stick Tool menu with these features: Format (this is way better than deleting individual photos!), Create Rec. Folder, Change Rec. Folder, and Copy. Setup 1 menu has LCD Backlight, EVF Backlight, Beep, Language, and Initialize options. The Setup 2 menu offers File Number, USB Connect, Video Out, and Clock Set options.

Ease of Use (7.0)
This Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 is as easy to use as its other Cyber-shot counterparts. It is certainly far more simplified and easier to use than a SLR, which makes this camera attractive to the point-and-shoot type enthusiast, rather than the traditional photo enthusiast. The placement of buttons, comfortable grip, and easy to understand icons and menus make the H1 simple to use straight out of the box. This camera is designed for point-and-shooters graduating from their pocket cam and should provide the automatic assistance needed to bridge the transition.

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