Front (7.5)
The front of the Sony H1 looks like a typical SLR-styled compact, taking the general shape of an SLR and compressing it. Also, SLRs usually have the lens more centered whereas this Cyber-shot’s 12x optical zoom lens is all the way to the right. The edge of the lens is a step-down ring to add conversion lenses. On the inner rim of the lens are the words “Sony Lens/ Optical 12x, f=6.0-72.0mm 1:2.8-3.7.” The lens dominates the look of the front, with the other major feature being the hand grip. The grip is covered with a rubbery material that is comfortable to hold. Above the rubber material at the edge of the grip is a rotating jog dial used to control exposure settings. This dial is small, but can be pushed in and turned to adjust settings. Above this on a beveled edge between the top and front is the shutter release button. Between the grip and lens is the AF illuminator, which also indicates the self-timer. Above the lens is the capitalized and very noticeable Sony logo inscribed on the pop-up flash.
Back (7.5)
The back of the Cyber-shot H1 has a very simple button setup that is typical of many digital cameras. Most of the control buttons are laid out on the right side within easy reach of the thumb. The zoom toggle is in the top right corner and has the shape of a pair of sunglasses. Below it is the navigational dial, which is composed of four curved buttons, creating a circular layout. Each button has an icon engraved into it to represent the button’s secondary function, when not in a menu. The top button has a flash icon; the right a flower graphic representing macro mode; the bottom a self-timer icon; and the left a review icon. A non-labeled button sits in the very center of these and is used to select menu options. At the top right of this dial system is the circular Menu button. At the bottom left is the histogram button. At the bottom right is the delete button. To the left of the controls is the large 2.5-inch LCD screen. It has a black frame with the Sony logo at the bottom and “DSC-H1” printed in the top right corner. In the top left are words touting the camera’s “MPEGMovieVX.” Above the LCD and raised considerably higher than the rest of the screen is the electronic viewfinder, which is surrounded by a rubber material. To the right of the viewfinder are two buttons: one that switches the display from the LCD to the viewfinder, and the other to activate the image stabilization system. Between these two buttons is a flash indicator light.
Left (6.5)
The left side of the H1 looks a little odd with the lens protruding from the front and the viewfinder jutting out at the back. On the side of the lens are the words “12x optical zoom” and in the center of the left side are the words “Super SteadyShot, 2.5” LCD Monitor” along with the Cyber-shot logo. Above all the words is an immovable loop for stringing the neck strap. To the right of the Cyber-shot logo is a plastic door with a finger grip for easy access. Under this labeled door are ports for USB and AV out cables. At the bottom of the camera are three slits that serve as the built-in speaker.
Right (7.0)
The side of the right-hand grip is covered in a rubber material that invites you to hold the H1. A loop that looks similar to the nose-ring of a bull is located near the back side; this is for the neck strap. At the bottom of this side is a finger grip for opening the door to the Memory Stick slot.
Top (7.5)
When looking at the top, the popup flash appears on the left with the words “Super SteadyShot, 5.1 Megapixels.” To its right is the Power button, with the built-in microphone just above it. Directly to the right of the power button is the mode dial, which is a polished silver color with black icons (except the green auto icon). A tiny green LED to its left indicates which mode is in use. All of the camera’s shooting modes are located on this dial – scene modes, manual and semi-automatic, automatic, movie, and playback modes. Above the dial within reach of the index finger are two small circular buttons: one for the focus mode and the other for the bracketing and burst modes. Above these is a larger, more polished and pronounced shutter release button. This sits at the very top edge of the right-hand grip.
