Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 First Impressions Review

Conclusion
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 does have some incredibly attractive features, notably its 12x optical zoom lens with super image stabilization and large 2.5-inch LCD screen. The 36-432mm (equivalent) variable focal range lens is also compatible with conversion lenses and filters, providing aficionados with some room for creativity. Sony has included some features to help foster that creativity with manual, priority, and automatic modes, including 7 scene settings. The 32 MB of internal memory and accurate electronic viewfinder are also nice touches on this SLR-shaped digital camera.

While Sony does pack some great point-and-shoot features, other performance-oriented necessities are completely brushed over. The H1 is apparently designed for enthusiasts, though its ISO range is capped at 400. The burst mode shoots more slowly than most recent point-and-shoot introductions and manual white balance is nonexistent. For their prosumer representation, Sony opted to include a Sony lens on the H1 - rather then the reliable Carl Zeiss constructs users are accustomed to seeing head Cyber-shot models. The camera’s flash range is restrictive, confining users to an illumination range of less the 13 ft. from center. Although these features are priorities for photography enthusiasts and their absence may alienate much of the camera’s marketed demographic, for advancing point-and-shooters, it’s hard to look past a camera with 12x optical zoom, image stabilization, and a price tag of $499.95.