Manual Control Options
The Manual mode in the H1 allows users to change aperture settings from f/2.8-f/8.0 and shutter speeds in 46 steps from 30-1/1000^th of a second. With full manual and priority modes, users will have complete control of the frame when desired. A “manual” focus feature is also said to be included but I think that is a gross misrepresentation of the feature. The options are manually alterable, like ISO settings, but there is no opportunity to “customize” focus to a precise point. While this may be a matter of semantics, I feel true manual focus is used to reach focal points unattainable with preset parameters.

Focus
Auto
The Sony H1 uses a five-area multi-point auto focus system that can shoot in normal or macro settings. In the macro mode, the camera can focus as close as 2 cm, which is quite impressive for the large 12x optical zoom lens. In darker lighting, the H1 has an AF assist illuminator to help the camera use the correct metering settings. While the five-area system should encompass most of the frame, it will not be quite as accurate as a 7 or 9-area system. The limited number of focus areas obviously means more space will have to be covered by each point. This runs the risk of having specific objects becoming framed between areas and not getting registered with as much accuracy.

Manual
According to the specifications, the H1 does have manual focus. However, it’s a watered down version of a manual focus. Instead of turning a focus ring around the lens, users must select one of five preset focus settings. Because the settings are spaced from 36-432mm, there is little chance the subject will be positioned on the actual focal plane and appear exactly in focus.

Exposure
This digital camera provides a wide range of exposure modes, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic modes. This range aids users in developing their photographic skills without outgrowing the camera too quickly. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H1 has the standard exposure compensation range of +/- 2 EV in 1/3-stop steps.

White Balance
Once again, Sony overlooked a critical feature to enthusiasts. While Sony has achieved some success and acclaim within the point-and-shoot ranks, they have not yet proved themselves with advanced users. When most advanced photographers select a camera, they are not looking for assistance from it, but rather deference from it: they need a camera that will not get in their way. The prosumer photographer certainly looks for image quality and shooting control first and foremost. Although the H1 offers a hefty list of white balance presets, no manual or customizable option is included. Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, and Incandescent options are available to appease point-and-shooters instead, with no Manual setting on the list. Along with the limited ISO range, the lack of attainable color precision will surely alienate serious photographers and restrict the H1 to those “second generation” point-and-shooters seeking added zoom and a more professional-looking camera body.

ISO
Here is where more problems arise for the Cyber-shot H1. Although the camera has a manually selectable ISO range of 64, 100, 200, and 400, the camera targets more than the casual point-and-shooter. For true photography “enthusiasts” and advanced photographers, a 64-400 sensitivity range just will not do. As a vacation counterpart, the H1 would be a truly elegant disposable camera with a nice 12x optical zoom, however, as a “serious” camera for “serious” photographers, there is no flexibility available. Users will have to marry their flash or gravitate to bright, profuse lighting if they wish to capture clean exposures. With the Cyber-shot H1, Sony is targeting consumers who want more control and shooting flexibility, but they definitely missed the boat on this one. Most SLR-shaped digital cameras in this price range have at least an ISO 800 setting. The camera does also offer an automatic ISO setting, but its range does not extend beyond that of the manual.

Shutter Speed
The shutter speeds are sufficient for a range of users; the H1 offers an automatic range of 1/8-1/2000^th of a second. In the Programmed AE mode, the shutter can take as long as 2 seconds, though it goes no faster than the fastest setting in auto mode. While these shutter speeds are not slow enough for some night photography, the manual mode makes up for that. It can leave the shutter open for as long as 30 seconds and can shoot as fast as 1/1000^th of a second, which is slower than the fastest automatic setting, but still quick enough to stop motion. For intermediate users who have moved beyond the scene settings and are not quite comfortable with the manual mode, the shutter priority mode enables users to select the desired shutter speed and leave the rest of the exposure up to the camera’s automated settings. It is important to note the added low light opportunity that stems from the H1’s included image stabilization. With the image stabilization feature, users can shoot at slower shutter speeds without as much concern for visible camera shake or apparent motion blur. This enables users to leave the shutter open for longer durations and let in the necessary amount of light to achieve a proper exposure.

Aperture
There is an aperture priority mode that works on a similar concept as the shutter priority. Apertures can be set from f/2.8-f/8.0 in this and in the manual mode. In the lens’ widest setting, the apertures range from f/2.8-f/3.7; stopped down, the aperture reaches a rating of f/8.