Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1

Model Design / Appearance
This Cyber-shot model is definitely reminiscent of a digital SLR. With a strong resemblance to the widely popular "ultra zoom" styling currently employed by Kodak for their DX and now Z lines as well as Panasonic’s DMC-FZ models, the H1 does not offer any strong stylistic diversions in form. The camera has a long lens and bulky right-hand grip, characteristic of a digital SLR or compact, high zoom model. The H1 is built for serious enthusiasts, so the look has to appeal to the crowd. It does just that, not only with its shape, but with its light brushed silver body, rubber grips and darkened silver lens. The frame is a bit sleeker than frames from Kodak’s DX and Z lines and applies a stylistic edge that would be expected of Sony. As far as appearance goes, Sony played it safe, crafting the H1 body to fit in with the rest of the competition, although the 2.5" LCD dominating the back of the camera will certainly speak to style seekers.

Size / Portability
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 has a slightly bulky 16.2-ounce body, but that is to be expected with the SLR-shape. This digital camera targets the more engaged enthusiast who is primarily interested in zoom range and performance, with portability being more of a secondary concern. The body measures 3.2 x 4.2 x 3.2 inches (43.01 inches³), which does play into that boxy form. By way of comparison, the new, similarly designed Kodak EasyShare Z7590 measures 3.9 x 3.2 x 3.2 (39.94 inches³) inches and has the same SLR shape, although it is not quite as sleek as the H1. Adding a touch of style, Sony has applied a 2.5" LCD to the "ultra zoom" body and created a composite of all the "hot" features currently sought by consumers. Although it is a bit like the NY Yankees approach to camera construction, it will likely work: find out what people are currently interested in and cram as much of it on as possible — its gotta be a success, right?

Handling Ability
While the style of the Cyber-shot H1 seems to be a straight replication of previous form, it does appear that Sony put some thought into the feel of the design. With a comfortable and appropriate right-hand grip, the sleek ultra zoom frame feels balanced in the user’s hands. The bulky camera does not feel like a burden to the shooter — an important constructive element on larger camera bodies. While the H1, like other "ultra zoom" models does not contain a manual focus ring, the long lens and ample surface area grant the user more than enough real estate for attaining a stable grip. Although Sony may have been slow to enter the "ultra zoom" segment of the market, it looks like they’ve taken some notes along the way. The H1 assumes the strengths of existing ultra zoom designs and applies a more ergonomic form that is efficient, comfortable, and practical to most consumers.
 

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
The general button layout and control assemblage of the H1 does not stray too far from convention. While the ultra zoom look is still a relatively new form, the amount of exposure and acclaim those cameras have received has brought their design into the digital camera mainstream. The Cyber-shot H1 contains a logical configuration of buttons that places zoom toggle controls near the right hand thumb and the mode dial on the top right of the camera, so it is accessible by the right thumb and index finger; Sony designers have also put navigational buttons on the back of the camera, just to the right of the LCD screen. The directional pad is broken into four disjointed components, leaving solid boundaries between individual controls and effectively reducing the chance of accidental engagement. The menu button is just above the navigational controls and makes accessing the menu and cycling through it extremely efficient and intuitive. For the manual control enthusiasts, a circular jog dial protrudes out from the front of the right-hand grip to create a trigger-like interface for exposure controls. All the buttons contain common symbols and icons but lack written definitions; they are clearly recognizable and accessible with minimal movement of form.

Ease of Use
While the Sony DSC-H1 is a fairly simplified camera, it is not designed to appeal to the ease-of-use type of consumer. Although the actual differences between the Cyber-shot H1 and the Kodak EasyShare Z7590 are marginal, the marketing approaches are quite disparate. The EasyShare Z7590 targets point-and-shoot users in search of an ultra zoom alternative, while the Cyber-shot H1 targets the photography "enthusiast." The truth is, the H1 is virtually a point-and-shoot camera with amplified marketing glitz. When it comes down to it, the H1 is no more difficult to use than the P200 or any other Cyber-shot model and should not intimidate any point-and-shoot user looking for added telephoto capabilities.