Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Sony decided to up the ante this year and transform their line, entering the “ultra zoom” race with the release of a long-lens Cyber-shot digital camera. The resulting 5.1 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens, equating to a 36-420mm variable focal range (35mm format), with image stabilization and conversion lens compatibility. The Sony H1 is designed for photography enthusiasts who want increased performance, flashier features, and longer lasting battery power in a compact camera body. The Cyber-shot H1 will be available for retail purchase in June 2005 for $499.95 (USD).
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Picture Quality / Size Options
Allowing users to optimize photographs for 4 x 6-inch prints, the H1 can shoot in a 3:2 ratio, as well as the standard 4:3 ratio. With 5 effective megapixels, the DSC-H1 has five resolution options: 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1728, 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480. Each of these settings can be shot in the Standard or Fine JPEG compression mode.

Picture Effects Mode
Photographs can be changed to either Black & White or Sepia tone in Playback mode with the Sony H1’s color settings. These are standard inclusions on point-and-shoot digital cameras and would likely be of no use to prosumer users. Most engaged digital photographers opt to apply tonal alterations and image effects in editing software rather than in-camera. The quality of in-camera effects will never parallel results from postproduction software.

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