Picture Quality / Size Options

The Sony H5 has two more megapixels than its predecessor, the H1. With greater resolution comes more image size options: 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 2048 (3:2), 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1632 x 1224, 640 x 480, and 1920 x 1080 (16:9). Most of the image sizes are simply expressed as megapixels: 7M, 3:2, 5M, 3M, 2M, VGA, and 16:9.  These can be found with the designated image size button below the multi-selector. One of the H5’s most unique features is its function guide, which helps users pick out an appropriate image size. For example, the top resolution is described this way: “7 MP: Up to A3/11 x 17” print. Appx. Image Capacity ### pics.”  Each of the image sizes can be compressed to Fine or Standard settings. The camera’s default is the Standard JPEG compression, so users must enter the recording menu to change the setting. There are also plenty of formats to shoot in, so pictures can be optimized for wide screens or 4 x 6-inch prints.

The H5 and the H1 have basically the same picture effects, but express them in different ways. Both cameras have contrast and sharpness adjustments with +, -, and Normal options. The H1 also had a saturation adjustment with the same three choices, but this has been omitted on the H5 in favor of Natural, Vivid, and Normal color modes, the same thing under a different title. The Natural mode makes everything look pale and dull, while the Vivid makes people look like they’ve been holding their breath since 1984. Also available in the color mode selection are the standard Black & White and Sepia options.  The Black & White looks great, but the Sepia looks a little too red to really resemble an old photograph. Movies can be recorded with the latter two color modes.

 

Surprisingly, the in-camera adjustments and color modes are more than the included software program offers. Thus, users have to think far ahead and add the color modes prior to recording, then crop, rotate, and otherwise alter pictures in the playback mode to ensure that they won’t spend much time in the awful Cyber-shot Viewer software.