Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7

Connectivity
Software (4.5)
The production model we received did not come with software, but the Sony H7 is slated to include editing and organizational software called Picture Motion Browser version 2.0. Unfortunately, this program only runs on Windows operating platforms so Macintosh users are sans editing software.

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.5)
The camera comes with an octopus-like cable that connects to USB and AV outlets. The multi-port for these is located beneath a black door on the left side of the camera that is hardly noticeable. In the setup menu, users can choose between PictBridge, Mass Storage, or Auto USB connections and NTSC or PAL standard video output. The component can be set to high definition (1080i) or SD. High definition output is only possible when an optional high-def cable is purchased from Sony; it will cost about $40. A power adaptor is optional and fits into a tiny door on the right side.

Direct Print Options (5.0)
The H7 is PictBridge compatible and can create print orders through the playback menu. Single or multiple images can be selected at once and added to the DPOF order. Orders don’t have to be created although they do streamline transfer of large batches of prints. The camera’s playback mode also has options to directly print without adding to an order. Direct printing can be done from the playback and home menus, but the DPOF orders can come only from the playback mode. Movies taken with the H7 cannot be made into prints like on some digital cameras.

Battery (4.0)
The Sony H7 comes with a lithium-ion battery that fits into the bottom of the camera. The door that holds it in slides outward and springs open and seems a bit flimsy. It takes special care to fold the door back and slide it in again. The battery doesn’t last long, which is unfortunate. This NP-BG1 battery is a change from previous H-series cameras: the H5 ran on two AA batteries. While those batteries are more convenient, they didn’t last long and added too much weight to the camera. The Sony H7 comes with a compact wall-mount charger and a small plastic case to protect the battery leads when transporting. The 3.6 v, 960 mAh lithium-ion battery lasts about 300 shots per charge, which is about average for a battery for this type of camera.

Memory (4.0)
This Cyber-shot comes with 31 MB of internal memory. This is nice to have when memory unexpectedly runs out, but users will want to purchase more to really take advantage of the Sony H7 because the internal memory holds less than a dozen pictures. Users should also keep in mind that videos can’t record at the full 30 fps frame rate without a Memory Stick Duo Pro card; the internal memory can only record 16 fps. The Sony H7 accepts Memory Stick Duo and Duo Pro media up to 8 GB, but does not support the Access Control security function on some cards.

Other features (3.75)
Remote Control – Using the included remote control, users can connect their cameras to a television with the included AV cable and then sit on the couch and scroll through images with the remote control. The control has navigational arrow buttons and a designated slide show button. Users can also snap pictures with the control by pressing the red shutter button. Zoom can be controlled and the menu and home buttons accessed using the remote. This makes the H7 a lucrative choice for wildlife photographers who put out their cameras and hide behind bushes for hours with their thumbs hovering over the remote control’s shutter release button in anticipation of capturing some awesome wildlife.