Value (6.75)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 is positioned to be the camera that consumers can buy if they can’t afford the swankier H9. The Sony H9 has the same resolution but a bigger LCD monitor that folds and tilts; that feature will cost an extra hundred bucks. The Sony Cyber-shot H7 retails for $399, which is a fair price to ask for the 8.1 megapixels, 15x optical zoom, image stabilization, and full manual control. The H7 isn’t exactly a budget camera, but is certainly fairly priced and more affordable than its H9 counterpart. However, interested consumers should tack on the additional cost of a Memory stick Duo card if considering shooting video.
Comparisons
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 – Announced as the hotter twin sibling, the Sony H9 comes with a cooler LCD screen and NightShot technology. The H9’s 3-inch LCD has fabulous resolution and folds out of the body so it can tilt up and down, making it easier to view from a tripod above or below eye-level. The viewfinder, flash, and 15x zoom lens are exactly the same down to the dimensions and even image stabilization. The two ultra-zoom digital cameras have the same exposure modes and settings and look awfully similar. Both have the ability to output images and video in high definition and face recognition technology. The H9 also has NightShot infrared technology that snaps pictures in complete darkness, an application that can be used for wildlife and security photography. The H9 costs a lot more at $479 and the only real differences are the fancier LCD screen and infrared technology.
Canon PowerShot S5 IS – This newly announced digital camera follows up the successful S3 IS with features that are more similar to the Sony H7. The new Canon S5 has 8 megapixels and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The LCD flips out and rotates like some other PowerShot models. The S5 has a similarly chunky body that measures 4.6 x 3.2 x 3.1 inches and weighs less than a pound. It has an optical viewfinder rather than an electronic one and adds a hot shoe, something the Sony camera doesn’t have. The Canon S5’s 12x optical zoom lens has an image stabilization system and is fully functional in the movie mode. The camera has four movie modes and a full range of manual to automatic exposure modes and even includes a button that snaps full-resolution still images while recording videos. The Canon S5 takes 4 AA batteries and accepts cheaper SD media. It comes at a price though: $499.
Olympus SP-550UZ – This digital camera’s 18x zoom lens is the longest on the market. It has an optical image stabilization system that helps keep blur out of images and video. In the movie mode, however, users have to choose between functional optical zoom and audio recording – both cannot be had at the same time. The SP-550UZ has 7.1 megapixels and a similar range of manual and automatic exposure modes to suit just about any level of expertise. The SP-550 has an electronic viewfinder with better resolution and a 2.5-inch LCD with twice the resolution of the Sony H7. The built-in flash unit pops up and is effective to about 15 feet, far shorter than the Sony can reach. The Olympus sells for $499 and markets a lot of gimmicks like a pre-capture mode that snaps low-resolution pictures before the shutter release button is pushed and a “15 fps burst mode” that gets that rate only when the resolution is so small it can hardly print wallet-sized pictures.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – These consumers will appreciate the scene modes but will likely want more simplicity than what is offered on the H7.
Budget Consumers – The Sony H7 is cheaper than its fancier counterpart, but may still be out of range for some.
Gadget Freaks – These consumers will probably flock to the H9, but the H7 is still satisfactory with its image stabilization, huge zoom lens, and features like the advanced sports mode.
Manual Control Freaks – Full manual control is available on the H7 but these consumers may not like how it is accessed. DSLR-lovers will miss the convenience of a control dial.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – This camera doesn’t have a hot shoe but does accept Sony conversion lenses. Serious hobbyists may appreciate its long zoom and clear pictures, but true pros will still prefer their DSLRs.
