Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 Digital Camera Review

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9

Digital Camera Review

Mar 10, 2007 - By Emily Raymond
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 was introduced along with the H7 at the Photo Marketing Association trade show. We looked at the 8.1-megapixel SLR-like H9 that flaunts one of the longest zoom lenses on the market. The 15x optical zoom lens and its image stabilization system are only a few of the fancy features on this $479 model. Face detection and HD viewing along with the standard set of manual and automatic controls should generate a lot of interest in the ultra-zoom market.
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9
Likes
- Big beautiful LCD screen
- 15x lens with image stabilization
- Zoom functional in videos
- Accepts cards up to 8 GB
- Wide 64-3200 ISO range
- Long burst mode
- NightShot           
Dislikes
- No flash compensation
- Not a sexy camera
- Menus within menus within menus
- Pro card required for 30 fps movies
- Cluttered mode dial

Conclusion
Everything about the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 is big. It has a big Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization and a big 3-inch LCD screen that folds out and doesn’t skimp on resolution. It can accept big memory cards up to 8GB so it can record long movies and large numbers of photos. The dimensions of the camera are bigger than point-and-shoots but similar to other ultra-zoom models.
 
The 8-megapixel Sony H9 is fully loaded with manual, priority, automatic, and scene modes so there’s a little something for everyone. The wide variety of features attracts all kinds of audiences. The advanced sports shooting mode and wide ISO range are great for families who shoot football games and sporting events in less than perfect light. The NightShot infrared shooting mode works well for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers who want to snap shots of their nocturnal friends. The functional optical zoom lens qualifies the H9 as a legitimate contender in the hybrid market.
 
The preproduction model on the show floor did have some quirks. The control wheel and image processor didn’t sync well in the playback mode and the multi-selector was unlabeled. Still, all other evidence points to success for the gadget-laden Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9. It will go on sale in mid-May for $479. We look forward to giving the H9 a full review with more extensive testing on its imaging capabilities in the next few months.
 
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