Sony Cyber-shot H5 and H2 First Impressions Review

Likes

- Light and portable - Carl Zeiss 12x zoom lens - Image stabilization system - Print function guide - Easy to use

Dislikes

- Plastic body - Pro card required for full movie mode - Questionable burst mode

Conclusion
The new Sony Cyber-shot H-series cameras are worthy successors to the ultra zoom H1. The original camera was a great concept but didn’t have the star power. The H5 just might have it. The new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 has 7.2 megapixels, a huge LCD screen with great 230,000-pixel resolution and an optically image stabilized Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 12x zoom lens. The construction is lightweight and portable and still fairly sturdy. It has manual functionality and a few scene modes to boot. The new cameras have a wide ISO range from 80-1000, making low light photography possible without the use of the flash. The Sony H5 will retail for $499 when it becomes available in May.

The Sony H2 isn’t quite as inspiring as the H5, perhaps because it is simply overshadowed by it. The H2 has a slightly smaller frame because of its slightly smaller 2-inch LCD screen. The 6 megapixel digital camera has the same 12x zoom lens and same modes and features, but the relatively small LCD has very poor 85,000-pixel resolution. The H2 will be available in April for $399.

Keep in mind that these models are being reviewed at the Photo Marketing Association trade show in February, months ahead of the release date. As such, the specifications may change – and hopefully some of them do change. The reviewed models were prototypes that were mostly functional, but certainly not production models. So keep all eyes on DigitalCameraInfo.com for the full review in the coming months.