Sony Cyber-shot H5 and H2 First Impressions Review

Value
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 is priced at $499, which is a decent value with its 7.2 megapixels, 3-inch LCD screen, 12x zoom lens, image stabilization system, manual functionality and high ISO ratings. For a hundred dollars less, the Sony H2 has 6 megapixels, a 2-inch LCD screen, and the same 12x zoom and exposure modes. This H2 has some upgraded features from the H1, such as the Carl Zeiss branded lens and the print guide function and such. However, the H2 also takes a step down from the 5-megapixel H1’s 2.5-inch, 115k LCD screen. The Cyber-shot H2 and H1 models have the same $399 retail price, but the older H1 can be found in stores for much less. Overall, the H5 and H2 are fairly priced. They aren’t budget models, but have a full list of features to offer for their cost.

Comparison to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 was announced in 2005 as the flagship of its very own H-series line, of which it was a lone representative. The original H-series model has 5.1 megapixels and a 12x zoom lens with the same focal lengths but different brand. The lens was generic and received much criticism for it; the new cameras have Carl Zeiss glass. The old lens wasn’t very smooth, so the new Carl Zeiss lenses move like melted butter.

Like its new siblings, the Sony H1 has the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system. The cameras all have the same movie modes and the same manual offerings, although actual exposure control specs are not yet available for the new cameras. The H1 has a Candle scene mode in addition to the six scene modes included on the H5 and H2. All of the Sony H-series cameras have 32 MB of internal memory and accept MemoryStick Duo and Duo Pro cards. The Sony H1 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels. The Cyber-shot DSC-H1 has a short list of picture effects and an even shorter ISO range of 64-600. The H1 has the same body measurements as the H5 and weighs about as much. The Sony Cyber-shot H-series line uses AA batteries, but the H1 is far more inefficient than its predecessors. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 was introduced at $499, but sells for $399 now.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – While the Sony H5 and H2 are quite easy to use, they are a little chunky for someone who will only use the automatic functions. The Sony H5 and H2 were built with manual functions in mind (although it was hard to tell on the prototypes), so they are probably not the best choice for point-and-shooters.

Budget Consumers – The cameras are reasonably priced, but Sony isn’t the best manufacturer for consumers on a budget. Once the camera is bought, the rechargeable batteries must be bought. Once those are purchased, the charger will be needed. Users will also want to purchase the Duo Pro memory card to make the 30 fps movie mode work. When all those purchases are tallied up, other models’ price tags look enticing.

Gadget Freaks – The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and H2 have few features of interest to this demographic. The 12x zoom lens and image stabilization system is fun to play with, but wouldn’t keep gadget freaks busy for too long.

Manual Control Freaks – Supposedly, these cameras have what it takes. The models at the show had all the manual modes on the dial and the arrows pointing the way to scroll the multi-selector and change the exposure settings, but it just didn’t happen. Still, Sony claims that the manual control freaks will be satisfied come April and May.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Sony markets its H-series toward serious hobbyists and includes several enticing features: 12x zoom lens, image stabilization, manual control and now high ISO settings. This may be enough to draw a crowd, as the H1 was quite popular.