Sony released the Cyber-shot DSC-H1 as a new form factor addition to its long and very broad line of digital cameras. Like many other long zoom cameras, the Sony H1’s miniature SLR look and feel immediately instilled confidence, with the big grip and large lens barrel housing the excellent 12x optical zoom lens.

The newly-released DSC-H2 model updates the H1 with a larger CCD at 6.0-megapixels, and extends a few capabilities as well, with a wider ISO range and an optional function guide for onscreen help.

Most of the H2’s functions will be familiar to users of other Sony digital cameras, and newcomers to the line will appreciate the camera’s simplicity.

The Sony H2 features the same 12x optical zoom lens and Image Stabilization technology as the H1, and offers full manual to full auto exposure control, with a nice selection of creative tools at the user’s disposal.

Front View	Back View

Basic Features

• 6.0-megapixel CCD.
• 12x zoom lens (equivalent to a 36-432mm lens on a 35mm camera).
• Max 16-52x digital Smart Zoom (depending on res), plus 24x Precision Digital zoom.
• Electronic optical viewfinder.
• 2.0-inch color LCD monitor.
• Full Manual through Automatic exposure available, including Aperture and Shutter priority  and seven scene modes
• Built-in flash with five modes and an intensity adjustment.
• 32MB internal memory.
• Sony Memory Stick Duo storage (no card included), compatible with Memory Stick Pro Duo.
• USB 2.0 computer connection.
• 2 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and charger included.
• Software for Mac and PC.

Special Features

• Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization for steady shots at telephoto focal lengths.
• High Sensitivity, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Beach, High-speed shutter, Landscape, and
• Portrait preset modes.
• Movie recording mode (with sound).
• Multi-Burst slow motion mode and Burst continuous shooting mode.
• Email (VGA) modes.
• Shutter speeds from 1/2,000 to 1/4 sec in Auto mode; 1/2,000 to one second in Program mode; and 1/1,000 to 30 seconds in Manual mode.
• Aperture range from f/2.8 to f/8, depending on zoom position.
• Image Sharpness and Contrast adjustments, plus Image Color options.
• Self-timer for delayed shutter release.
• Macro (close-up) lens adjustment.
• Spot, Center-Weighted, and Multi-Metering modes.
• Adjustable AF area and four AF modes.
• Auto ISO setting or 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,000 ISO equivalents.
• White balance (color) adjustment with seven options, including a manual setting.
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) and PictBridge printing compatibility.

The Sony DSC-H2 is an impressive offering, and should do well against other long-zoom cameras. Optical image stabilization is a huge benefit for long-zoom cameras. This model is handsomely constructed, with a reassuring feel of quality. It also has reasonable heft offering a more stable shooting platform. Its flexible exposure modes and quality lens should give most users a great experience.

Technical Details

Brand Name: Sony
Model: DSCH2
Optical Sensor Resolution: 6 MP
optical_sensor_technology: Super HAD CCD Unknown modifier
Optical zoom: 12X
maximum_aperture_range: F/2.8-3.7 Unknown modifier
Minimum focal length: 6 millimeters
Maximum focal length: 72 millimeters
Lens Type: Zoom lens
optical_sensor_size: 1/2.5″ Unknown modifier
Included Flash Type: Pop-up flash
Display Size: 2 inches
light_sensitivity:

ISO 100 Unknown modifier
ISO 800 Unknown modifier
ISO 400 Unknown modifier
ISO 200 Unknown modifier
ISO 80 Unknown modifier
ISO auto Unknown modifier
ISO 1000 Unknown modifier

Image types: JPEG
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
Exposure Control Type:
Beach
High sensitivity
Landscape
Portrait mode
Hi-speed shutter
Twilight portrait
Twilight mode
Viewfinder Type: LCD
Width: 4.43 inches
Depth: 3.7 inches
Height: 3.25 inches
Weight: 0.88 pounds

Customer Reactions:

Plus
* Quite fast, good shutter response, very good shot to shot speed
* Image stabilization works well, is a great help with a long zoom lens like the H2’s
* Better than average color accuracy
* Very capable movie mode
* Very fast multi-burst mode, great for analyzing golf/tennis swings
* LCD is usable in very bright light
* Very good low-light shooting capabilities
* Image noise at ISO 200 and below is pretty good
* Bright AF-assist light
* Design is chunky but compact, fits the hand well
* Good battery life

Minus
* Slightly warm skin tones
* Auto white balance had a hard time with household incandescent lighting
* Rather contrasty default tone curve
* High chromatic aberration lens distortion, noticeable in some images at the edges
* Image noise high at ISO 400 and up; at 800 and 1,000 images are almost unusable
* Anti-noise processing trades away some subtle subject detail at all ISO levels
* Smaller 2.0-inch LCD display than preceding model

Selected Customer Reviews:

“I’ve only owned this camera for a few days, but my first impression is WOW. I’ve owned 8 digital cameras over the past 10 years. By far this is the finest.
I originally bought the Cannon S2, but in less than 2 weeks it died on me. Before it died, I was very happy with the picture quality, but the Sony H2 is even better.
The Sony H2 also includes several extras that Cannon charges for, like the lens adapter, rechargeable batteries, and the battery charger.
The 12x zoom and the stabilization is what makes this camera great, but it is loaded with other features.
So far I only have three complaints. I found the manual to less than adequate, the menus not as straight forward as other cameras I’ve owned, and I really wanted to stay with SD cards. Only because I already owned so many.
Note: I am using a SanDisk Pro Duo Memory stick, and it works fine.
Several people complained about the flash on the H1. I’ve taken half dozen portraits using the flash, and they all look great.
I’m primarily a point and shoot guy, that likes everything automatic, and in the automatic mode things work great, but I occasionally need more options, and this camera has everything.
I don’t know why Sony went from a 2.5″ LCD on the H1 to a 2″ LCD on this model, but the 2″ is much better than the 1.8″ on the Cannon.”

“Sony has improved on the H1 with an excellent quality picture format and the lowest noise level in its class. Yes, it only takes Sony memory sticks but I bought mine at Best Buy cheaper than Sandisk. Disregard DMM from Washington’s rating as this person has been on every review I have looked at before purchasing my H2, knocking Sony. If you know anything about photography, it’s there is only so much any mfg. can do with a 12x optical zoom with an image stabilizer at this size. If your looking for the perfect package you need an SLR with multiple lens, which is twice the size and price. I would recommend the H2 highly. The next best is the Panasonic DMC-FZ7, larger lcd, but much higher noise.”