Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 features include – 7.2 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, 3.0 inch LCD, records to both memory stick and compactflash media, optical image stabilization, high ISO of 1000, 340 shot Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, and 32 MB of internal memory.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Reviewer – Opinion Thermometer
| Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Video Guide at Cameras.co.uk | |
| PopPhoto |
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| PCMag |
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| Neocamera |
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| PCWorld |
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| Cameras.co.uk |
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| DPExpert |
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| Megapixel |
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| Imaging Resource |
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| DP Review |
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| Steve’s Digicams |
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| Digital Camera Info |
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| DP Interface |
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| CNET |
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| DC Resource |
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Spec Sheet
[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Specs at Sony]
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Owners Manual
[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Owners Manual]
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Sample Pictures
[Sample Photos at Camera.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at Imaging Resource]
[Sample Pictures at Steve's Digicams]
[Sample Pictures at DC Resource]
Read More Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Reviews
PopPhoto – 1/25/2007 – reviews the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and here is the verdict, “If missing some shots doesn’t bother you, and you want a reasonably priced camera that gives you high quality images for a consumer grade camera, the H5 just may be your choice. But it simply drove me crazy though that such a nicely designed camera would have issues like this. The camera is a real joy to hold and all of the add-ons allow users to have the most of the capabilities of higher end DSLR systems without the huge investment. But the bottom line is: to keep pressing the shutter and have absolutely nothing happen at the decisive moment is a lesson in total aggravation and if I were in the market for this type of camera, this alone would cause me to look elsewhere.”
PCMag – 1/17/2007 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and here is their verdict – “Overall, the lens was quite good, displaying just a bit of barrel distortion and no pin cushion distortion. I also found that the optical image stabilization worked in both bright light and low light situations. It’s a nicely designed camera, but falls short in some key quality and performance areas.”
Neocamera – 1/8/2007 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and here is their verdict – “With so many features packed in a light camera body, the Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 has tremendous consumer appeal. Its 7 megapixels sensor, stabilized 12X optical zoom, 3″ LCD and highly saturated colors are designed to impress people looking for a more-is-better type of camera. The H5 has enough resolution for common print sizes and even midsize ones (10″x13″) under ideal conditions. Its set of manual controls and long zoom ensure versatility. Image quality is good but far from perfect. The most problematic areas are significant edge softness and high chromatic aberrations. Colors can be good -although overly saturated- with the right choice of white-balance. For this reason, the H5 requires more interaction than most point-and-shoot cameras. Then again, we do not expect people to buy this as a point-and-shoot. Noise levels are below average. Exposure and focus are accurate. Another problem area is slow auto focus near the telephoto end of the zoom. The Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 can be recommended for most types of photography except action and architecture.”
Cameras.co.uk – 9/18/2006 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and here is their verdict – “There is a lot to like about the Sony DSC H5. It takes a very good photo, offers a good selection of controls, a long zoom and image stabilisation. Considering the features it has it is still easy enough to use and it also has a fast shutter response.”
DPExpert – 8/3/2006 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel and here is their verdict – “The Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 is a versatile camera providing all the controls found on a single lens reflex but without the benefit of a true optical viewfinder. It can be used as a point and shoot camera but it also has a full set of creative controls.”
Megapixel – 8/2/06 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and here is their verdict –
Positives:
- Very good image quality.
- Excellent colour rendition.
- 3-inch LCD high resolution monitor.
- Stabilized 12X optical zoom.
- High definition EVF.
- Complete set of capture modes.
- Powerful flash.
- Noise relatively low up to 200 ISO.
Imaging Resource – 07/16/2006 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and indicate the H5 offers more manual exposure control than many other long zoom digital cameras.
“The design and layout of the H5 is very user-friendly, and the camera boasts accurate EVF and LCD displays. Occasionally modes can get confusing to those more familiar with Sony’s other point-and-shoot models, but a brief look at the manual will quickly make it all clear. The Sony DSC-H5 is fairly fast on the draw, with faster than average shutter response, a smooth and responsive zoom, and very good shot-to-shot cycle times. Optical quality is very good, but we were disappointed with the high chromatic aberration and softness in the corners at telephoto; that’s part of the tradeoff found in a very long zoom that we think most will find acceptable. That the Sony H5 does all its tricks with two AA batteries is impressive. Overall, given the low price and good performance, the Sony H5 is a bargain in a 7.2-megapixel 12X zoom.”
DP Review – 07/04/2006 – has a new review of the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and indicate the most difficult part of the review was identifying real, meaningful differences between the output of this camera and the H2 –
“The choice when looking at this class of camera is a difficult one, and one that more often than not comes down to handling, personal preference (in terms of the actual output) and how important certain specific features (in this case the screen, basically) are to you. The H2 represents far better value for money than the H5, which is why I still consider it to be the pick of the bunch, but the H5 still offers an awful lot of ‘bang for your buck’.”
Steve’s Digicams – 6/26/2006 – has a new review of the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and If you’re looking for a light-weight, stylish, moderately-priced digicam that is versatile enough to handle most family events while getting you close to sports action or wildlife, the SONY Cyber-shot H5 should be high on your list.. They continue to write –
“You should also consider the Canon PowerShot S3 IS. Both cameras carry similar specifications and are capable of delivering high-quality images. The S3 IS advantages include better Continuous AF tracking of moving subjects, industry-leading movie mode, articulating LCD monitor, faster shutter speeds and greater continuous shooting speed and buffer depth. On the other hand, the H5 provides greater indoor flash range and AF-assist performance, a larger LCD monitor, lower image noise at high ISO settings, ISO 1000, Smart Digital Zoom, Multi Burst mode and an extra 1-megapixel of resolution.”
Digital Camera Info – 06/02/2006 – has a new review the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and although it is not without its flaws. They continue to write –
“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 has a great feature set that includes 7.1 megapixels, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 12x optical zoom lens, an optical image stabilization system, and full manual functionality. This digital camera has the lure of a sexy compact, with its enormous 3-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD monitor and its seven simple scene modes. It also draws design elements from DSLRs such as the protruding viewfinder, chunky measurements, and expanded ISO range. Perhaps one of its best features is an optical image stabilization system, which works wonders in keeping the shakes to a minimum in movie mode and helps keep still images from blurring. This image stabilization system is not a want, but a necessity.”
DP Interface – 05/27/2006 – has a new review the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and although it is probably not a camera for sports or action shooting it’s still a great camera. They continue to write –
“While it has full manual controls, compatible with many accessories and a useful jog dial, this is probably not a camera for sports or action shooting. There’s always ISO 1000 but startup is below average (for an ultra-zoom), continuous shooting is slow and limited plus the shutter speed is selectable only up to 1/1000 sec. For real action, or even no flash shooting, Sony should’ve boosted the maximum ISO to 1600 and fastest shutter speed (which is selectable) to 1/4000 sec.”
CNET – 5/26/2006 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and and rate it 7.2 out of 10. They continue to write –
“Advanced amateurs who find dSLRs too bulky will like the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H5’s versatility but lament the noise at higher ISOs.”
DC Resource – 06/26/2006 – has reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 and here is their verdict –
“Even with a few flaws, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 is still one of the best ultra zoom cameras on the market. It offers a high resolution sensor (with low noise levels through ISO 400), a 12X zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and an enormous 3-inch LCD display. Downsides are few, and they include above average purple fringing and a so-so continuous shooting mode.
Digital Camera Info – 02/27/2006 – has taken an initial test drive of the new 12x zoom Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 & H5 and here’s the scoop –
“The new Sony Cyber-shot H-2 / H5 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.”
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 Initial Press Summary
Sony Zooms In On Fast-Growing Product Category with Two New Digital Cameras
ORLANDO (PMA 2006, Booth #4150), Feb. 25, 2006 – Sony is expanding its high-zoom digital still camera line with two new Cyber-shot® models that are sure to zero in on the subjects you most desire.
Clad in black, the new DSC-H5 model has a 7.2-megapixel CCD imager and extra-large, three-inch LCD screen. It also shimmers in silver along with the stage-worthy DSC-H2 model, which has a six-megapixel imager and two-inch LCD. Both cameras flaunt Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 12x optical zoom lenses and focal length ranges of 36 to 432 millimeters (35 mm equivalence).
“High-zoom cameras are one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry,” said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. They are powerful enough to get those hard-to-see distant shots, and have the easy-to-use functionality of point-and-shoot cameras.
Ready, Steady, Shoot
Even without the steadiest of hands (or subjects), the cameras’ anti-blur technologies ensure challenging shots can be executed with ease. These new models incorporate Sony’s Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization to help reduce image blur caused by hand movement. Because these cameras feature high-light sensitivity settings up to IS0 1000, fast-moving cars and people along the boulevard can also be captured with considerably less blur and graininess. Sony’s Clear RAW noise reduction technology minimizes picture noise, making it easier to shoot at faster shutter speeds.
These anti-blur technologies are an advantage when shooting in low-light conditions, such as outdoor shots in the evening or inside dark museums. These shots can be taken without a flash, resulting in naturally-exposed images that truly capture the drama and atmosphere of the moment. And, you can get as close as you want with the cameras’ significant macro mode of three-quarters of an inch.
You Are Big! The Cameras Got Smaller – And Smarter
The new H-series cameras are substantial, without feeling bulky, and feature a comfortable grip with controls easily accessible by thumb. You can count on detailed image previews using the H5 model’s three-inch, high-resolution LCD screen, with a pixel count of 230K and Sony’s Clear Photo LCD Plus technology. The LCD features high-quality color reproduction and displays pictures with vivid clarity.
Sony’s ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor circuitry increases both models’ battery efficiency for quicker start-up, faster shot-to-shot times, higher-quality movie capture, and longer battery life. The H5 camera delivers up to 340 shots on a single charge, while the H2 model offers 400 shots per charge.
The new cameras include auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus features along with pre-set scene modes customized for specific shooting conditions, all working silently in the background while you concentrate on the “center-stage” action. When greater creative control is needed, aperture/shutter priority and manual exposure modes are available options.
Both models have 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo card, now available in capacities up to four gigabytes.
My Autograph, Please
Make the most of your close-ups by producing high-quality prints. Simply connect these models to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer and produce lab-quality photos at home. You can even create postcards for all of your budding fans with the printer’s supplied software.
With Sony’s ImageStation online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts such as photo books and calendars.
The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 camera will be available in May for about $500 and the DSC-H2 model ships in April for about $400.
Bundled accessories include rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, charger, lens hood with adaptor and lens cap with strap, and USB and AV output cables. Options include a wide conversion lens (VCL-DH0758) for about $150, a tele-end conversion lens (VCL-DH1758) for about $150, a close-up lens (VCL-M3358) for about $70, a jacket case (LCJ-HC) for about $50, and a soft carrying case
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